It is often difficult to find suitable ELA classroom decor when searching for the secondary classroom. You can’t go 10 seconds into a search for classroom decorating ideas without running into the elementary crowd. It makes sense that the oodles of cute and fun decorations are geared towards the younger grades, but I’m honestly bummed that there aren’t more readily available items for my ELA classroom. That’s why I created this list of ideas to decorate your secondary ELA classroom complete with some of the resources I’ve used in my own room.
1. Choose basic bins and bulletins.
Choosing “classic” items for your classroom seems logical. Your tastes might change, or if you’re anything like me, you love all of the cute things. If you’re going to splurge on decor, find basic “staple” items like your bins and bulletin displays. I usually kept a stock of craft paper to keep my bulletin looking nice from years of wear and tear, and a supply of borders that I could mix and match with any theme I wanted throughout the year. (I store them in a super handy foldable storage pocket chart!) My bins are basic neutral colors, but I love galvanized bins. It just looks more sturdy and mature compared to dollar store plastic bins.
2. Hang quality poster sets.
If you don’t feel artsy or like you can put together a comprehensive “theme” – focus on decor that serves a purpose. Educational posters that help remind students of what they’ve learned or inspire them to achieve is a great way to brighten your room. You can find my Why Study English Bulletin Board Set, Literary Elements Poster Set, and Parts of Speech Posters (free!) all in my store for coordinated, ready-to-go ideas.
3. Focus on student showmanship.
Focus your decor on student work. You can regularly change out what you showcase and give your students a sense of pride and responsibility for their work. I personally love using banners because they cover all the seasons and major events in the school year, and I can always use blank ones if I want to really let their creativity show. You can also find creative ways to use simple paper chains – work towards a personal reading goal, write sentence examples for a grammar study, or make a countdown until break chain. You can even go so far as to create a space that is entirely student-created, and they can decide what will be posted and maintained on the board.
4. Bring outside inside.
An easy ELA classroom decor idea that brings “freshness” to any area is plant life. If you don’t have a green thumb, you can always get fake succulents and potted plants. Pots and containers are a super easy way to change out your decor and switch up a theme. I love perusing the Target Dollar Spot for great finds.
5. Stock up on dollar store finds.
Pinterest is full of DIY dollar store crafts and many can easily be replicated for classroom decor. Take a list with you and load up on dollar store finds to create a whole new classroom look. Even premade items like paper lanterns are a great deal. You can also sometimes find card stock, picture frames, and canvas material that can be repurposed into something specific for the look you want.
6. Display your things.
If you can’t think of a theme you like or want to bring more of “yourself” into your classroom, consider what you love most. I used to have a special shelf off the side of my desk that housed my favorite books. My “top picks” and “well-loved” books on display were a great way to show my students that I also love reading, and it was a conversation starter when students would look through them. Of course they were also free to check the books out themselves. I also had a small section of bulletin board where I put up family pictures, tickets from concerts and shows I enjoyed, or other mementos that meant something to me. It was great for the start of the year for students to get to know me and some of my interests.
Let some personality shine in your classroom this year with a bit of decor. Your classroom doesn’t have to be all business with the plain colored walls. Set your space apart from the drab hallway and make students excited to come into class. They should feel welcomed and at ease, and a bit of decorating goes a long way in creating that kind of classroom culture.
I’d love to see your favorite decor ideas in the comments below! You can also share your photos on Facebook, or tag me on Instagram if you have classroom decoration ideas that you absolutely love.
Happy teaching!
