Second Grade Classroom Tour: A DIY Learning Space for the Budget Savvy Teacher

The development and design of my classroom has been a long labor of love. I designed it with the busy, young learner in mind. The scheme, flow, and details are all focused on giving my young learners a peaceful and calm learning environment.   Many of the items in my room are DIY in nature, so take a tour with me will ya?!?

If you’ve been reading along for a while you know that in addition to my PINEdaisyHOUSE endeavors I’m a full-time 2nd grade teacher. So if you don’t mind I’m going to deviate slightly from my regular content and share some DIYs from my classroom.  Here are images, descriptions and sources for many of the items in my classroom. The DIY items in my classroom were completely optional. I chose to add them to make my room a quaint learning space that makes me feel like I’m coming home every time I go to work. Here are some ideas for inexpensive and even free ways to brighten up the learning space you teach in.

Classroom Theme

White, light blue and pops of yellow are the main color elements in my classroom. In a few places I use muted primary colors. Since the beginning white has been the foundation for my design. That in and of itself is a huge money saver. Any white item I add to my room automatically matches (ha)!  Now whenever I make a purchase I try to buy high quality items that last year after year.

My classroom has a whimsical, bright, and airy feel. I use hot air balloons to add additional color. I cut the various clouds out of cardboard and made simple 3D hot air balloons out of scrap book paper. Some really thin cardboard was used to make 3D clouds. This was my inspiration. I began with one large mural and over time have extended it across the entire back of my classroom. In total this one high impact element cost me about $3.00.  If you decide to make a mural be sure to save any templates you use in case you need to replace elements over time.

Classroom Bulletin Boards

White fabric covers my bulletin boards. The fabric is four years old and still looks great! Ribbon acts as my border.  I also use a clothes line system with jute twine and clothes pins to hang student work. This means there are minimal tack holes in the fabric so everything lasts longer. Plus, I love the texture the jute adds. The white and jute offer a neutral timeless backdrop for my students work to really shine.

Above my main bulletin board is a simple quote by E.B. White. “Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.” My sister did a beautiful job lending her hand lettering skills to a simple inexpensive white canvas from Hobby Lobby.

Classroom Calendar

One of the big items in my design is a simple calendar system. I scooped up a large picture frame and some chicken wire I found lying around at home. With extra white fabric and a staple gun I lined the back of the frame. I then used basic publishing tools in Microsoft to create numbers, month names and days of the week. The calendar elements were cut and laminated, I added adhesive magnets to the back and voila!!! Tiny clothes pins from the craft store with added ribbon are used to mark the date!

Classroom DIY Countertops

Along the main wall of my classroom are two student height shelves to rest my teaching materials, pencil sharpener and laptop on. In an effort to keep things streamlined, and affordable I built them. Over the course of several months I bought wooden crates from Wal-Mart and painted closet shelves from home that we weren’t using. I stacked them as you see in the picture using simple plants from IKEA to add texture and pops of color. I love the crates because they double as storage when needed.

Classroom items from IKEA

Every work space needs organization and storage. Overall my classroom has alot of cabinetry and filing. However, to suit my style I’ve gotten a few additional storage bins over the years to help keep everything streamlined. My budget is very tight so extra containers and classroom organization items are from IKEA.  

The library book shelf is open in the back so I can use it as a room partition if needed.  Simply organized with basic labels, the class library tubs are from the dollar spot at target. I also use several white storage boxes that are sturdy and durable. They hold yearly read alouds, and items I need to store. To help add flexibility to my teaching, I use the children’s easel from IKEA.

In my teacher desk area I have a few letter trays to organize my weekly paperwork. I also use magazine files to hold additional copies that I’ll need throughout the year. Finally, I store lessons, and reusable materials in white binders. Microsoft word saved the day here too, I made, then printed binder labels. Since my teacher desk also doubles as a small group instruction table I use affordable stools from IKEA too. This year I added the wreath and pom garland to brighten the corner right up.

Classroom Creation

As I prepare for another year in 2nd grade I can’t help but feel butterflies of excitement for the first day of school. Creating a cohesive, calm, space of learning has always been my goal. I have a very minimalist approach and try to reduce clutter by saving paperwork and lessons digitally. When my students come into my classroom they know that it’s a space of peace, wonder, and learning. Together, it’s our home away from home for almost 10 months so I’ve work hard to make a space of practical comfort and beauty.

With Intention,

Want to see more or have questions? Ask away in the comments and hop over to my Instagram account; you’ll see my classroom tour in my highlights.