Set up desks and tables first. These will take up much of the classroom, so they should be in place before adding additional furniture. Young children need plenty of room to create art projects, so push small desks together to create tables. This also encourages children to work together.
Arrange bookshelves and other pieces of furniture. If you have a small room or want to create an open feeling, push all the shelves against the walls. If you'd rather divide the room into smaller play areas, use the furniture to create partitions.
Create activity areas. Choose a corner to use as the reading corner, an area to use for free play and an area for group circle time. Hang signs in each of these areas with pictures showing children engaging in each activity.
Organize books, art supplies and toys in plastic bins. Buy bins that fit onto your shelves. Each type of toy should have its own bin. Take photos of each toy and tape it to the front of its bin. When the toys are on the shelf, children will be able to easily see which bin contains blocks and which holds cars. Arrange the bins in shelves nearest the activity area where they'll be used.
Tape posters onto the classroom walls. Posters add color to the room and make it look inviting. They are also teaching tools. Create posters showing the letters of the alphabet, numbers and shapes. You may also be able to find posters for free from the local library or buy them online.
Create visual aids to remind children of safety information and instruct them how to do things. Create signs to hang next to the sink demonstrating the steps to hand-washing. Hang signs throughout the room showing children walking rather than running and keeping their hands to themselves. If these signs are spread throughout the room, you'll be able to easily point them out to any children who aren't following these rules.
Place teacher's materials on high shelves that children can't reach. Any items that you don't want children to use unsupervised, such as scissors or paints, should also be stored out of reach.
Finish the room by placing some cozy items throughout the space. Pillows, blankets and stuffed animals will make young children feel comforted when they're missing their parents.