> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.spacesedu.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Your First Month using SpacesEDU: A Step-By-Step Guide

Get your classroom up and running with digital portfolios in five steps, plus one bonus step to bring families on board.

###### Step 1: Read the Getting Started Guide

Download the [Getting Started with SpacesEDU guide (PDF)](https://resources.spacesedu.com/en/teacher-guide-to-getting-started-with-spaces/) to understand the basics before setting anything up.

###### Step 2: Set Up Your Learning Environment

Prepare your physical or virtual space for reflective, tech-friendly learning:
* [How do I set up my classroom environment?](https://spacesedu.crisp.help/en-ca/article/how-do-i-set-up-my-classroom-environment-zfma00)
* [How do I set up my remote learning environment?](https://spacesedu.crisp.help/en-ca/article/how-do-i-set-up-a-remote-learning-environment-1dg3hlu)

###### Step 3: Introduce Students to Portfolios

Use our ready-made slide decks (with speaker notes) to get students excited:
* [Introduction to Digital Portfolios: High School](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ZxGKItLtMyOTVjVovokpm6bKDQDQzU6gFL83j8LXYtw/edit#slide=id.gac3b1256ea_0_0)
* [Introduction to Digital Portfolios: Elementary and Middle School](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1qmyvoxjhVz-91AhqihdVna4RGvX5Wqk9Qb5MLFI-2X8/edit)

###### Step 4: Create Your First Teacher Post

Model what a great post looks like. Need inspiration? Here are [5 ideas for your first Teacher Post](https://spacesedu.crisp.help/en-ca/article/tips-and-suggestions-for-your-first-teacher-post-krh530).

###### Step 5: Get Students Posting

Now that students have seen your example, it's their turn. Invite them to your class and prompt their first post:
* Record a short video introducing themselves
* Upload a photo and describe why it matters to them
* Write a text reflection on what they're excited to learn

| 💡 Tip: Use the digital citizenship prompt from the last slide of the Intro to Portfolios deck as a great first activity.

[How do I invite students to join my class?](https://spacesedu.crisp.help/en-ca/article/how-do-i-invite-students-to-join-my-class-164lrop)

###### Bonus: Bring Families Into the Conversation

Once students are posting, invite families to see and respond to their work:
* [Parents' and Family Guide to Digital Portfolios](https://resources.spacesedu.com/en/family-and-parents-guide-to-digital-portfolios-in-the-classroom/)
* [How to invite parents to create an account](https://spacesedu.crisp.help/en-ca/article/how-do-i-invite-family-to-join-my-class-16fol4z)
* [Download: Family Feedback Prompts (PDF)](https://resources.spacesedu.com/en/family-feedback-prompts-for-spacesedu/)

###### Good to Know

* You don't need to complete all five steps in exact order. Adjust the timeline to fit your schedule.
* Students adapt to new tools quickly. Focus your energy on modeling expectations, not troubleshooting technology.
* Once families are connected, they can provide feedback directly on their student's posts.