50 Epic Classroom Ideas That Will Change Your Life
50 Epic Classroom Ideas That Will Change Your Life
Are you looking for some fresh, new classroom ideas this year? Look no further, I've found 50 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. Implement the last idea and it will change your life!
This post has been recently updated with even more epic ideas that I found; hope you enjoy!
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Organize Sharpened and Unsharpened Pencils
Raise your hand if it drives you crazy to have a mix of sharpened and unsharpened pencils. If you put your hand up, you're not alone. Check out these clever ideas that teachers came up with to keep them separated.
Add Cute Labels
IMAGE SOURCE | THETEACHERWEARSPRADA
You could create cute labels and place them over two containers like pictured to easily keep your sharpened and unsharpened pencils separated.
Create Mini Pencil Buckets
IMAGE SOURCE | LIFEAS_MISSMICHAEL
Here's another cute idea to separate your pencils. You can customize small buckets to let the kids know where their pencils go.
Peg Board Organization
IMAGE SOURCE | JEN_RECE
You can get a small peg board and hang small buckets that say dull and sharp. This would also be a great idea to organize other supplies especially if you're short on space.
Create Gorgeous Bulletin Boards
Ok, so now let’s focus on your walls. The start of the year is the perfect time to plan and set up your bulletin boards. I found some awesome examples to get you inspired. What will you create this year?
Add Balloons to Your Bulletin Board
IMAGE SOURCE | HELLOMAESTRA
Here's a fun bulletin board idea, fill the balloons with fun activities for the kids and let them pop them as a reward. The bright colors and polka dots on the balloons add an extra fun touch.
Kind Message Bulletin Board
IMAGE SOURCE | HELLO3RDGRADE
I love this idea; you give the students small notecards 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!
Faux Wood Panel Bulletin Board
IMAGE SOURCE | MAKINGASTATEMENTINSPED
You could steal this bulletin board idea for a variety of display ideas. I love the faux wood panel bulletin board paper, see where to find below. Add some clothes pins and string to hang student work or pictures from a lesson theme and you have yourself a gorgeous bulletin board.
Future World Changers Bulletin Board
IMAGE SOURCE | ITSALLGOODWITHMISSHOOD
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 for a fun touch.
When You Learn You Grow Bulletin Board
IMAGE SOURCE | ATOUCHOFCLASSTEACHING
Here's another gorgeous bulletin board that was created very simply with paper flowers, faux wood bulletin board paper and a little buffalo plaid, what a pretty combo. Adding a string with clothes pins is pretty way to display papers on your bulletin board.
Bright Bulletin Board Idea
IMAGE SOURCE | SUESTATIC
You can gain a lot of inspiration from this classroom’s bulletin boards. I love how the teacher chose a few colors and integrated them throughout the different section of the bulletin board to give it a cohesive look.
Rainbow Tassel Border
IMAGE SOURCE | LEARNLOVEGROW
Add a rainbow tassel banner and some bright paper balls for a cheerful bulletin board display.
Sunshine & Rainbows Bulletin Board
IMAGE SOURCE | LAKESHORELEARNING
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
Add Fun Touches
What's an elementary class without some fun? Below are some of the best ideas to incorporate some fun in the class that your students will love.
Create a Plah-Doh Cart
IMAGE SOURCE | MRSHENRYINFIRST
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.
Play Wall Decor Art
IMAGE SOURCE | OHSOJO
You could have your students help you create fun art for your classroom by having them glue puff balls on letters to spell play, read, create, teach, be kind or even your classroom room number.
Monster Cans
IMAGE SOURCE | ATOUCHOFCLASSTEACHING
Turning in anything is more fun into a cute monster mouth. You could do this one even if you don’t use class dojo.
Safari Themed Reading Nook
IMAGE SOURCE | THESUPERHEROTEACHER
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.
Make a Create Station
IMAGE SOURCE | OHSOJO
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.
Easy Classroom Management Ideas
Do you love when you find new ideas that make running your class so much smoother? If so check out these brilliant ideas to do just that.
Oil Timer as a Classroom Management Tool
IMAGE SOURCE | PRIMARILYSPEAKING
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.
She says it works to keep the chit-chat down because everyone wants the timer! Give it a try and let me know how it works.
Make Versatile Classroom Sheets
IMAGE SOURCE | ALL.ABOUT.THE.ABCS
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 system is both versatile and easy and helps to keep her organized.
Create a Teacher’s Cart
IMAGE SOURCE | SWAININTHEMIDDLE
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
Create a Classroom Home Page
IMAGE SOURCE | ADRIENNE_TEACHES
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.
Make the Most of Your White Board
IMAGE SOURCE | TEACHIN.WITH.CLASS
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.
Fun Attention Getters
IMAGE SOURCE | THEPINSPIREDTEACHER
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.
I'm Done Choice Board
IMAGE SOURCE | BLOOMINGWITHMRSB
Create an I’m done choice board so your kids can quietly choose their next activity when they are finished.
Leave a Note for the Teacher
IMAGE SOURCE | APINEAPPLEFORTHETEACHER
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.
Voice Level Press-On Lights
IMAGE SOURCE | TEACH.MAKE.MOM
These are press on lights that you can find here. Hang them on the board and light up one to let the class know where their volume level should be.
