If you have kids who are off to school this year, things are going to be looking quite a bit different than they have in the past. If districts have opted for in-person learning over remote then teachers have been forced to make some significant changes to their classrooms.

However, all of the plexiboard that separates desks or the idea that books have to be off-limits can be scary to some students who may not fully comprehend the pandemic.

Luckily, teachers are angels on earth and many have created ways to make their socially-distanced classrooms feel a bit less scary. Here are a few of the innovative ideas that you can send to your teacher friends.

  1. Mini Individualized Jeeps

  2. Book Boats

  3. Beach Themed Desks

  4. Less Intimidating Soap

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    The cutest little soap dispenser to take to school. #soap #sanitizer #spreadkindnessnotgerms #2020classroom #iteachtoo #iteachsecond #

    A post shared by Kelly (@sittinginsecond) on

  5. Animal Pals

  6. A “Book Bubble”

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    As we prepare for a socially distanced classroom, I am not going to close up my library unless I’m told I need to – but data and science have stated that the virus dies on surfaces after 72 hours. Soooo, here’s the plan… the 🧼book bubble.🧼 1️⃣ students book shop with gloves on. In a blended learning class, I’d have 9 kids at a time. So it’s doable. 2️⃣students keep their books in their book baggies (ziplocks). They stay in the classroom and they use these books all week for independent reading *at school only*. 3️⃣on Friday, students put their books in the book bubble. Here the books will stay until the next Friday, where the new books go in and these come out. Is it a perfect method? No! Will things change if I have different sets of kids throughout a week? Probably! But as educators this is a crazy time and we need to roll with it to keep everyone safe. (Unless going into work isn’t safe – then don’t roll with it. Fight back & let your voice be heard!!) Have you gotten any ideas for how your classroom library will look this year??

    A post shared by Elizabeth | First Year Jitters (@1styearjitters) on

  7. Bright Colors

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    Fun Fact: I had moved classrooms every 2 years until I came here. This year will make year 4 in this space. While it was a bummer to have to separate my students out, I still enjoy this space. I want it to be as bright and welcoming as possible. I want my students to be excited to enter. Even with all that’s going on around us, I’m still excited about the beginning of a new school year like I have for the last 12 years 🥳

    A post shared by Jenna Jacobs | Kansas (@jenna._jacobs) on

  8. Socially Distanced Dots

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    We use these for our math stations so students know where to sit for each rotation. Now they’ll be perfect to space our kids out! Link in bio! #socialdistancing #distancelearning #kindergarten #iteachk #iteachkindergarten #sociallydistancedclassroom

    A post shared by Gloria Wittenberg (@2scoopsofkindergarten) on

  9. Touchless Take One Table

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    Classroom Management Tip: here is a quick way to distribute materials to students that that is simple and socially distanced. #classroompinspirations #classsroommanagment #sociallydistancedclassroom #safeclassrooms

    A post shared by Julie (@juliesclassroomstories) on

  10. All the Rainbows

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    I’m so obsessed with my little reading corner! I’m not sure what this year will bring. I’m sure I will have to take a lot of things out for sanitation purposes, but for now, it’s my favorite space. I can’t wait to see my sweet kiddos relaxing with a book in this comfy little corner! • • • • • #teachersofinstagram #teachergram #teachersofig #teachersofinsta #teachersofthegram #diy #classroomgoals #classroomdecor #readingcorner #crafty #2020classroom #covidclassroom #kindergarten #kindergartenteacher #kindergartenclassroom #booknook #kindergarten #texasteachers #teacher #happyclassrooms #classroom

    A post shared by Taylor Yarbrough (@mrs.tayteachesk) on

  11. Personalized Masks

  12. Separate Bookshelves

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    De Veerboot maakt zich klaar om op veilige manier les te geven #coronaclassroom #corona

    A post shared by Bubao De Veerboot (@bubao_deveerboot) on

  13. Lunch Tickets

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    Since we need to limit contact as much as possible this year, Casey came up with a cute and simple way for our students to make their lunch choice every morning when they get to their desks! 🥗🥞

    A post shared by Casey & Kelly (@learningevery2nd) on

  14. Personalized Labels for School Supplies

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    20% off Custom Classroom Labels! Perfect for your homeschool set up, or in the classroom, you can customize the text on each individual label in this pack. They come in tons of colors and design options and can say anything you like! Create yours with the link in our bio @mabelslabels or shop the image #classroomlabels #homeschool #homeschoolspace #homeschoolideas #homeschoolinspiration #classroomsetup #homeschoolclassroom #distancelearning #teachermom #teachingathome #classroominspiration #2020classroom #classroomdecor #classroomorganization #mabelslabels #schoollabels

    A post shared by Mabel’s Labels (@mabelslabels) on

  15. Distraction Greenery

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    Socially distant and ready for the new school year! #jungleclassroom #classroomdecor #teacher #classroomsetup #sociallydistancedclassroom #4thgrade #4thgradeclassroom

    A post shared by Alyssa Benner (@fourth_the_love) on

  16. Digital Community Building

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    Community building is so important every year, but this year it is going to be tricky. I am trying to come up with a ton of digital community building activities to make life a bit easier! I love this handprint activity because it allows students to see their similarities and differences. ⁠ ⁠ This is part of my “The Day You Begin” Interactive Read Aloud Package. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #canadianteacher⁠ #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teacherspayteachers #iteachtoo #teachersofig #tpt #iteach #teachergram #teacherproblems #iteachthird #iteachfourth #iteachfifth #iteach456 #teachers #teacherlife #classroom #lifeofateacher #iloveteaching #backtoschool #frenchteacher #tptpickme #igconnect4edu #iiteachfrench #albertateacher #backtoschool #sociallydistancedclassroom #virtuallearning #distancelearning #backtoschool2020⁠

    A post shared by Chocolate Covered Classroom (@chocolate_covered_classroom) on

  17. Colorful Footprints

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    I do something very similar in my class to keep the front of the line from crowding the door, but I love the look of these cute little footsteps! ⠀ ⠀ Desiree from @createandeducate even has dots for the rest of the kids in line to stand on (swipe to see), which I think will be a MUST whenever we get to return to the classroom, especially if we’re going to be having the oh-so-easy task of keeping kids 6 ft. apart 🙃 #teacherfollowfriday

    A post shared by Life Between Summers (@lifebetweensummers) on

  18. Funny Signs

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    This. Is. Fabulous. 😆 . #coronavirus #pandemic #staysafe #masks #wearamask #teachingin2020 #kindergarten #iteachk #teachergram #teacherlife

    A post shared by Kindergarten Teacher (@overheardinkindergarten) on

  19. Shirts So Students Know The Teacher Still Loves Them

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    First shirt for the 2020 school year has been made! #backtoschool #schoolshirt #tellthemyoulovethem #smilewithyoureyes #nohugsallowed #sociallydistancedclassroom #nothingnormalaboutit #sadreality #makethebestofit #letthechaosbegin #customshirt #phodudsdesigns

    A post shared by Phoenix Franco (@phodudsdesigns) on

How cute are some of these ideas? What other ways have you seen teachers make their classrooms less scary?

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