How to Create a Beach Theme Classroom

The beach is a fun place and a fun idea for a classroom theme

Teachers often look for creative decorative ideas for their classrooms, to go with a particular unit of study or just to give the room a fresh look. A beach theme is a fun, colorful way to tie in learning with a welcoming environment. This theme can be used to start the school year or to chase away winter doldrums. A beach theme can also be created easily with many items a teacher may already have on hand.

Things You'll Need

• Blue butcher block paper
• Cotton balls
• Colored construction paper
• Brown butcher block paper
• Green butcher block paper
• Clear mailing tape
• Beach balls
• Inner tubes
• Plastic children's lounge chairs
• Box decorated like a pirate's treasure box

Instructions

Create a Beach Theme Bulletin Board

1. 

   Blue butcher block paper can be used to create the illusion on a sky

   Create a blue sky bulletin board by covering the board with blue butcher block paper.

2. 

   Create a sun to add to the bulletin board

   Cut a sun from yellow construction paper and attach it to the top of the bulletin board.

3. 

   Cotton balls can be used to create cloud

   Glue cotton balls to the top of the bulletin board around the sun to create clouds.

4. 

   Sandpaper can create the illusion of sand.

   Cut the top edge of brown sandpaper so that it is not perfectly straight across. Cover the bottom of the bulletin board with the brown sandpaper to create the illusion of sand.

Create a Beach Theme 'Treasured Books' Reading Area

1. 

   Use brown butcher block paper for the tree base

   Cut four feet of brown butcher block paper.

2. 

   Wrinkle the butcher block paper to resemble a palm tree base

   Roll it vertically from one end, wringing it as you would a damp towel, to create the base of a palm tree.

3. Secure the palm tree base to a corner of the wall in the reading area with clear mailing tape.

4. 

   Cut green butcher block paper to resemble palm tree leaves

   Cut palm tree leaves from green butcher block paper. Secure them to the top of the palm tree base and wall with clear mailing tape.

5. 

   Place colorful plastic lounge chairs in the reading area for seating

   Place plastic lounge chairs, beach balls and inner tubes in the reading area for extra decoration.

6. 

   Decorate a treasure box to hold beach themed books

   Place beach themed books in a treasure box to go along with the decorations.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with the maintenance person in the building to ensure mailing tape can be used on the walls. If not, other alternatives may be available in the school supplies.

References

• Beach Theme Bulletin Boards