How I Prep My Classroom in July to Save Time in August
How I Prep My Classroom in July to Save Time in August
Every year, I tell myself I’m going to be “ahead of the game” before school starts — and every year, August rolls around like a freight train. Between PD sessions, meet-the-teacher night, and endless to-do lists, it can feel like there’s never enough time to get everything done. I used to wait until the last two weeks of summer to start prepping... and spoiler alert: it left me overwhelmed and burnt out before the first bell even rang.
But a few years ago, I decided to start shifting my mindset — and my calendar. Now, July is my quiet prep month. It’s not stressful or rushed; it’s intentional. I spend a little time each week getting organized, printing what I’ll need, and stocking up on classroom essentials. No chaos. No last-minute scrambles.
So if you’re like me — a teacher who wants to walk into August feeling calm, confident, and maybe even a little excited — here’s how I prep my classroom in July to set myself (and my students!) up for success.
1. Deep-Clean and Reset My Classroom Zones
Before I get into decorating, I always start with a deep reset. I wipe down every shelf, reorganize my classroom library, and declutter anything that didn’t get touched last year. This gives me a fresh slate and helps me visualize my classroom layout with intention.
My Amazon go-to: This rolling utility cart for reorganizing classroom zones.
2. Stock Up on Supplies Now (Before Prices Spike)
I stock up on the essentials in July—markers, sticky notes, magnetic labels, Flair pens, and Clorox wipes—while prices are still reasonable. Bonus: I can snag Prime deals, and everything arrives before the August rush.I also make sure to send my wishlist to my friends and family! People actually really love to help teachers so ask your community!
Amazon favorites I actually use:
3. Print and Prep My First Week Activities
I always print, laminate, and organize my first week materials in July. It’s one less thing to think about later! I love using low-prep activities that help build classroom community and expectations early on. We know that as summer comes to a close, we have to start jogging our memory for those little things we need to do to be ready for the BoY.
One of my favorite resource: Back-to-School Checklist – perfect for teachers needing a visual of what is left until the finish line!
🗂 4. Plan My Routines and Procedures Slides
I use July to map out my classroom procedures: how we line up, use supplies, handle early finishers, and more. I make my own slide deck to teach and model these during the first few days of school. It saves SO much time later. I love to have this prepared and ready before going back during the first few days of PD because as you learn new things or if policies have changed, all you have to do is edit and BOOM, you are done!
📸 5. Decorate Slowly and Intentionally
Instead of trying to do my entire classroom decor in one chaotic August weekend, I start in July and do a little at a time. I pick a simple, calming theme and focus on anchor charts, bulletin boards, and student-centered spaces.I love to be realistic with my decorating and the items I request on my teacher supply list. Students are going to request to borrow a pencil, so make sure to have that on your list! Things like that are intentional and will save you heartache later on.
Take a peek at my Amazon teacher list:here I have got some really great kept secrets on that wishlist!
✨ Final Tip: Give Yourself Grace
Even if your prep isn’t “Pinterest perfect,” remember: your students won’t notice the fonts on your labels—they’ll remember how you made them feel. Prep what matters to YOU, and leave space to rest. You deserve it.
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