New Year, New Goals: How Teachers Can Refresh Their Space and Mindset
Eeeek! Can you believe it’s already January? The 100th day of school is just around the corner, which means we are about at the halfway point of the year. Now’s the perfect time to freshen up- both physically and mentally. Plus, January 8th is National Clean Your Desk Day, so let’s get organized and reset for a successful second half of the year! Here are some tips below.
Declutter to De-Stress
A clean and organized classroom is the first step to a productive environment. Let’s face it- student desks can feel like black holes where supplies go to disappear. To help students declutter, have them remove all items from their desks and sort through everything. Create a checklist of must haves- like a math workbook, pencil case, or library book- and ask students to place these on top of their desks.
Anything extra? It’s time to recycle, toss, or send it home. A tidy workspace not only looks better but also reduces stress and saves time when searching for materials. This could be a great time for a mini lesson on the importance of recycling.
Cozy Up the Classroom Vibes
Students thrive in welcoming, comfortable spaces. Here are a few tips to create a calm, cozy classroom:
Motivational Posters: Brighten your walls with uplifting quotes or visuals. Canva is a great tool for making your own. Want to engage your students? Have them create their own inspirational artwork to hang in the classroom. We also have a whole collection of posters to add some flair to your classroom. Check them out, and don’t miss out on our free downloadable poster.
Here are a few of our favorites.
Check out the entire collection of fun classroom posters here.
Mood Lighting: Fluorescent lights aren’t exactly inviting, and they can make some students feel overwhelmed. If your classroom has big windows, use natural light whenever possible. For a cozy alternative, try floor or desk lamps with soft bulbs. The difference in atmosphere will surprise you! This pink lamp is our favorite.
Rugs & Flexible Seating: A cozy rug and some alternative seating can do wonders for the classroom environment. Reach out to families to see if anyone has gently used rugs to donate, or check out carpet remnants from local furniture stores (many offer discounts for teachers). This Eric Carle rug is the rug of our dreams.
Prioritize Teacher Well-Being
Let’s not forget- your students benefit most when you’re at your best. Taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for your classroom. Start by setting clear boundaries: remove your work email from your phone or silence notifications after school hours. Decide on a reasonable time to leave each day and stick to it.
Beyond boundaries, focus on joy. Whether it’s taking a quick walk, grabbing coffee from your favorite shop, or diving into a good book, make sure to prioritize small, uplifting moments. These little rituals can keep you grounded and energized for your day-to-day work.
A Classroom New Year Celebration
Kick off the second half of the school year with a classroom New Year’s reset. Have your students brainstorm what they’d like to improve, both individually and as a group. Maybe they want to keep their desks cleaner, take more brain breaks, or read more books. By setting these goals together, you’ll foster a sense of ownership and motivation to make the classroom an even better place.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Remember, meaningful improvements come from small, consistent changes. Whether you’re decluttering desks, creating a cozier classroom, or setting personal boundaries, these shifts will set you- and your students- up for success.
What’s your New Year goal? We’d love to hear! Share your ideas in the comments or tag us in your classroom refresh photos. Let’s make the rest of the year amazing!
