DIY Classroom Décor Roundup

In our recent Classroom DIY Campaign on Facebook, we asked educators for their most creative classroom décor ideas with clever use of resources. Below are just five of the many fantastic submissions we received.

Pool Noodle Tree

This easy, fun tree is perfect paired with tree-themed books, like Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, The Giving Tree and The Lorax. It can easily be adapted to become a palm tree, an apple tree or even a “truffula tree.” Let kids rest in its shade with a book as a reward for good behavior, or use it as the centerpiece of an ecology mini-lesson. There’s a forest full of possibilities!

Crumple paper bags or kraft paper to resemble bark, then tear it into wide strips. Wrap the paper around the pool noodles, securing with rubber bands, foam glue or double-sided tape. Crumple tissue paper into balls for the leaves. You can either secure your tree to the wall or make a weighted base with a bucket of sand.

Materials:

• Several pool noodles
• Brown paper bags or kraft paper
• Colored tissue paper

Rule Reminders

With heads crammed full of new knowledge and new faces, it’s no wonder kids have a hard time remembering class rules from the beginning of the school year. Post bright, simple graphics and text throughout the classroom to serve as friendly reminders of classroom rules, schedules and expectations. These appealing DIY posters are eye-catching, and kids can’t use the “I didn’t know that was a rule” excuse.

Type up classroom rules and reminders in large font that’s fun but clear and easy to read. You can incorporate graphics, a decorative border or emojis for even more kid appeal. Print the rules on white paper, then center the sheet on a piece of brightly colored construction paper. For added durability, laminate the finished product. Hang the posters at kids-eye level throughout the room.

Materials:

• White 8.5×11” paper
• Colored 9×12” construction paper
• Laminating pouches

SWAG Board

The Students Who Achieve Greatness (SWAG) board is a special bulletin board that celebrates students’ accomplishments. Whether it’s exemplary behavior, good grades or being a great classroom helper, your SWAG board can serve as positive reinforcement. Back your bulletin board with brightly colored paper, then use decorative or die-cut letters to label it as the SWAG board. Let kids decorate an award die-cut and stick it on the board.

Materials:

• Paper
• Letters
• Decorative or die cut letters

All-Season Tree

Who says pine trees are only for the winter holiday season? Let yours stay up all year long and get the students in on creating ornaments and decorations for each holiday and season. Warm colors and cozy textures for fall, pastels for spring and maybe even a beach theme for the end of the school year – get creative!

Materials:

• Crepe paper
• Die-cut shapes
• Seasonal decorations

Hopes and Dreams Clouds

Hopes and Dreams Clouds let kids share what they wish to achieve in the upcoming school year. They are also a fun way for kids to reflect on their goals at the end of the year. Cut out cloud shapes from cardstock and have each student write their “hopes and dreams.” Laminate the clouds and hang them on the walls or from the ceiling.

Materials:

• White cardstock
• Laminator

Find more DIY Classroom Decor on our Pinterest Board.