When I was setting up my first classroom, I consulted Pinterest – a lot. I was so excited to have one of the gorgeous, perfectly organized classroom that filled my feed. I quickly realized that these creative, color-coordinated pictures provided great inspiration, but also created some unrealistic expectations. Here’s why my classroom isn’t Pinterest perfect—and why that’s perfectly okay.
Focus on Functionality
As a kindergarten teacher (and not an interior designer) my primary focus is creating an environment that is best for student learning. The layout and organization are designed to support student engagement, collaboration, and independence. While a visually appealing classroom can be exciting, it’s more important that materials and resources are easily accessible and functional for daily use.
Sometimes, this means sacrificing aesthetics for practicality.
Save that Cash for Coffee and Amazon
Let’s face it, most classrooms look like this when you enter for the first time – or even worse! Schools give you the bare minimum.
When it was my first year of teaching – I was also planning a wedding and purchasing my first home. To say I was on a tight budget was an understatement! Unlike the seemingly endless budgets seen in Pinterest photos, real-life classroom budgets are limited.
I make the most of what I have and get creative with inexpensive or DIY solutions. Many of the materials and furniture in my classroom come from donations, thrift stores, or second-hand sources. These items may not match perfectly, but the 5 year old children in my classroom don’t mind. It also is much less painful when something inevitably gets marker on it or scratched!
Have the Students Help Out
My classroom walls are covered in student artwork, projects, and charts we create together.
This creates a sense of ownership and pride among the students, even if it doesn’t look as polished as a Pinterest board.
I like to use these clothespins that have tacks already attached to easily switch out items. I have found over the years that my students pay so much more attention to items on the wall if they have had a hand in creating it!
Of course, I have a few fun posters or pieces of art simply there for the sake of being cute. But I only have a couple and when I take them down at the end of the year, the students never notice. They do notice all the things we have created together!
Life Happens
What you don’t see on Pinterest are the tiny humans who use that space for 7-8 hours a day.
Kindergartners are not known for their neatness and are active learners. This means there will be messes, spills, and general wear and tear. Embracing this reality helps create a more relaxed and authentic learning environment.
An authentic classroom reflects the real-life process of learning, which can be messy and imperfect. This authenticity fosters a more relatable and comfortable space for students.
I used to be so focused on cleaning and imperfections because I wanted my classroom to appear perfect! I have to remind myself to just let it go and let them be kids. I am also a much less stressed teacher when the spaces for my students look like they are for students.
My desk however… is perfectly, type A organized. 😉
Your Time is Precious
Our district only allows one day for classroom setup! We are allowed to come in for 2 weeks prior to that, but it is unpaid and cuts into my summer break. I also utilize that time for planning with my team, gathering first week materials, watching exciting videos about FERPA, and looking through incoming student paperwork. Between all that, there’s little time left for elaborate decorating.
My time is better spent on preparing quality lessons and enjoying the last of my summer break!
It’s Perfectly Okay to Not be Pinterest Perfect!
While Pinterest-perfect classrooms are lovely to look at, they don’t necessarily reflect the reality of day-to-day teaching. My classroom may not be picture-perfect, but it is a space where students feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. It’s filled with creativity, authenticity, and the vibrant energy of young learners. Ultimately, what matters most is not how the classroom looks, but how it feels and functions for the students and teacher who spend their days there. So, here’s to embracing the imperfections and focusing on what truly makes a classroom a wonderful place to be!
I hope this post helps you feel more confident in your own unique and functional classroom. I’d love to hear any great deals you’ve scored or DIY tips that make your classroom a fun learning space! 👇👇