Let’s be real - most teachers fall into one of two categories as far as classroom setup goes: it’s either one of your very favorite things to do or you despise it. Which one are you?! I have always been the teacher who LOVES setting up a classroom, and often spent a good chunk of time over the summer thinking about it and prepping. My husband used to tell me all the time to stop, relax, and enjoy the summer - but I genuinely enjoy planning for a classroom setup, so it’s fun for me.

If you’re here, I bet you’re starting to think about and plan for your classroom for the upcoming school year. I’m SO excited you’re here, because this is the third post in a 4-part series all about how to create a classroom space that is beautiful and functional! Did you know you can do both?!

In the first and second part of this series, I shared my top tips for creating a beautiful and functional classroom space. You can accomplish both!

Now I’m here to share with you a few fun ways you can create a homey feel in your classroom. It really is a home away from home for you and your students, and I love to lean into that feeling to help us feel like a classroom family.

1. Incorporate student photos

As you’re setting up your classroom, plan areas where you can add student photos - this could be a birthday display, a family photo wall, a get to know you activity, etc. Students love to see their photos included in your classroom and it gives them a sense of ownership and community. Another fun way to incorporate photos is to keep a small bulletin board that you update with class photos throughout the year, from things like field trips, assemblies, or memorable days.

2. reflect student interests

In most scenarios, you don’t know the students you’re going to have in an upcoming class. But you do know the things a lot of kids in their age group may be interested in. If your school is in a big football town, incorporate a football banner or two of the local teams. If there’s a popular song with kids, choose a fun or inspiring lyric from a song to decorate your classroom door. Once students are in your classroom, let them work together to choose a theme and then name their table groups based upon that theme. These seem like such little things, but they really add up to help students feel welcome and comfortable in your classroom.

3. include diversity in your library & decor

This is so, so, so important. For classroom decor, if you are using a theme or printables that include clipart of children, be sure to find a set that celebrates diversity. Every single student should be able to see themselves represented in your classroom - this should be a safe and welcoming space for them. Consciously work to make sure you are representing all of your students. Make a point of seeking out diverse titles not only for your classroom library, but for read alouds. Let’s make our students feel welcome and a part of the classroom family.

Here’s a beautiful welcoming display for your door from Amanda at A Perfect Blend.
Grab a curated list of diverse reads from The Tutu Teacher, or follow her @diversereads on Instagram.

4. Display student work

Guys, I have a confession. My second year of teaching, my classroom pretty much looked like it was copied and pasted from Pinterest and was so color coordinated that not a thing in the room didn’t match my color scheme. My principal at the time raved about it and loved it, but I remember distinctly during a post-observation conference, she mentioned that I should display more student work. And to be honest, my reaction in my head was “But that won’t go with my classroom!” Yikes. Makes me CRINGE now!!

A classroom should look like a classroom. Where students learn. Show off students’ hard work. It doesn’t even have to be a cute craft to make it on your wall - let students choose a piece they are really proud of to display. I love the idea of it feeling like a refrigerator at home, where parents proudly display their child’s pictures and work. Celebrate the hard work of your students!

5. let students contribute to classroom design

This is another one that I didn’t “get” my first few years of teaching. I wanted the Pinterest worthy classroom. Then I realized how powerful it can be in building a classroom community when you let students take an active part in designing the classroom. This can be so simple - let students design their own name tags for their desk, add words to a word wall themselves, or create the number line. It emphasizes teamwork and that family environment we all try so hard to create with our students.