Listen to the podcast episode instead.
How do I create a warm, welcoming classroom environment on a budget?
Everyone loves a good classroom theme…myself included! For me, your classroom theme represents your personality as a teacher and creates a vibe that sets the tone of your room for the rest of the year. Whether you are a calm, peaceful teacher who values SEL (social-emotional learning) or a bright, energetic teacher who is passionate about art, your classroom theme will reflect it.
Whatever your style, your theme is an important decision and should not be taken lightly. However, you can literally spend a fortune decorating your room once you have selected said theme. So for those of you, like me, who are looking for ways to bring your personality to life without breaking the bank, this post is for you! This guide offers practical, budget-friendly teacher hacks to bring your unique style to life in your classroom.
Whether you are a brand new teacher setting up your first classroom or a veteran teacher looking to change things up, these teacher hacks will help you make your classroom a beautifully, inviting place all while staying in budget.
Teacher Hack #1: Brand Kits
The first step to decorating is to choose your theme and colors. Many teacher stores have themes you can choose from, and it is so fun perusing through them and narrowing them down. It is honestly one of my favorite things! But, it can add up real fast. Magnets, bulletin boards, stickers…there are endless ways to spend. So, unless you are planning to win the lottery, you may need some teacher hacks to save you money.
My solution? Make a brand kit!!!
- Choose your main and accent colors: These can be inspired by an image or design. Check out our clip art for inspiration!
- Utilize free design tools: You can easily create your brand kit using Canva or Powerpoint. Simply upload an image and capture the colors you wish to use throughout your classroom.
- Unlock endless possibilities: Once you have your brand kit, you can design custom bulletin board elements, personalized magnets, unique letterhead, and even digital decor for platforms like Google Classroom.
How to Create a Brand Kit Using Canva
How to Create a Brand Kit Using Powerpoint
Want to learn more tips and tricks? Follow me on Instagram!
Teacher Hack #2: Custom Magnets
Once you have a brand kit, you can literally make anything for your classroom. I have found that custom magnets will get you the most bang for your buck! Magnets, although adorable, are quite expensive. You can use either Canva or Powerpoint to design your own custom magnets using your brand kit colors, print them, laminate them, and the use magnetic tape.
- Design using your brand kit colors: Use either Canva or Powerpoint to design your custom magnets. (see video tutorial above)
- Print and laminate: Print your designs, then laminate them for durability.
- Add magnetic backing: Apply magnetic tape to the back of your laminated designs.
The best part?! Once you design a basic template, you can reuse that same template for any magnet you need.
Want to learn more tips and tricks? Follow me on Instagram!
PRO TIP: Simply change the background of the design if you ever update your classroom theme.
Teacher Hack #3: Go Neutral
This may not mean what you think it does. For those of you who know me, you may be thinking…Melody is NOT a neutral kind of gal. You’re right! My classroom themes are often bright and vibrant, as those colors best represent me as a teacher. When I say to “go neutral”, I am not referring to neutral tones, though those can create a beautifully calming classroom.
- Invest in neutral-colored items: When purchasing classroom staples like bins and caddies, select neutral colors that can be reused year after year, no matter the theme or grade level. For example, I use black bins for every classroom theme. I simply change the labels to match my decor.
- Customize with your brand kit: Use your custom brand kit to create personalized labels and decor that match your current classroom theme, adhering them to your neutral bins.
Want to learn more tips and tricks? Follow me on Instagram!
New Teachers: I realize this tip does not save you money for your first classroom, but don’t worry, you will thank me later! Teachers always (at some point) change their themes. Rather than having to repurchase all of your bins EVERY time you change themes, choose a neutral color that can be used again and again.
PRO TIP: Use Velcro tape to adhere the labels to the bins. That way, you can easily replace the labels when you change themes or even just want to update the labels.
So, there you have it…With these low-cost, easy to implement ideas, you should be all set to tackle your classroom decor all while sticking to a teacher-friendly budget. Feel free to reach out to brainstorm ideas, ask questions, or even to share classroom photos. I love a good classroom tour!
Next time, we will continue our back to school prep together by setting up our classrooms with classroom management in mind! Stay tuned and keep learning!!!
