Let’s get real. It is a fact that teachers spend a ton of their own money on their classrooms. It can especially get expensive at the beginning of a new school year when you want to make your classroom look like the beautiful Pinterest-ready classrooms you’ve been pinning and saving to your classroom décor board.
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While having a theme in your classroom makes an otherwise plain room look cohesive and beautiful, it can easily take a large chunk of money, so I want to share with you how you can create a beautiful classroom on a budget.
If you have already chosen a theme for your classroom, select 2-3 colors that compliment your theme.
The colors can be highlighted throughout your classroom.
An even better solution to a beautiful classroom is using mostly colors instead of a specific theme. It will be much friendlier to your budget!
Here are some ideas to find inexpensive items for your classroom.
• Visit yard sales both in person and online during the summer. If you have a couple of colors you are focused on, you will easily find things both expected and unexpected that will match your classroom.
• Other places to visit might be Facebook Market Place and thrift stores.
• Make a post on social media asking if anyone has anything to donate to your classroom. You will be amazed at the people who have things to give away. Some of the things I have gotten for my classroom by simply asking are lamps, pillows, furniture, school supplies, baskets for storage, stuffed animals for reading buddies, board games, and so much more!
When I moved to a flexible seating classroom, I changed my entire room with very little money. For more information, read this blog post to find out a few more ways how I saved money.
If you are feeling super brave and plan on using flexible seating, you might like to also read these two blog posts.
Flexible Seating Classroom Reveal
How to Manage Flexible Seating
Doors and Bulletin Boards
One last area to consider for your classroom is how to decorate your bulletin boards and your classroom door.
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• Using material to cover your bulletin boards will last all year and can be reused from year to year. In addition, you can find colors to compliment the rest of your room and add a plain border to enhance the board.
• Cut out shapes from bright copy paper and write your students' names on them. Unless you plan on using them longer than the first few weeks, save time and don’t laminate. Add this “Rocking into a New Year of Learning” freebie, and your door will be bright and beautiful.
• These easy-to-make bulletin board dots will add function and color all around your classroom!
I hope you found some nuggets to help you as you plan out your classroom. That's my...
