Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the classroom decorations are so delightful… That’s the way the song goes, right? Well, for teachers all across the country who are looking for ways to jazz up their classroom’s decor and add a bit of wintry pizzazz, these ways to decorate the classroom for winter are easy to execute, but make a huge difference in the look and feel of your preschool, elementary, or middle school classroom.  It’s a great way to brighten up the room and get everyone excited about being in school – especially after the winter holiday break!  Check them out below and see how you might be able to incorporate them in your classroom decorating plans.

5 Ways to Decorate the Classroom for Winter

1. Snowflakes

Snowflakes are the ultimate winter decor. Hang them from the ceiling, use them in a bulletin board, and for lesson manipulatives. Create a winter snowflake escape with snowflakes made from paper or cardboard. If you plan on repeating the snowflake decor next year, you may want to purchase heavier snowflakes and laminate them with clear contact paper if they’re not already coated. Not only will they last longer, but it will keep them from getting dirty or warping while in storage.

2. Snowmen

The holidays may be gone, but the lovable image of a snowman is never out of season. Create a large snowman to hang by the door to welcome students as they enter the classroom. A wintry mix of green evergreen trees and snowman cutouts can hang from the ceiling to offer snowy decor. Cover bulletin boards with snowmen related math and language activities, and bring snowman themes into learning center projects.

3. Winter Sports

While snowflakes and snowmen are the typical winter decorations for the classroom, branch out and create a winter sports theme. Ice skating, skiing, and any other winter sports are fair game for this wintry theme. If you have your students in groups of desks or tables, change their normal group name to something that fits the theme and have them create a table “crest” much like a family might have. The “Hockey Players” could have hockey sticks and pucks on their crest, while the “Figure Skaters” could depict a pair of ice skates on theirs. Hang the banners or flags above each groups’ work area and use them as part of the room’s decorations.

4. Hearts

Warm up your classroom decor with a little love. Colorful hearts are perfect for leading up to Valentine’s Day and they can be used for just about any project. Heart themed bulletin boards, hanging hearts, and heart arts and crafts projects are all decorating possibilities. Instead of using a red, pink and white theme, step away from the norm and try using hearts of many different colors instead. This will create a bold and fun decor that your students will enjoy.  For an added twist, talk about the importance of heart health!

5. Tropical Beach

Forget the snowy landscape and take a mid-winter vacation to a tropical beach. Your students will love the beach decor in the middle of winter. Palm trees on the walls, beach balls hanging from the ceiling, and a beach umbrella in the class library are all great ways to accent your tropical theme. Use the theme to inspire creative writing and other lessons, as well.

How do you combat the winter blues in your classroom decor?

Share your favorite winter decorating tips with us by leaving a comment below!