

Six creative and easy bulletin board ideas to create an engaging classroom.
So youâre on the lookout for some exciting (and also easy) bulletin board ideas? Well, fear not, because I've got you covered! Back in my school days, my teachers were...
I still remember the absolute joy of decorating my first classroom - that clean slate, anything-is-possible kind of feeling. I spent my uni days picturing my future classroom and dreaming of decor ideas. (Absolute college wild child, over heređ).
Ten years on, my idealism is mixed with practicality. Iâve learned what matters, what doesnât and how classroom decor can create opportunities to learn and a sense of belonging.
The funny thing is - itâs still just as exciting to me. Much like buying mini-toiletries is forever my favourite part of travel, decorating a classroom always makes me feel excited. And seeing you guys create inviting classrooms with my resources? Please. All my raging uni dreams have come true!
So today Iâm sharing six classroom decor ideas to help you create a calm learning space could double as your home away from home.Â
Anyone who knows me knows Iâm a fan of themed spaces and matchy-matchy. I choose a classroom theme and stick to it throughout a year of teaching. Whether itâs boho rainbow or botanical, I continue the theme through all of my school classroom decor.
Thatâs not to say you can't mix and match - plenty of teachers successfully blend a combination of my boho vibes and boho rainbow themes, for instance. Iâm just more inclined to stick to a less-is-more, minimalist approach in order to not overwhelm students - or myself.Â
 Iâm like the macaroni penguin of decor - when I commit to a theme, I commit. Carrying a theme throughout the school year helps reduce the mental load a little. I use the same color scheme, fonts and decor theme on everything - storage labels, slides, door displays, letters home - the lot. The continuity satisfies my soul!
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One of my absolute favourite things about classroom decor is the way it creates a sense of belonging. Most classes have a collective name - like, Miss Bâs Bees, or Mr Shanahanâs Stars, for example. But the best classes go even deeper.
For example - use decor and displays to articulate your classesâ values. Display your student's jobs, work and timetables. Represent learning goals, schedules and plans in your decor - there are limitless bulletin board ideas you can employ.
Ask students to pick their favourite motivational quotes and type them onto editable posters. Have them bring photos and books from home that celebrate their inherent diversity.
Anyone who has seen a child positively combust with pride when showing their parent their own bag hook, will know - kids love having a space for themselves, and love seeing themselves represented in their space.
And on a similar note - involve your students in your decorating ideas. Give them decor options to choose from, allow them to vote and literally enlist their help in decorating.
Lead a discussion about different learning styles. Ask them - do they like a quiet space? Would they like to create a cozy space or a tactile space to explore objects? Or room to move? Together, create âzonesâ and a school classroom layout that reflects them. (Check out this post for layout ideas).
Two of the most powerful displays you can build together are a growth mindset display and an affirmation station. Guide students through what it means, and when they might need these tools. I guarantee they are a game-changer.
On another similar note (I need a new segue!), when you employ a classroom management system, ask your students to help âdesignâ it.
For example, start by leading a discussion where the class decides what voice levels are appropriate throughout the day. After the discussion, create your display. By co-designing the system, your students will understand it better, and heck, they may even adhere to it every now and then!
Same goes for a 'hand signalsâ system. Allow children to choose which hand signal corresponds with which request. Itâll help them feel a sense of control and a commitment to the team to uphold the system.
Scrolling through socials, youâd think perfectly coordinated, tidy classes are the norm. But theyâre not! Nor should they be! While Iâm not into âshouldingâ on you, there is one âshouldâ I live by.
Your classroom âshouldâ work for you. It should reflect you and function in the way YOU need it to.
While the debate rages on about whether teachers should have their own desks (I plead the fifth), all teachers deserve organisational systems that serve them. Whether itâs a teachersâ toolbox, organised binders, assessment trackers or a huge filing cabinet - you do you! My binder covers, trolley labels and toolbox labels are available in all your favourite MJLL themes, giving you everything you need for gorgeous and functional classroom organization.
I love a beautiful classroom. But a beautiful classroom that balances form and function? Please.
Well there you have it, 6 easy and simple classroom decor ideas to help you set up your dreamy Pinterest-worth classroom and create a calm and engaging classroom for you and your students to THRIVE in.Â
Happy Decorating!Â
Teacher and Founder of Miss Jacobs Little Learners. If youâre dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of your students â Iâm here to help you.
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