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A variation of fishing line to hang work from ceiling
Submitted by: katarina, Kinder
I saw a teacher hang work from the ceiling in a truly creative way. She used colored yarn and tied one end to the paper clip, and one end to a clothespin. On the clothespin, she glued a laminated cutout or punchout relating to the classroom theme on either side of the clothespin. She then slipped the paper clip in the ... more »»
Grade Level(s): Preschool, K, 1-2, 3-5, 6-8

CD's
Submitted by: Rubina Qureshi, 7th
What to do with those annoying aol cd's that come in the mail? Use them to decorate your classroom! You can tape them on door windows (back to back) or on the walls. I also love taping them back to back, punch a hole through the middle and slip a long piece of yarn through. Then I tie the ends together attaching a paperclip and slip the paperclip under the ceiling. The kids love looking at them.
Grade Level(s): Preschool, K, 1-2, 3-5, 6-8

Classroom Lighting
Submitted by: Msfrancisenglishteacher, 9, 10, 11
I have found that using lamps in my classroom helps students feel more receptive and comfortable. Harsh fluorescent lights were too much for me and I noticed after bringing in some lamps that my students made comments about feeling more comfortable in my room than in other rooms within the school. I teach at-risk teenagers and I really feel that my choice of lighting has helped with attitude and classroom management.
Grade Level(s): Preschool, K, 1-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Clear Plastic Boxes instead of...
Submitted by: Sarah Elaine Eaton
old cardboard boxes, garbage bags or grocery bags stuffed with teaching resources. These look terrible and convey an unprofessional image to parents and anyone else who happens to be in the school. Invest in some clear plastic boxes. You can label them, stack them and most importantly, you can see what's in them! They look neat, tidy and professional. They also make the materials easy to transport from room to room.
Grade Level(s): Preschool, K, 1-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Decorating Ideas.. Displaying Birthdays
Submitted by: Nikki Ahn, 5th Grade
At the beginning of each school year, I like to decorate my desk. This year I have chosen to turn my desk into a 'gift'. I wrapped it with birthday wrapping paper and made a bow out of other paper and curly ribbon. I used a colorful evelope and placed my name on it and taped it to the front of my desk. Next to my desk ... more »»
Grade Level(s): Preschool, K, 1-2, 3-5, 6-8

Hog Wild About Pigs
Submitted by: Cindy Frady, 3
I used one bulletin board with a big barn that says "Learning Down on the Farm". On another bulletin board I used two large cows and said "In the MOOd for learning". On a third bulletin board I made paper plate pigs that said "Hog Wild About Third Grade". I used a pig notepad from Carson-Dellosa and put each child's name on their desk.

Plastic Canvas
Submitted by: Upsadaisy
When you see plastic canvas on sale in the crafts department, buy lots of it in bright colors. You can easily cut the canvas along the lines, or in patterns, and use it as: borders, picture frames, work frames, accent shapes, bookmarks, placemats, weaving, and lots more. You can even use it for its original purpose(!) - needlepoint.
Grade Level(s): Preschool, K, 1-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Pretty View for Housekeeping Center
Submitted by: Jaye Darr, Poinciana Elem., Naples, FL, PMH
In my housekeeping center I had a bulletin board in an awkward place. I decided to make it a "window" for the children to look out of while washing dishes, cooking etc... Just make a frame with brown strips of paper, use paper to make a background and create a scene that you can change depending on the season. For wint... more »»
Grade Level(s): Preschool, K