65 Best Classroom Ideas: Creative Ideas for Teachers
Are you looking for some fresh, new classroom ideas this year? Look no further, I've found tons amazing classroom ideas to get you inspired to create an epic classroom this year. You'll get some ideas for classroom decorations, classroom management, organization, bulletin boards, creating a teacher command center, fun seating and more that you'll actually use this year.
This post has been recently updated with even more epic ideas that I found; hope you enjoy!
This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase using my link, I make a small commission –at no cost to you. Read the full disclosure here.
Easy Classroom Management Ideas
Do you love when you find simple ways that make running your class so much smoother? If so, check out some easy and creative ways to manage your class below.
1 | Oil Timer as a Classroom Management Tool
This teacher uses an oil timer to keep her students on task. She lets the students be in charge of time management. During independent work time she will choose one student who is on task and give them the oil timer.
When the timer runs out, they give it to another student that is on task and the process continues for the whole work time. This is one of the best ways keep the chit-chat down because everyone wants the timer!
2 | Make Versatile Classroom Sheets
Megan, a fifth-grade teacher created these versatile 1/3 sheets for everything from permission slips to daily assignments. She keeps them handy when she needs them. This would be an easy way to help keep you organized.
3 | Create a Classroom Home Page
This third-grade teacher, Adrienne, created a home page, which is the one stop info hub for her classroom. It helps keep her and her class on track with schedules, daily friends, lunch, and special activities.
4 | Fun Attention Getters
I love cute attention getting phrases and your kids will too especially if you can pair it with an adorable picture. Not an artist? Why not print off a fun picture to add to your poster.
5 | I'm Done Choice Board
Create an I’m done choice board so your kids can quietly choose their next activity when they're finished.
6 | Leave a Note for the Teacher
I’m teaching please leave a note. You can hang this on the board so that students can write what they need, and you can help them when you are ready without interrupting the lesson. This would be a great idea to copy when you're working in small groups with students.
7 | Voice Level Press-On Lights
These are press on lights that you can find here. Hang them on the board in the front of the room and light up one to let the class know where their volume level should be.
Below check out where you can get printable voice level signs to put the puck lights on.
Printable Voice Level Posters
8 | Mental Health Check In
The mental health check in board encourages your students to check in with themselves to see how they are feeling. Other students can be encouraged to help a classmate if they are feeling sad.
9 | Fun Classroom Rules and Expectation Review
At the beginning of the school year a fun way to go over the classroom expectations is to play routines and procedures bingo.
For more unique classroom management ideas check out this post...
35 Brilliant Classroom Management Ideas
Create Gorgeous Bulletin Boards
Ok, so now let’s focus on your walls. The start of the year is the perfect time to plan your classroom design including your bulletin boards. I found some awesome examples to get you inspired. What will you create this year?
10 | Add Balloons to Your Bulletin Board
Here's a fun bulletin board idea, fill the balloons with fun activities for the kids and let them pop them as a reward for positive behaviors. The bright colors and polka dots on the balloons add an extra fun touch.
11 | Kind Message Bulletin Board
I love this idea, you give the students small note cards and have them write a nice message or something that they like about each person. Then they put the note in the student's bag. All kids need a self-esteem boost like this!
12 | String & Clothespins Bulletin Board Idea
You could steal this bulletin board idea and use it in various ways. Add some clothespins and string to hang students' work, pictures from a lesson or task cards and you have yourself a pretty and interactive bulletin board.
13 | Future World Changers Bulletin Board
To create this future world changers bulletin board, interview each student about what they want to be when they grow up and then take their picture against the same background for a cohesive look. Add a tassel banner to elevate the classroom wall decor even more.
14 | Rainbow Tassel Border
Add a rainbow tassel banner and some bright paper balls for a cheerful bulletin board display.
For other ideas to make your bulletin board borders more exciting check out this post...
57 Classroom Border Ideas for Stunning Bulletin Boards
15 | Sunshine & Rainbows Bulletin Board
This teacher ties in her bulletin board and the entire class in one central theme. It’s all sunshine and rainbows in this class.
Are you looking for more bulletin board inspiration? If so, then check out this post...
23 Unique Bulletin Board Ideas to Try This Year
Fun Classroom Ideas
What's an elementary class without some fun? Below are some different ways to incorporate some fun in the class that your students will love.
16 | Fun Countdown Idea
Steal this idea for a countdown before winter, summer break or a fun day in your classroom. How to create:
- Gather supplies- poster board, plastic cups, tissue paper and rubber bands.
- In each cup put a sticky note with a prize for the next day.
