Decorating the classroom for the holidays

Do you decorate your classroom for the holidays? I’m a huge fan of decorating EVERYTHING for the holidays – but that shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who’s read this blog before. I know that there are all kinds of differing opinions on incorporating anything holiday related into the classroom. You know your school and your families – those are the most important considerations to make in these kinds of decisions. Since I definitely do appreciate decorating the classroom, here are some of the things that I make sure to consider when bringing holiday cheer into the environment.

Colors and themes – I like to stick to whites and winter themed, snowflakes, deer, trees, etc. These can last beyond the holiday season so I don’t feel rushed to take them down and put them away. Coming back to school after the holidays can feel a bit like being splashed with a bucket of cold water. Coming back to a little sparkle and cheer can help ease that transition out of the holiday bubble.

Storage and cost – There is never enough storage in any classroom, so decorations that can be used and stored year after year without taking up too much space are always helpful. I’m a huge fan of decorations made by the children for this reason – they’re inexpensive and can be sent home at the end of the season. Paper snowflakes, hand drawn snowmen, yarn pom poms and construction paper trees are all perfect decorations that can be hung on bulletin boards and made into garlands.

Atmosphere – Decorations should always add to the classroom atmosphere without becoming overwhelming or distracting. There is definitely such a thing as too many decorations, and when these become overpowering then it changes the mood and the behaviors of the children. Decorations can bring joy, or they can bring too much stimulation. It’s important to identify what the line is for your class.

For more ideas about the classroom environment, be sure to check out these posts:

• Creating a Cozy Classroom
• Thoughts on Decorating the Classroom for the Holidays
• Helping Preschoolers Feel Comfortable in the Classroom
• My Thoughts on Classroom Decor
• Creative Ways to Display Children’s Work
• Planning Your Classroom Layout
• Creating a Dynamic Preschool Classroom
• Creating an Aesthetically Organized Classroom