Prepping for a new school year has teachers busy labeling bins, putting up bulletin boards, and getting everything just right. But classroom decor can do way more than just make things look cute! Your visual setup can actually be a powerful tool for classroom community building.
Here are 10 ways to build a strong classroom community- using decor pieces that you’re already planning on putting up!
1. Start Each Day with an Affirmation Station
We all want our students to feel seen, valued, and safe. One of the simplest and impactful ways to accomplish this? Post positive affirmation cards by a mirror or a doorway.
Encourage students to read one aloud as they start their day: I am kind. I am capable. I am ready to learn. My affirmation stations come with 24 different cards that are ready to print. I like to add affirmations or switch them out as new situations arise and to keep this routine fresh for my students all year long!
Use a few affirmation cards from your classroom decor bundle and stick them to the wall, doorway, or mirror with double sided tape or velcro dots. You can even let students create their own affirmations with the editable template!
2. Give Every Student a Role with a Classroom Jobs Chart
Class jobs are great for classroom community building. When students have a job, they have a purpose. It builds responsibility, ownership, pride, and teamwork which are all key parts of classroom community building.
There are so many options for classroom helpers and job titles! Even the smallest task helps students feel like they matter. Need ideas for classroom jobs? Check out this blog post and grab your free list of class jobs!
Print your class jobs chart and assign jobs the first week. Don’t feel like you have to keep the same jobs throughout the whole year. Change them out as needed or even create your own jobs with the editable template!
3. Celebrate Birthdays with a Special Bulletin Board
A student’s birthday is a HUGE deal for them. Even if it falls on the weekend or over the summer. A simple birthday bulletin board tells every child: you are important and we see you.
Use your printable birthday board to add student names under their birth month. I usually do this as a class on one of the first few days of school for classroom community building. I give each student their name card, and then call out each month. Students walk up and hand me their name card as their month is called, so I can staple it to the birthday board.
Update it as new students join your class. I have a few blank name cards printed out and laminated so that I’m ready for new students.
4. Use Hand Signal Posters for Respectful Communication
Raising a hand is great, but sometimes students just need a quick way to ask for what they need. Hand signal posters create a respectful routine that minimizes disruptions.
I introduce these hand signals on one of the first few days of school. I start with 3-5 posters from the classroom decor bundle I’m using and reinforce them through the first few weeks of school. Then I add new signals with the editable templates if more signals are needed.
5. Build Home-to-School Connections with Weekly or Monthly Newsletters
Classroom community building doesn’t stop in your room. Connect with your students’ families, too! Parents and guardians feel more included and in the loop when you send weekly or monthly newsletters.
Choose a newsletter template from your classroom decor bundle. Share classroom highlights, upcoming important dates, and even student shoutouts. Sending newsletters consistently helps build trust. Read more of my tips for classroom newsletters here.
6. Break the Ice with a Meet The Teacher Handout
Students (and parents) are curious and sometimes nervous about their new teacher. Sharing your background, a few fun facts, and even the best way to contact you can instantly make you seem more approachable.
I email a digital copy of my Meet the Teacher handout a week(ish) before school starts, and then print out and put it on each student’s desk for our district’s open house night for classroom community building.
7. Establish Routines with Daily Classroom Slides
Use editable daily slides from your decor bundle for classroom community building by providing predictability. Predictability helps students feel secure. Daily slides showing the schedule, special events, and reminders during centers or independent work time give structure to your day, and your students thrive on it.
I love using slides for those hectic transition times or rotations to give kids those nonverbal reminders of the expectations.
8. Inspire Your Students Each Morning with a Message or Quote for Classroom Community Building
A morning message or motivational quote can set the tone for kindness and encouragement for the entire day. In the morning when students are arriving, I use a slide to project a good morning message or a positive quote. Read more of my tips on using daily slides in your classroom here.
9. Encourage Peer Recognition with a Shout-Out Space
Classroom community building fast track right here! Nothing builds connections faster than kindness between classmates. I have a bulletin board dedicated to student shout-outs.
Students jot down an act of kindness they’ve witnessed at recess, during rotations, or at recess and turn it in to me. I rewrite it on a post-it note and stick it on our bulletin board. I often add my own observations to promote certain types of kindness or just to make sure everyone is included.
10. Design a Welcoming Space with Purposeful Classroom Decor
The vibe in your classroom matters. It sets the tone before you even say a word or set your routines. When your classroom feels calm, cheerful, and intentional, it tells the students: You belong here.
Use a themed decor set (boho, farmhouse, rainbow, cow print, bee, whatever fits your style). A little cohesiveness goes a long way for classroom community building. Even small touches like matching labels and banners help your space feel warm and inviting.
Let your Classroom Decor Do the Heavy Lifting
You really don’t need a fancy curriculum for classroom community building. You just need a little strategy and a few of the right decor pieces to help you!
My editable classroom decor bundles include everything we’ve talked about here, like: job cards, daily slides, affirmation cards, and more. With everything all in one place, you can focus on classroom community building so that your students are excited to come to school each day.
Check out all of my classroom decor bundles here!
Let’s build a place where students feel safe, connected, and ready to grow… together!