Some ideas for prizes are
- Play a class game
- Free drawing time
- Classroom Seat Swap
- Flashlight Reading
17 | Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
To make your weather unit a little more exciting how about introducing a cloudy with a chance of meatballs theme? Hang food themed pool inflatables from the ceiling to kick off the lesson!
18 | Create a Plah-Doh Cart
This first-grade teacher created a super fun play-doh cart that is perfect for rainy day recess or special activity time. I love how you can wheel it to where you need when the time is right. You can find a similar teacher cart here.
19 | Play Wall Decor Art
You could have your students help you create fun art for your classroom by having them glue colorful poms on letters to spell play, read, create, teach, be kind or even your classroom room number.
20 | Safari Themed Reading Nook
You can create a safari themed reading nook with some giant animals. You can cut out leaf patterns in different colors and attach them to a string with clothes pins for a gorgeous banner to top of the theme.
21 | Make a Create Station
This create station would be a perfect spot for creating and playing in this classroom. The beautiful display would get the creative juices flowing for your students.
Incorporate Inspirational Messages
As teachers you naturally love to inspire young minds and that's why it's no surprise that your classrooms are full of inspirational messages.
These teachers below have found some very creative ideas to incorporate these messages through their class. Copy one of these unique ideas to give your kids that extra encouragement every day.
22 | Be Kind Wooden Letters
In this classroom this teacher got wooden letters that you can get at your local craft store to spell Be Kind above the window. I love that she found what is usually unusable space to add an inspirational message for her kids.
23 | The World Need Who You Were Meant to Be
I love this message. This teacher hangs it outside her classroom in the hall so that every student that walks by even those not in her class see this message. Love this idea!
24 | Inspirational Wall Mural
In this school this inspirational quote is painted in the hall. What a perfect message for all the students to see. I love how they made it look pretty with the rainbow-colored words.
25 | Affirmation Stations
Create an affirmation station on the back of the class door or on a wall in your classroom. All you need is a mirror and affirmation cards.
Best Finds for Inspirational Classroom Decor
Below are some of the best finds to incorporate inspirational messages in your classroom.
WHERE TO FIND
ONE | SET OF 8 BLACK & WHITE CLASSROOM PRINTABLES
TWO | SOME KIDS ARE SMARTER DOWNLOADABLE POSTER
THREE | 16 CLASSROOM POSTERS INCLUDING LEMONADE POSTER
FOUR | PERSPECTIVE POSTER
FIVE | SET OF 16 MOTIVATIONAL POSTERS
Create Fun and Flexible Seating
If you want the best classroom setup that gives students seating options, consider adding flexible seating. Get inspired with some very creative ideas below. You will love the last one!
26 | Colorful Tires for Seating
For this idea you just need some spare tires and spray paint to create this epic reading center!
27 | Portable Floor Desks
This teacher created an activity area where the kids can sit on the floor and work at the portable desks. You can re-arrange the desks for different activities throughout the classroom.
28 | Cute Tires with Pillows for Class Seating
Here's another fun tire idea for elementary school! Have you ever thought of using old tires as seating in the classroom? What a fun idea that the kids would love. This teacher went the extra mile by adding cute pillows in the center.
29 | Inflatable Pool Flamingos Seating Idea
This is the same classroom as above and to mix it up this teacher brought in inflatable flamingos meant for the pool. I'm sure her kids love this idea.
In the fall you may be able to find some pool inflatables on the clearance aisle and they make them in all sorts of fun shapes now. By the way this teacher is a most follow on Instagram for fun classroom decoration ideas!
30 | A Group of Pillows for Comfy Seating
Here's an easy way to add flexible seating to your class. Just add a big group of pillows of all different sizes for the kids to sit on as they read a good book.
31 | Fun Seating Ideas
Love how this teacher has tons of different seating options for her students which are shown to increase student attention and decrease negative behaviors.
32 | Storage Totes for Book Boats
This is my favorite idea! Perfect for the younger kids that can fit in the book boat. This teacher simply decorated a giant storage tote and cut the lid for the kids to slip in with a book. What kids would not be excited to read here?
The Best Flexible Seating Finds on Amazon
Below are some of the best finds for flexible seating for your class.
