It’s summer, and the 2015-2016 school year will be upon us before we know it. For teachers, this means it’s time to start thinking about next years’ planning, including how to decorate your classroom before your incoming students arrive.
An attractively decorated and well-organized classroom can have a big positive impact on both you and your students. Coming in every day to a cheerful and attractive space will lift your mood and inspire your teaching. For students, the design elements you choose can help create a comfortable and safe learning environment. The walls of your classroom are a great place to post useful reference materials (periodic table of elements, basics of English grammar) and showcase student work.
A quick Google search brings up plenty of inspiration to show you how to decorate your classroom. Many of the projects you’ll find can be done cheaply and easily. There are tons of amazing DIY projects you can try, from cute and fun classroom doors to “scrunch borders” that can be made quickly with paper. There’s even a whole Pinterest board with tons of ideas to choose from! Who knew there were so many cool projects you could do for any grade level?
Image Credit: Enokson under CC BY 2.0
Image Credit: Linda Hartley under CC BY 2.0
Image Credit: Enokson under CC BY 2.0
There are also some great, inexpensive ways to display your students’ artwork. While traditionally this has been done with cork rails, which are both ugly and dangerous:
Image Credit: AS Hanging
Image Credit: AS Hanging
these days, there are way better solutions out there. We highly recommend super-sleek aluminum display rails as a fantastic way of hanging art in your classroom. That way, your students won’t get hurt by staples and pushpins, and you’ll be left with a safe, attractive and graffiti-proof display.
Image Credit: AS Hanging
Image Credit: AS Hanging
Image Credit: AS Hanging
What’s your favourite way to decorate your classroom? Let us know in the comments!