Beach Themed Classroom Reveal

To get started I transformed the boring white boards by adding some color and dimension. The bold and bright colors of the hibiscus centerpieces were just what was needed to brighten up the board. I attached them to the bulletin board strip on top of the whiteboard using staples. In the center I added a large cardboard tiki cutout. To make the tiki mask come alive I gave it a 3-dimensional feel by stapling one side to the board and then curving the face before stapling the other side, allowing it to stand off the board a little bit.

To decorate the sides of the board I used double sided tape and the tropical pineapple and flamingo bulletin border. I left one board blank to allow for use with small groups, anchor charts etc. The other large whiteboard I used to create a daily calendar, homework planner and class notes area where students could find important information.

Along the top of the second board I went with a personalized bamboo sign. This is such a great and easy way to personalize a space. You can choose from several different fonts and colors and create a one-of-a-kind look. Across the top I added a few tissue paper fans in yellow, green, pink and aqua. To bring in the tropical feel I added a few of the palm leaves to the sides. I used a magnetic border to segment off the boards. I like using magnetic borders because they perfect for white boards and you can move them around to change things up as often as you'd like. I chose to apply the days of the week using vinyl. Just use a silhouette vinyl cutting machine to cut out the words you would like on your board.

Every classroom needs a calendar on their front board. This one is easy to create and even easier to change out each month. This was added to the white board using washi tape. Use a yard stick to get your lines just right. Crooked lines will haunt your teacher dreams! Once your calendar grid is created simply add the pineapple cutouts (I laminate them for durability). You can write your numbers directly on the pineapple cutouts or apply vinyl numbers on top of them. Attach a magnet onto the back and you are all set to welcome each new month. For the month headers just laminate a piece of your leftover tropical pineapple bulletin border and write the month on it.

For the empty space above the computers I used a wall backdrop of cabanas to brighten up the space, a cardboard palm tree and ALOHA surf boards to finish off the look. These were easy to staple up because the walls were just painted drywall.

For the teacher's table I used a fun luau fringed table skirt to keep with the theme. Adhere the skirt to the table with hot glue for durability.

Setting up organized spaces for both the classroom library and the science STEAM center were next on my decorating list. As your students get older they need access to reading materials in a way that is easy to find and maintain throughout the year. I utilized the tropical colored book bins to categorize books by series as well as reading level. The picture book bins were easy to organize books by categories like, animals, biographies etc.

Now that the books are organized it's time to design a space where the students can get lost in a book. To get started I covered a long bulletin board with a beach boardwalk backdrop. I layered two bulletin borders, tropical leaves and a yellow chevron, to create a frame around the entire board. It works best to first staple the two borders together so they line up and then staple the combined borders to your bulletin board all as one piece.

I decorated the reading corner with colorful hanging flamingos and pineapples, beach balls and bright colored beach buckets. A cute tropical bamboo sign labels this fun reading corner. Kid-sized adirondack chairs are the perfect spot for students to get lost in a good book.

For the science STEAM center I used the same fun tropical colored storage bins. They will be home to all of the classroom STEAM center supplies from recyclables to hands-on robotics and engineering kits. The students will have easy access and be able to keep all of the materials organized and accessible throughout the year.

To decorate this bulletin board I used the fadeless shiplap paper which is so stunning in person! This paper makes for such a transformation when it goes on the boards. I layered two bulletin borders, tropical leaves and a yellow chevron, then added a few of the palm leaves around the edges. I used the bright, colorful hibiscus hair clips to add some whimsy. The cardboard tiki cutouts were stacked on top of each other and stapled in a 3-dimensional way to help them stand off of the bulletin board.

The whimsical turtle floor decal completes this center and leads the way to STEAM exploration.

The last two bulletin boards were quite possibly my favorites! The first one is an ALOHA pineapple-themed bulletin board which welcomes students as they enter the classroom.

I started by laying down shiplap paper for the background. I layered the pineapple bulletin border and orange border on the sides and topped it with colorful yellow and green tissue fans. The glittery ALOHA banner and the pineapple fans completed the board.

To create the 3D pineapples use tissue balls and a fanburst banner. Cut an inch off of each fanburst and detach from banner. Cut slits in tissue. Staple the fanburst onto a tissue ball to create your pineapple.

The last board is for the teacher, important notes, schedules etc. I made it similar to the previous board but added in some pops of pink and a pineapple garland. By creating complimentary boards you can keep a consistent look throughout the classroom.

To welcome the students with an encouraging word these colorful pineapple boomarks were left on each desk. I think this is a fun, simple gift to start the year off right!