WHERE TO FIND
ONE | GREEN BALANCE BALL | MORE COLORS
TWO | WOBBLE CUSHION | MORE COLORS
THREE | INFLATABLE CHAIR
FOUR | 5 PACK METAL STOOLS
FIVE | FLAMINGO
SIX | YELLOW KIDS ERGO STOOL
SEVEN | BLUE WOBBLE STOOL | MORE COLORS
EIGHT | ORANGE WOBBLE STOOL | MORE COLORS
NINE | 6 PACK RAINBOW FLOOR CUSHIONS
TEN | PURPLE ROUND CUSHION | MORE COLORS
ELEVEN | 5 SETS OF CLASSROOM STOOLS
TWELVE | GREY POUF COVER
For more flexible seating ideas check out this post...
Flexible Classroom Seating (29 Creative Ideas)
Pick a Theme
Have you thought about trying a class theme? My favorite theme this year is the camping theme. Check out below how some teachers have implemented this theme in style and find out how to re-create the look in your class this year.
33 | Camping Themed Classroom
This teacher created a camping theme reading space for her kids. What kid would not want to grab a book and sit on one of these tree stump pillows?
34 | Camping Themed Calm Corner
Do you have an extra tent at home? If so, this is a brilliant use of it. This school counselor created this space that she calls camp counselor for a calm down area for students and I'm sure that they love it.
For more ideas to create a calming corner in your classroom check out this post...
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35 | Forest Reading Area
All of these teachers have the tree stump cushions. Check out below where you can score those. This teacher went the extra mile with the tree wall decals that help create the forest feel for her classroom.
Best Finds for A Camping Themed Classroom
Below are the best finds to create an outdoor camping theme in your class this year.
WHERE TO FIND
ONE | SIMILAR ADVENTURE AWAITS PRINTABLE ART
TWO | TEEPEE TENT
THREE | FAUX CAMP FIRE
FOUR | TREE STUMP SEAT CUSHION
Space Classroom Theme
One of the most popular themes that I am seeing this year is the space theme. I created a cute decor bundle to make it super easy to apply the theme to every area of your class, if you are one of those teachers that like to have everything matching.
Here is what is included in this space theme bundle:
- Editable Classroom Job Display
- Editable Birthday Displays
- Editable Classroom Calendar Display
- Editable Classroom Rules
- Editable Classroom Schedule
- Flip Calendar
- Calm Corner Posters
- Classroom Affirmation Station
- Color Posters
- World Map
- Growth Mindset Posters
- Editable Teacher Toolbox Labels, (Variety of Sizes & Choices)
- Editable Supply Labels
- Editable 10 & 12 Drawer Rolling Cart Labels
- Editable Binder Labels
- Editable Table Labels
- Shape Posters
- Voice Level Posters
- Editable Desk Name Tags
- Number Line
- Skip Counting Posters
- Number Posters
- 100 Poster
- Alphabet Posters
- Hand Signal
- 50 Choices Bulletin Board Borders!
- 16 Unique Bulletin Board Letters!
- Graphics for Bulletin Board
- Editable Bulletin Board Banners
- Editable Meet the Teacher Templates
- Editable Classroom Newsletter Templates
- Editable Teacher Header & Signature
- Editable Classroom wish list (Plus, how to add a custom QR Code!)
You can check out this space themed classroom bundle in my Etsy shop here.
If you want some more Classroom Theme ideas, then check out this post...
Classroom Organization Ideas
Now let's check out some of the best classroom organization ideas including how to organize your class library, add storage to students' desks, and how to make the most of a small space.
36 | Classroom Library Organization
Set up a color-coding system for your classroom library. You can organize by genre and post colorful genre posters on the wall. Use colored tape on the bottom of the book bindings to show which genre it is.
37 | Students Desks Organization Hack
Here’s a great way to add some storage and organization to your student’s desk.
- Add a basket under each chair with zip ties for papers and notebooks.
- Use zip ties to add a cupholder to the desk leg for water bottles.
- Attach a small hook to the side of the desk to hang individual whiteboards.
38 | Create a Teacher’s Cart
There are a million uses for a teacher cart. This 6th grade teacher created her cart to hold intervention and review materials. She picked up this cart topper at Michaels to make it even more functional.
I have a ton more ideas for your teacher cart in this post...
Genius Teacher Cart Ideas for Your Classroom
39 | Organize Sharpened and Unsharpened Pencils
You could create cute labels and place them over two containers like pictured to easily keep your sharpened and unsharpened pencils separated.
40 | Make the Most of Your White Board
Optimize every square inch of your white board by adding magnetic shelves for extra storage and a magnetic rod to hang spelling words or any cards for easy access.
Add a Flip Calendar to Your White Board
Here's an easy way to update the date in your classroom every day without writing it out every morning. Get yourself a magnetic rod with rings. Then get a printable flip calendar set, the one pictured can be found here.
Then you simply flip to a new date each day!
