8 Ways to Refresh Your Classroom in the New Year

Are you looking for ways to bring new life and energy to your classroom? Maybe you need a little extra boost to push past the mid-year hump. (Summer isn’t coming fast enough, am I right?!) Or perhaps some fresh inspiration would help you feel reenergized for the second half of the school year. These 8 ideas to refresh your classroom in the new year are sure to give your space the revitalizing spark it needs!

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1: Choose an area specifically to display student work

This is one of my favorites, and it’s so easy! Create a “brag wall” where students’ work can be featured throughout the year. I like choosing a specific wall or corner in my classroom specifically for this purpose. Seeing their work on display gives students a sense of ownership and pride. And it can be motivating as they’re reminded of their own growth and achievements!

At the beginning of the semester, your student work display boards can look a little bare. You’ve likely cleared the projects from last semester to make way for the new. But it can take a little time before you have student pieces ready to display. So, I like hanging these “Amazing Work Coming Soon” posters on my student work designated boards at the start of the semester. Grab these unique and colorful Amazing Work Coming Soon posters for FREE!

After you return to class for the second semester, try this idea. Give students the opportunity to view some of their work from the beginning of the school year and compare it to their most recent work. This allows them to see how much they’ve improved. And that feeling of accomplishment might just give them the extra boost they need to get back into the swing of things after winter break!

2: Coordinate your decor theme throughout your space

No one likes a distracting, haphazard atmosphere. Especially when it comes to a learning environment! That’s why it’s so beneficial to choose a solid theme for your classroom. Use decor that matches throughout your space to create a sense of harmony and unity. For some inspiration, check out these unique classroom themes.

This unity is especially important when it comes to the colors you choose. To avoid clashing decor, be sure to use a common color scheme. Find fun accent pieces, like book bins, lamps, vases, picture frames, etc. that add a pop of color and compliment your theme. This will tie your whole room together!

3: Get a new organization tool and declutter!

I can’t stress enough how freeing and energizing it is to clear out clutter and create a well organized space! I’m sure you’ve been there too. That huge sense of relief when you finally clean out your closet, or purge expired items from your fridge, or clean out your car! The same goes for your classroom. Seize the new year by the horns and make this the time you reorganize your workspace!

Maybe you have tons of clutter to dispose of (no pack-rat judgement here, seriously). Or you might be one of those people who could just use some new organization tools in your life. Either way, these 5 Amazon finds are game-changers for teacher organization! This year, I challenge you to embrace one new tool that will step-up your organizing game. As a good place to start, here are two of my all-time favorites: the teacher toolbox and the 12 drawer rolling cart. These are teacher must-haves in my opinion.

4: Add new color to refresh your classroom in the new year

Here’s a simple idea that has a big impact visually when trying to bring new life to your classroom. Add new color to your space! If you’ve already decorated your classroom with a consistent color palette, try adding a new color to the mix! And if you’re not looking to change your entire decor theme just yet, simply add a new accent piece or design element that brings a fresh pop of color! This could be as simple as a new rug, lamp, throw pillows, book bins, etc.

5: Add a new learning space with a welcoming display

For your classroom refresh, try adding a new book nook or sensory tools area. And create a fun display to welcome students to their new space! Keeping with your classroom decor theme, you could add a banner that spells out the name of the new area, or create a fun poster or bulletin board display that welcomes students to the new space. Or, if you aren’t ready to create a whole new learning area, you could simply rearrange a few spots in your classroom. And remember to change up the coordinating displays for a fresh look!

6: Use Google Slides Templates to improve classroom routines

I’m a huge fan of using slides to organize my day! If you aren’t already doing this, check out this blog post with ideas on how to improve classroom routines using Google Slides. Now is the perfect time to adopt a new tool that will keep you and your students organized throughout the day! Slides are perfect for both virtual and in-person instruction.

If you’re a seasoned slides user, why not grab a fresh Slides Templates theme to use in your classroom for the new year?! There are so many fun designs to choose from, including seasonal slide templates and holiday themed slides! Your students will love seeing the designs change throughout the year.

7: Leverage the power of lighting

Who loves those harsh, cold overhead lights most of our schools are full of? Not me! And I’m guessing you don’t either. Add your own light features to create a more comfortable, inviting ambiance to your classroom. Add a new lamp to your reading corner or your desk area. Replace harsh bulbs with softer light. And for a truly magical effect, add a few strands of tiny string lights to your room!

8: Use nature inspired decor to refresh your classroom

Lastly, breathe life back into your classroom by bringing nature in! Plants, greenery, and earthy tones are timeless. And they have an unmistakably calming influence. A simple way to do this is by adding plants, flowers, greenery, or wood accents to your classroom. Take it further by choosing a nature inspired decor theme. For some ideas, check out these designs: Plant Life Classroom Decor, Boho Desert Classroom Decor, Coastal Classroom Decor, and the popular Modern Tropical Classroom Decor.

While these themes look very different, they each incorporate neutral, earthy hues. And they feature plants, coral, sunshine, cacti, and other natural images. Easily create a tranquil, calming vibe in your classroom this year with nature inspired decor!

Refresh your Classroom in the New Year

If you’re feeling the mid-year lag, and wishing summer was here (like, yesterday), give these ideas a try! Easily refresh your classroom in the new year, and bring new energy to your life. I’d love to see what you choose to do! Please share your classroom photos with me on Instagram @ashleymckenzietpt. Here’s to a refreshing semester ahead!