Extreme Makeover Rainbow Classroom Edition: 5 Tips for Creating the Rainbow Classroom of Your Dreams

 

Step Into My Colorful Classroom

In this episode of Extreme Makeover Classroom Edition, I’ll be giving you a peek into my classroom that is all things RAINBOW!  If you love ROYGBIV goodness as much as I do, then this blog post is for you.

As you read, keep in mind that my classroom transformation has been a work in progress over my teaching career.  As educators, we simply do not have the luxury to buy everything at once.  I have always loved using a colorful theme in kindergarten, so I have added a little bit each year.  Set and stick to a budget, add things as you go, and you’ll spice up your space in no time!

Recently, I have had several messages on my Instagram asking for links to the products I use for bulletin board displays, classroom décor, and organization.  This post includes affiliate links for my favorite rainbow classroom décor.

Are you ready to create your Rainbow Classroom?  Here are my top 5 tips for creating a bright and inviting space…

 

1.  Begin by picking the perfect borders and backgrounds.

Rainbow borders

I like to go with uniform backgrounds and borders throughout my room so that everything coordinates.  After having colored fabric on my boards for five years or so, I decided to go with a black fabric background.  You can certainly use fade-less bulletin board paper, but investing in fabric is well-worth it.  In the long run, it will save you time and money.  You can leave it up for years, and it still looks great!

The Perfect Rainbow Borders

I chose two rainbow borders from Carson Dellosa’s SchoolGirl Style line.  The Rainbow Dot Borders and Rainbow Stripe Borders are absolutely beautiful.  These borders look amazing with any display.  You can leave them up the entire year!  I added black and white polka dot borders to some of my boards as well.

 

Rainbow Borders
In the photo above, I used the Hello Sunshine Rainbow Scalloped Borders paired with the Black and White Scalloped Borders from the Simply Stylish Collection.  This rainbow double border combination is one of my all-time favorites.

 2.  Add the essentials first!

Keeping that budget in mind, ask yourself what are your teacher must-haves.  As a kindergarten teacher, I knew that I was looking for a collection that included a coordinating alphabet, number posters, a birthday board, a calendar, and a shapes set.  I found everything I was looking for with SchoolGirl Style’s Just Teach Collection.

Check out the photos below to see how these coordinating bulletin board sets added color in a classy way…

 

 

The Just Teach Alphabet, Birthday Board, and Calendar Set.

 

The number posters include the number, number word, and ten frames.

 

The magnetic numbers were just what I was looking for!

 

This Shapes Set goes perfectly with my Geometry Unit, and it’s great for Write the Room activities.

 

CLICK HERE to shop the JUST TEACH products above!

Save 15% with Promo Code CASEY2022 !

 

Next, I also wanted to find an inspirational poster for the bulletin board behind my teacher desk.  This one below was perfect mounted on top of some clearance black and white polka dot fabric.  A pink scalloped border added to the poster helped to make the colors pop.  Hooray for School!

Another must-have for me was finding a rainbow bulletin board set to go with my classroom theme.  I am obsessed with how this We Are a Rainbow of Possibilities board turned out!  I put it up before our Open House, and so many parents had their children stand in front of it for a picture. It is great for a bulletin board or door display.  There are extra raindrops provided so that you could write your students’ names on them.

Last on my list of essentials was creating a quiet space for students who need time to calm down.  This Calming Strategies bulletin board set by Carson Dellosa was exactly what I was looking for.  I’m thinking about adding some pillows and squishy stuffed animals to it for the upcoming school year.

Calm Corner
Get 15% OFF your ENTIRE ORDER on Carsondellosa.com with promo code CASEY2022

3.  Add the Accents for Your Rainbow Classroom

Then once you have gotten all of your essentials in place, it’s time to add the accents to tie everything together.  This is definitely one area that I have done over time.  I’ll pick up bright things here and there.  Carson Dellosa has an entire link of  Classroom Accents and Decorations that help to add little touches to your room.

Some of my favorite décor pieces from Carson Dellosa include fans, lanterns, and my Black and Gold Polka Dot Pocket Chart.

 

 

 

 

 

4.  Time to get organized!

Adding rainbow and neon storage solutions has helped to make my room bright and beautiful on even the most dreary winter days!  I’m a huge fan of the Neon Storage Line by Really Good Stuff for my storage bins and Writing Center baskets.   You can save 10 % on your entire order with code KORNER10

 

I also purchased storage cubes to hold the bins as seen in the photos.  I used a shoe organizer also by  as a headphone storage center.  It works perfectly!

 

These  Storage Center Caddies may just be my favorite organizer of all-time!  My students do not have a desk storage space, so the kids use community supplies most years.  I purchased these towards the end of last school year.  The kids love them, and so do I!

Chair pockets by Really Good Stuff are a great solution if your kids do not have desk storage space like mine.  It gives the kids a space to put their folder away, and they have more room to work.

 

5.  Make a Wish List

Do not stress if you can’t buy everything you want at once.  Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day and good things take time.   Make a wish list, and get things along the way!

For instance, this Rainbow Fun with Phonics Rug from Discount School Supply had been on my wish list literally for YEARS!  Our generous PTA donated it to my kindergarten classroom last year, and I was like a kid at Christmas time!  It was the perfect finishing touch to complete my rainbow room.
Save 10% on your ENTIRE ORDER with code KINDER10

What’s on my wish list for this year?  I am sticking with my rainbow theme and just switching up a few things.  I’m loving the new Hello Sunshine line by SchoolGirl Style. The best part is that everything in the collection coordinates well with my Just Teach Collection Pieces.  I’ll be sure to post pics as I update the room!

I’m loving the new Hello Sunshine Borders and the entire collection!

 

Save 15% OFF your ENTIRE ORDER on Carson Dellosa Education with PROMO CODE CASEY2022  

Post Update as of August 2022

Since publishing this original post, I have recreated the Rainbow Classroom Theme using new décor lines as well as some of my own creations.  Take a look…

Rainbow Classroom Theme for Kindergarten

CLICK HERE to read about my Lightbulb Moments Classroom Makeover.

Rainbow Classroom Black and White

For this classroom transformation, I combined rainbow with black and white elements.  CLICK HERE to read about this Rainbow Mix & Match Makeover.

Rainbow Classroom Theme for Kindergarten

The Rainbow Kindergarten Lettering shown here has been one of our best sellers.  CLICK HERE to learn more about how to create this display in your own classroom!

Kindergarten Classroom Decor

 

Above all, I hope that this peek into my classroom has inspired you. Connect with me on Instagram @kindergartenkornerbycasey.  I would love to see a glimpse into your classroom!

Be sure to follow my Kindergarten Korner Blog for more design and teaching tips!

Casey