Classroom Storage
Now let’s check out some creative ideas for classroom storage that will help you maximize all the space you have.
41 | Pegboard Shelves for Classroom Storage
Think outside the box for your classroom storage solutions like these pegboard shelves.
42 | Classroom Border Storage Hack
One of the best classroom storage hacks is hanging bulletin board borders on file cabinets, or cabinet doors with command hooks and binder clips.
43 | Calculator Storage Solution
When you’re short on classroom space look for vertical storage solutions like a pocket chart to store calculators. And there’s always room for inspirational quotes and puns like this, "calculate kindness into every action"!
44 | Classroom Setup Idea
Here’s a good classroom layout idea to copy. For your desk arrangement consider groups of six to eight student desks. Then include a small storage space for each group. These storage bookshelves are used to hold shared supplies, and book bins.
Create a Teacher Command Center
Create a command center, which is your own space for you and your stuff. The best command centers have plenty of space for papers and all your supplies organized and within reach. This will keep you super organized for the school year.
Below check out how to create a teacher command center that is both functional and beautiful.
45 | Create Your Happy Corner
Molly, a fifth-grade teacher from Colorado created what she calls her happy corner which is her go to spot for all the supplies she needs. The bonus is that it’s pretty and organized and has positive affirmations for her students.
46 | Pretty Teacher's Nook
Here's another perfect teacher nook with all the things that you need plus, it's so gorgeous right? This would inspire you to keep it looking nice.
Technology Integration Classroom Ideas
One of the key aspects of 21st century classrooms is integrating tech. Here are some of the best ideas for seamlessly weaving technology into your teaching style:
47 | Interactive Apps
Explore educational apps that align with your lessons. Whether it's math games, language learning, or science simulations, there's an app for that.
48 | Flipped Classroom Videos
Create short videos explaining concepts or assignments. Students watch at home, and class time becomes discussion and practice.
49 | Digital Storytelling Platforms
Let your students be digital storytellers. Platforms like Storybird or Book Creator allow them to create and share interactive stories. It's storytelling, but with a tech twist.
50 | Online Collaboration Tools
Embrace the power of collaboration. Platforms like Google Workspace or Microsoft Teams make it easy for students to work together on projects in real-time.
51 | Podcasting Projects
Turn your class into a podcasting studio. Students can research, record, and share their findings on various topics.
52 | Digital Art and Design Tools
Unleash creativity with digital art tools. Whether it's graphic design, animation, or digital drawing, platforms like Canva or Adobe Spark can bring out the artist in everyone.
53 | Coding Challenges
Introduce coding in a fun way. Platforms like Scratch or Code.org offer engaging coding challenges suitable for various age groups.
54 | Online Simulations and Labs
Bring experiments to life with online simulations and virtual labs. Platforms like PhET Interactive Simulations or Labster offer interactive science experiences.
55 | Digital Quizzes and Assessments
Say goodbye to paper tests. Use online platforms like Kahoot! or Quizizz for interactive quizzes and assessments.
56 | Gamified Learning Platforms
Turn learning into a game. Platforms like Classcraft or Kahoot! make lessons fun and interactive.
Interactive Whiteboards
A smart whiteboard is a game changer for many teachers. If you have on in your classroom here are 10 ideas to put it to use:
57 | Interactive Lessons
Spice up your classes with videos, pics, and interactive stuff. Make learning a blast for everyone!
58 | Collaborative Activities
Get your students to team up for brainstorming or solving problems. You can make group projects way more interactive.
59 | Virtual Field Trips
Why leave the class when you can explore historical places or museums right on the board?
60 | Interactive Quizzes and Polls
Quiz time just got interesting! Engage your students with live quizzes and polls. It's a game-changer.
61 | Mind Mapping
Help your students organize their thoughts with mind maps. It helps students connect the dots for a clearer picture.
62 | Calming Vibe
Set a calming vibe during a quiet time like independent reading by playing a relaxing video.
63 | Data Analysis
Crunch numbers together in real-time. Graphs, trends, and data – it's math and science, but fun.
64 | Time Management
Keep everyone on track with interactive schedules and timers. Works great for small group time or tests.
65 | Brain Breaks
Give your students a quick brain break with interactive games, exercises or short videos.
Ok, so now you have the steps that you need to take to create an epic classroom this year for your students just in time for back to school. Plus, you've seen inspirational classrooms. Hopefully you now have some ideas for classroom decorations, organization, bulletin boards, creating a teacher command center, fun seating and more that you'll actually use this year.
Feel free to save your favorite ideas to your Pinterest boards just click on the red P on the picture!
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