Mental Health Check In
IMAGE SOURCE | 3RDGRADESTHECHARM
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.
Fun Expectations Signs
IMAGE SOURCE | THRILLSANDFRILLSINTHIRD
These fun signs let the kids know what you are expecting from them at the moment. Add magnets or Velcro to the back so you can remove the sign and hold it up for all the students to see.
For more unique classroom management ideas check out this post...
35 Brilliant Classroom Management Ideas
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.
Be Kind Wooden Letters
IMAGE SOURCE | MRSCALLSCAMPERS
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.
The World Need Who You Were Meant to Be
IMAGE SOURCE | TEXASLONESTARTEACHER
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!
Work Hard Be Nice Table
IMAGE SOURCE | TEACHINGINTHETROPICS
Word hard be nice is the perfect message on a table were the kids will be working. You can re-create a table like this in your room with some stencils and paint.
Inspirational Wall Mural
IMAGE SOURCE | BRIGHTEYEDTEACHING
In this school this inspirational message 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.
Positive Stools
IMAGE SOURCE | ELLOKERI
Here's another fun way to incorporate positive messages in your class with these superhero stools. This teacher from Wisconsin created these stools for her small group stations made up with superhero quotes.
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
Are you always looking for new ideas for flexible seating for your students? If so, get inspired with some very creative ideas below. You will love the last one!
Colorful Tires for Seating
IMAGE SOURCE | COOTIESANDCUTIES
Yes, for this idea you just need some spare tires and spray paint to create this epic reading center!
Portable Floor Desks
IMAGE SOURCE | MISSMAYSMOMENTS
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.
Cute Tires with Pillows for Class Seating
IMAGE SOURCE | CLASSANDCONTRAST
Here's another fun tire idea! 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.
Inflatable Pool Flamingos Seating Idea
IMAGE SOURCE | CLASSANDCONTRAST
This is the same classroom as above and to mix it up this teacher brought in inflatable flamingos meant for the pool. I am 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, you'll love her feed!
A Group of Pillows for Comfy Seating
IMAGE SOURCE | PRAYANDTEACH
First of all, the organization in this classroom is amazing and beautiful. So much to talk about be we are talking about the seating right now. Here's an easy and fun idea just a big group of pillows of all different sizes for the kids to sit on as they read a good book.
Fun Seating Ideas
IMAGE SOURCE | THERAPY.SISTERS
Love how this teacher has tons of different seating options for her students which are shown to increase student attention and decrease negative behaviors.
Storage Totes for Book Boats
IMAGE SOURCE | INSCURSIVESHEWROTE
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
Create Seating Crates
If you don't mind a little DIY project try creating these seating crates. If you click on the link below the picture, it'll show you a tutorial. The process is very simple. All you need is some milk carton crates, (they come in tons of colors), some cute fabric and foam for a cushion.
Below you'll see where to get some crates and adorable fabric.
DIY Milk Crate Seats
IMAGE SOURCE | HAPPYDAYSINFIRSTGRADE
Here's an example of the finished product. Create your own seating crates for your class with crates, foam and fabric. Why not make it fun with some bright fun fabric?
Where to Find Crates and Fabric
Below are my picks for crates and fun fabric to create your own seating for your class.
WHERE TO FIND
ONE | DONUT FABRIC
TWO | SET OF 3 COLORFUL CRATES
THREE | SET OF 2 BLACK CRATES
FOUR | RAINBOW FABRIC
FIVE | PINK CRATES | MORE COLORS
SIX | FLAMINGO FABRIC
SEVEN | ALPACA FABRIC
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 outdoor 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.
Camping Themed Classroom
IMAGE SOURCE | CREATIVETEACHINGPRESS
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?
Camp Fire Seating Area
IMAGE SOURCE | ASHLEYMCKENZIEPT
Here's another fun camping theme spot for the kids to gather. I love this teacher’s adventure bulletin boards. Your students would love a space like this!
Calm Down Tent
IMAGE SOURCE | MRS.MEISNER_SCHOOLCOUNSELOR
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.
Forest Reading Area
IMAGE SOURCE | CNARTDESIGN
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
If you want some more Classroom Theme ideas, then check out this post...
Create a Teacher Command Center
This tip may change your life. Create a command center 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 some of the best ideas to create both functional and beautiful teacher command centers.
Coffee Centered Teacher Zone
IMAGE SOURCE | ELEMENTARY LITTLES
The key to a teacher command center is to create a space that's just for your stuff like this teacher did. She can come here in the morning and get her coffee and get ready for her day before the students arrive.
Create Your Own Happy Corner
IMAGE SOURCE | THEHAPPYLITTLECLASSROOM
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.
Staff Lounge Bulletin Board
IMAGE SOURCE | HAPPILYEVERELEMENTARY
This was a board that these teachers created in their staff lounge to share tips, quotes, praise and great things happening throughout the school. This is a fun idea to bring the entire staff together.
Teacher Bookshelf
IMAGE SOURCE | ATOUCHOFCLASSTEACHING
If you're short on space, you can make your command center a bookshelf behind your desk. Take a cue from this teacher and use pretty labeled containers to organize all the things.
Pretty Teacher's Nook
IMAGE SOURCE | PRAYANDTEACH
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.
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 50 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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