A decoratively rich classroom can inspire, support and make pupils feel comfortable. Do this project with the whole class to encourage creativity and teamwork. Here are some useful ideas.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Make a Plan
Step 1. Consider the age of your pupils and the cultural background
The decoration should be visually stimulating and appropriate to the age of the students.
- Cartoon-style alphabet letter boards are perfect for five to six-year-olds, but not for a class of teenagers.
- What are the interests of the students? What do they study? The classroom should not only be beautiful, but also functional. Hang maps and posters on the walls to really immerse them in the various subjects.
Step 2. Imagine the final result
Take a sheet of paper and sketch out the ideal classroom. Think about the arrangement of the furniture, the color and the theme that will characterize it.
- Be realistic. Do not forget the space available, the furniture present and the artistic freedom that the school will be willing to grant you.
- Collect students' ideas as well. Ask them how they would like the classroom to be - they could give you some great advice.
- If you don't know where to start, ask local artists for a hand and brainstorm with them.
Step 3. Ask the school principal or principal what changes you can make:
sometimes there may be restrictions. So, you better make sure you have complete freedom.
- Will the school allow you or your students to paint the walls?
- Are some areas of the classroom reserved for notices published by the school?
- Can you use the outside walls of the classroom (some teachers also use corridors for larger projects)?
Step 4. Make a list of what you need before you go out and buy everything
If you already have paint, colored paper, glue and all the art equipment, then you will save time and money.
- Vases, floor cushions, and folders can make the classroom feel cozy and organized.
- Ask other teachers if they have any art supplies or furniture that they intend to get rid of.
Step 5. Consider your budget
Of course, not everyone is willing to spend the same amount of money. It won't have to go a fortune for the classroom to improve, but you will certainly need to purchase several items if the space is in need of a complete makeover.
- Ask if the school offers financial support or if you will have to pay for everything out of your own pocket.
- Art materials aren't expensive, but rugs, lamps, and furniture can be, especially if you have to buy several items.
- If money is not an issue and your creativity is low, there are numerous school supply sites where you will find beautiful ready-to-use decorations.
Method 2 of 3: Be Creative
Step 1. Choose a theme to simplify decision making and make the classroom more beautiful
The options are practically endless, but here are some of the most popular:
- Space. Get CDs you don't need and stick them on the wall, with the bright side exposed, to represent a galaxy. Have the children make asteroids, moons, and rings. A computer desk can become a NASA-worthy workstation if you add some Lego keys and old TV antennas. Students can write down their wishes and dreams for the coming year on a star or comet.
- Hollywood. Buy a red carpet and place it at the entrance to the classroom. Attach gold stars to the wall and, under each, write the name of each student to create a Wall of Fame.
- Wild West. Take student photos and retouch them by adding a mustache and a cowboy hat and writing "Wanted". In the reading area, create a campfire-like circle using crumpled brown and gray paper to make stones. Line the floor cushions with denim or the fabric used to make bandanas.
Step 2. Choose two to three colors to make the room look uniform
The colors will have to fit the theme.
- If you are going to paint the walls, opt for only one color: if you choose several, the final result can be not very harmonious and distracting.
- Remember, you'll have to live with color all year round, so choose wisely.
Step 3. Choose posters that are useful for the children to learn and use their skills
If you can use visual designs and graphics to allow students to learn better, the classroom will be the envy of the whole school.
Attach posters that allow you to refresh the times tables and how to do the divisions, a calendar with important dates and events and so on
Step 4. Personalize it with photographs and student works for a unique setting
- Showcase chores, themes, and photos from outings and class activities.
- Prefer student work to store-bought posters. Ask them to create posters explaining how to solve math problems, how to draw different geometric figures, what their favorite books are about, etc.
Step 5. Search Google for “ideas for decorating a classroom” for even more inspiration
The possibilities are endless and the internet is an excellent resource, whatever your budget.
Method 3 of 3: Engage Students
Step 1. Organizing your work with students will save you time and effort and strengthen the unity of the class
- Divide them into groups and assign each of them a different project.
- Also try to involve volunteer parents to check each group's work and to help with more complicated jobs.
Step 2. Children can create, for example, brightly colored pinwheels to hang from the ceiling
- Decorate a paper plate as you like; use lots of colors, glitter, feathers and plastic jewels. Make sure you decorate both sides.
- Cut the plate making a spiral, starting from the outside and continuing towards the center.
- Make a hole in the center of the plate and tie it with a colorful bow.
- Hang it from the ceiling and watch it move when the breeze blows.
Step 3. Make some paper mache
Doing it messes up and takes a lot of time, but kids love it and the end products are great. Use it to make baskets, masks to hang on the wall, animal sculptures and anything else you want.
- First, you will need to cut some newspaper into long, 2.5 cm wide strips.
- Then, make a glue-based mix. You can use two parts of glue and one of water or one part of flour and one part of water. Mix everything until the mixture takes on a smooth consistency.
- Dip the strips of newspaper into the mix, remove the excess and brush it on the surface you need to cover trying to get a smooth layer.
- Repeat until the entire surface is covered and let it dry evenly.
Step 4. Make woven paper baskets and teach your students to do it too
Use paper of various colors. They can be used to store toys, pencils and art materials or, alternatively, be hung from the ceiling for decorative purposes.
- Make two marks on a 30 x 30 cm piece of colored paper on two sides: at 10 cm and at 20 cm. Turn the paper 90 degrees and cut 14 strips of approximately 1.27 cm. Each strip will have two marks located at the same distance which will help form the bottom of the basket more easily.
- Weave these 14 pieces.
- Place a cardboard box on the bottom of the woven basket - the marks on the paper should match its ends.
- Cut 12 strips of 1.27 x 30 cm to make the sides of the basket. Glue them to make 6 long strips.
- Lay the box on its side and start weaving. Move from one side of the box to the other by cutting off the ends that are left over.
- To create a band around the top of the basket, cut four strips of paper measuring 30 x 2.5 cm. Glue two of them around the top of the basket and cut off the excess ends.
- Glue the other two strips around the inside top edge of the basket. Trim the ends if necessary.
- You can complete it by adding a cardboard handle or created with a bow or with a metal thread.
Step 5. Children's imaginations are amazing:
ask them to draw what they want and hang the pictures on the wall, which will have been inspired by the unique personality of each of them.
- Try using different materials: wax paints, pencils, permanent markers, chalk and paint. The results will be different.
- You can also establish a theme for the drawing, such as family, favorite pet, or best memory. You will be amazed by their work!
- They can also make graffiti or stained glass on the windows.
- Also propose using stencils to create their favorite images.
Step 6. Place some small plants or animals in the classroom
Students will take turns watering or feeding the animal.
- You can choose a fish, a hamster, a turtle or a rabbit.
- Before bringing a pet to school, ask the principal or principal for permission.
Advice
- Be original!
- Ask yourself: "What would I have wanted in my classroom when I went to school?". Get inspired by the answer to decorate the one you work in.
- Use Christmas lights, fabric scraps, plants, found objects, things to recycle or things that students bring from home.
- Let your interests and passions intervene in decoration. Allow students to get to know you better. Create a small autobiographical section at the beginning of the school year and ask pupils to use it to ask you questions about yourself. Later, they too can create their own autobiographies, using yours as an example.
- Create a Wall of Fame to highlight your students' good work and achievements. Try to include those who do less well in school as well.
- If you can't buy posters, print color copies of the paintings at home and frame them. Use a digital camera to take pictures of your students and the community; alter the hues and saturation to make the colors brighter and then hang them up.
