Have you ever dreamed of transforming your classroom into a cozy and creative space inspired by nature? My first ever high school classroom was nature-themed and while I don’t have any pictures from that teaching era, I can paint you a picture of what it looked like: I printed some of my favorite hiking pictures to display around the room, hung a giant stick with twinkle lights from the ceiling, and incorporated plants wherever I could!
Years later, I had an opportunity to make over a middle school ELA classroom in my area and I can’t wait to show you how it turned out! Get ready to step into a classroom filled with calming greenery, nature-inspired elements, and an atmosphere that promotes calmness and creativity!
Let’s explore the benefits of a nature themed classroom, create a mood board, take a peek at some stunning makeovers, and share tips on how you can bring the beauty of nature into your very own learning environment!
The Benefits of a Nature-Themed Classroom
- Increased Focus and Calm: Studies show that exposure to natural elements can reduce stress and improve concentration. Imagine your students soaking up the tranquility of a plant-filled space as they learn and grow.
- Enhanced Creativity: Nature has a way of sparking creativity. The visual appeal of plants and natural decor can inspire students to think outside the box and engage more deeply with their work.
- Positive Classroom Culture: A beautifully decorated space can boost morale and create a positive atmosphere, making your classroom a place where students are excited to spend time.
Nature Themed Classroom Mood Board and Costs
Before diving into the classroom design process, it’s helpful to visualize your ideas through a mood board. This will serve as your guiding star and help you stay focused on your theme. Here’s how to get started:
- Gather Inspiration: Use platforms like Pinterest or Instagram to find images of nature-themed classrooms, garden-inspired decor, and plant arrangements.
- Choose a Color Palette: Think greens, browns, and earth tones with pops of your favorite colors found in nature!
- Incorporate Textures: Consider materials like wood, woven baskets, and elements of nature to add depth and warmth to your space.
- Organize Your Ideas: Arrange your chosen images, colors, and textures on a physical or digital board. This will help you see how everything comes together. Canva is great for this!
- Create a Budget: Get creative and figure out how to bring your mood board to life on a teacher’s budget! Here are some ideas:
Using a nature theme is great for classroom decor on a budget because you can go on a nature scavenger hunt and find all kinds of free elements to use in your woodland classroom! As for this nature themed classroom makeover, here is the breakdown of what I spent infusing a little more joy into her middle school ELA nature themed classroom:
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- Nature theme classroom decor bundle: $10
- Shower curtain turn classroom wall art: $18
- Birch tree wallpaper: 8×2=$16
- Faux wood bulletin board paper: $18
- Bulletin board border: $9
- Wood stump floor cushions: 11×4=$44
- Reading canopy: $15
- Macrame plant hangers: $23
- Suncatcher crystals or stickers: $10
- Track ceiling hooks: $12
- Plants: $35
- Misc. Supplies: $25
- Items from around my house: FREE
- Using items she already had: FREE
Total: $235
Before and After: Nature-Themed Classroom Makeover
Let’s look at some examples from this nature-themed classroom makeover that might just ignite your own creative spark! Over the course of 3 days and for less than $300, we completely transformed this learning space. Both the teacher and I are thrilled with the results, and the students absolutely adore their new, vibrant environment. They’re more excited than ever to learn and grow!
Isn’t it amazing how just a few small changes can make a huge difference in the overall feel of this middle school classroom?
Throughout this nature themed classroom, you’ll see lots of flexible seating nooks, but my favorite are these adorable stump floor cushions! I love that the covers can be taken off and washed if they get dirty, and you can’t beat the price!
As for the big-scale art (always best for big classroom walls), I actually used a nature themed shower curtain! To make this look like art instead of a shower curtain, I hot glued two $4 light pieces of wood right on top of the fabric and then hung it with wire.
If you want a more detailed video of this, you can find it under my Instagram Story Highlight titled “Nature Theme” @BuildingBookLove
If you have cinder block walls, did you know that you can attach wallpaper to them using tiny dabs of hot glue? It’s true! Or, if you have sheetrock walls, you can attach it using staples like I did with the book wrapping paper in a different classroom. Just be sure to check your fire codes before you dive in!
After reading my new favorite nonfiction book Joyful by Ingrid Fetell Lee, I’ve been on a mission to create a sense of wonder and magic within my spaces. These little crystals will hang in front of a window and will not only look pretty, but will also give rainbows at unexpected times throughout the school day! If you would like to learn how to create moments of surprise and delight throughout the school year, be sure to check out Keeping the Wonder: An Educator’s Guide to Magical, Engaging, and Joyful Learning
Whether faux or real, bringing in wooden elements can really warm up a nature themed classroom! Here, I used this wooden bulletin board paper as a background for these Nature Themed Literary Device Posters and had enough left over to use it as a backing on the bookshelves as well!
This classroom has a long wall full of windows, so I just knew that I wanted to incorporate plants into this design! The moment I brought these plants into the classroom, it went from feeling like a cinder block cave to a welcoming learning space. Here’s an informative video on the benefits of using plants in the classroom, and here’s a practical article on which plants grow best in dark classrooms.
Since this middle school classroom decor is for sixth graders, I thought it would be fun to incorporate a reading tent. There’s just something so magical about a little tent with string lights. I adore how it turned out! If you would like to learn more about the elements of wonder in classroom design, be sure to check out: Keeping the Wonder: An Educator’s Guide to Magical, Engaging, and Joyful Learning
Tips to Create Your Own Nature-Themed Classroom
Transforming your classroom into a nature-themed wonderland is easier than you think! Here are some practical tips to get you started:
- Start Small with Plants: Begin by adding a few low-maintenance plants. They’re easy to care for and instantly bring a touch of nature.
- Use Natural Light: Maximize the natural light in your classroom by keeping windows clear and using light, airy curtains. Natural light not only brightens the space but also enhances health.
- Incorporate Nature-Inspired Art: Hang posters, prints, or drawings that feature plants and landscapes. This art can reinforce the theme and add visual interest.
- Use Earthy Materials: Opt for wooden shelves, cork boards, and woven baskets to add texture and depth to the decor. These materials help create a cohesive natural look.
- Create Cozy Nooks: Designate areas for reading or quiet time with comfortable seating, rugs, and pillows. Adding a few plants around these nooks can enhance the peaceful vibe.
Creating a nature-themed classroom is worth it! Not only will you be crafting a beautiful and inspiring space, but you’ll also be providing your students with an environment that supports their learning and well-being. I can’t wait to see how you bring the magic of nature into your classroom!
P.S. Now that you have your classroom design inspiration, would you like some first day inspiration? Keep reading here: First Day of School Activities for High School and Middle School English
