Having a nature classroom is becoming increasingly popular because people are starting to see the importance of nature and all the incredible benefits of being immersed in nature can bring.
Outdoor classrooms allow for an experience that challenges students in new ways. However, not all teachers and students have access to outdoor spaces that are conducive to learning in a safe and equitable way.
After reading about how immersion in nature benefits your health, you will see that, although it is not the the same as being outdoors, filling your classroom with nature will have similar effects on you and your students.
These 5 must-have classroom decor ideas will help you bring some of the benefits of nature right to your classroom!
Nature Desktop for Teachers
With the increased hours we as teachers spend on screens with distance learning and teaching lessons online, it’s no wonder that teacher stress is on the rise. I don’t know about you, but I try all the ways possible to reduce my stress-levels so I can be the best teacher (and best momma!) for my students (and kids!).
When going for a walk in a forest just doesn’t fit into your jam-packed schedule, looking at images of nature can have similar health-boosting effects. Because of this, I created nature-themed desktops for teachers.
Whether your frugal choice is to select a nature image from your computer by right-clicking and pressing “change desktop background…” on your desktop or your fierce personality and style makes you lean toward choosing the Ultra Modern Nature Girl Desktop and Organizer, you will reap the positive benefits of looking at nature.
Classroom Jobs for Students
Another must-have in my nature classroom, is a place where I can display students jobs. This routine is an important one that I begin at the start of the year and runs itself really well.
If you’re anything like me, when you like something you go ALL IN! Well that is what I did with my cactus themed classroom. Much of the decor that I have in my classroom, besides the actual cactus plants, is – you guessed it – cactus themed!
For my first 10 years of teaching, I committed to not spending any money on classroom decorations. If you want to hear more about that challenge, let me know in the comments below.
Fast-forward to now, I have a solid nature classroom theme going on and plants adorn every.single.shelf. Naturally, adding a nature classroom spin and my love for cactus plants to classroom student jobs was a sure thing.
The Collaborative Classroom Jobs resource is one that runs smoothly and efficiently. We all know that time and effort are hot commodities! There are five team jobs included: Tech, communication, teacher in training, maintenance, transition, and kindness. Students apply for their desired job (application is included) and the teacher assign them a team. I like to rotate collaborative jobs once every two months throughout the school year.
As a team, students complete the tasks required in the job description and hold each other accountable. If a student is absent, not to worry. Someone else on the team will pick up the slack.
If you’re looking for improved classroom management and fewer clips to rotate weekly, then Collaborative Classroom Jobs will be a hit in your nature classroom!
Nature Classroom Date Display
On the whole, teachers have many tasks to do in a day. Thinking about your nature classroom doesn’t have to be one of them. Another way that I bring a love for nature into my classroom is through our Classroom Date Display.
I’m always trying to find ways to be efficient. Every morning, I find myself writing the date on the board. Although it was a dreamy teacher task that I always envisioned, it’s one that is time consuming for me. So I use this system to display our classroom date. With one flip of a card, the current date can be displayed. You can put your date cards on the board with clips and rod, or just use tape to affix to the board.
Having bee-themed decor in your classroom may help spark discussion on the importance of bees in our world. In reality, students need to become advocates for bee survival because bees are pollinators to some of our world’s largest food crops. Looking for ways to teach All About Bees? There are some amazing bee read alouds and bee activities that help you teach the importance of bees on our planet.
Camping Theme Learning Skills Banners
Hey, teachers of Ontario! This one is for you.
Do your students know what learning skills are being assessed on their report cards? I believe we need to teach our students explicitly about what skills are imperative to overall success. In the Growing Success document, there are 6 learning skills that students work toward mastering:
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Self-Regulation
- Initiative
- Collaboration
- Independent Work
I have this learning skills banner up in my classroom and use it frequently to teach student specific learning skills and how to reach for success in our third grade classroom. This orange and teal camping theme banner is just the cutest with its tents, trailer, binoculars and campfire.
An Assortment of Nature Themes: Editable Classroom Labels
Finally, the BEST thing that helps me stay organized in my primary classroom is labeling everything. Because items are labeled, students have an easier time finding the materials they need to get their work done in the classroom.
I have cactus theme classroom labels for many of my math manipulatives, STEM materials and office supplies. Why not bring nature into your classroom with GRASS-themed or CHERRY-themed labels?
Check out the range in choice selection for nature classroom theme labels (all available in 3 different sizes and EDITABLE versions!):
- Cactus Editable Classroom Labels
- Camping Editable Classroom Labels
- Rainbow Editable Classroom Labels
- Maple Leaves Editable Classroom Labels
- Pineapple Editable Classroom Labels
- Strawberry Editable Classroom Labels
- Cherry Editable Classroom Labels
- Grass Editable Classroom Labels
Hopefully these 5 classroom decor ideas will help you achieve the nature classroom of your dreams.
