Decorating an Elementary Classroom on a Budget
Create a Welcoming Learning Environment Without Spending a Fortune
Aug 5, 2009
Every classroom teacher wants to welcome students back to an organized and cheerfully decorated classroom. Veteran teachers have the advantage of acquiring classroom materials over a period of years, and having learned over time how to organize their classrooms for maximum learning. New teachers can put together a welcoming learning environment by thinking carefully about what they want their classroom space to accomplish and being resourceful in finding low cost decorations and other resources.
Designing Spaces for Learning
Classroom space is usually limited, and new teachers have initial design decisions to make in order to maximize its use. First, take stock of the pieces allotted to the classroom, usually a teacher’s desk, student desks, one or more tables for group work, and shelves or other storage units. Sketch out possible classroom designs that allow for efficient traffic patterns, group and individual workspace, a classroom library or other work stations, and storage.
Once a design has been chosen, move the pieces where they belong, and check to be sure that the classroom is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable for movement. Make a list of the decorations and learning materials that should be up or available on the first day of school. Examples may include nametags, a classroom job chart, bulletin board displays, daily schedule, classroom library books, independent center activities, and teacher organization and storage materials.
Budget Classroom Decorations
While some classroom tools may have to be purchased, other decorations can be made using inexpensive materials. Try using fabric remnants for bulletin board backgrounds and letters, and colored comics for nametags. Make job charts from poster board, using computer-generated images and fonts or pictures cut from magazines. Dorm-style storage works well in an elementary classroom, too. Try crates and wood planks for library shelves; paint garage sale tables and odd chairs for centers.
Household materials may be used to enhance classroom décor. Hang a clothesline from one corner of the room to the other and use clothespins for displaying student work. Use foil stars or other shapes to add sparkle to bulletin boards, and keep watch for discards and giveaways at local businesses for anything that can be used to liven up the classroom space or make age appropriate learning materials.
Collecting Learning Materials
Elementary teachers need to have a variety of learning materials available. Classroom libraries may be outfitted inexpensively through negotiated garage sale purchases, used book sales, and donations made by neighbors and friends with children’s books they are no longer using. Free materials such as restaurant menus and store samples may be used for math activities, while old toys make great writing prompts. Be creative and watch for any odd materials that may prove useful.
Other Budget Classroom Resources
Parents and school organizations are happy to donate needed items if they are asked. Send home a monthly newsletter describing classroom activities and events and include a “wish list” for hands-on materials that would enhance instruction. Use the community library to rotate unit-appropriate books and materials into the classroom, and a book of quotations to generate inspirational posters. Display student work as high-interest decoration whenever possible, too.
New elementary teachers can have vibrant, colorful classrooms without spending too much when they utilize their creativity and readily available materials and resources. By keeping watch for free materials, discards, and new uses for everyday objects, a wide variety of teaching materials, classroom furniture, and storage options are available; and the creative development of the classroom space adds to the enjoyment of teaching.
