Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by bringing the festive spirit into your classroom? I’ve rounded up some delightful decoration ideas that will make your classroom feel warm and welcoming this holiday season.
1. Window Sun-catchers
Make turkey sun-catchers using colored tissue paper and hang them in the windows to catch the autumn sun. It’s an easy craft that brightens the room. These are especially effective when the sun shines through them, casting colorful patterns across the floor. I remember one year, the students were so proud of their sun-catchers that they wanted to make them for their families too!
Items that may come in handy:
- Colored Tissue Paper: Create vibrant turkey sun-catchers with colorful tissue paper to brighten your classroom windows.
- Clear Contact Paper: Use clear contact paper to easily assemble and display your stunning sun-catcher creations.
- Kid-friendly Scissors: Equip students with safe scissors for crafting their turkey sun-catchers with ease and creativity.
2. Thanksgiving Photo Booth
Set up a Thanksgiving photo booth with props like pilgrim hats and turkey masks. It’s a fun way for students to capture holiday memories. You could even include a backdrop with a Thanksgiving scene to enhance the experience. It is a heartwarming sight to see them laughing and creating memories together.
Give these a look:
- Pilgrim Hat and Turkey Mask Set: Add fun to your photo booth with pilgrim hats and turkey masks for memorable holiday photos.
- Fall-Themed Backdrop: Enhance your photo booth with a beautiful fall-themed backdrop, perfect for seasonal pictures.
- Thanksgiving Photo Booth Props: Capture smiles with a variety of fun Thanksgiving props like leaves, signs, and accessories.
3. Themed Door Decorations
Transform your classroom entrance with Thanksgiving-themed door decorations. Use cutouts, banners, and student art to welcome everyone warmly. This is the first impression visitors will have of your classroom’s festive spirit. I always make sure the door decorations are vibrant and inviting to get everyone excited about Thanksgiving!
A few relevant products:
- Thanksgiving Door Decoration Kit: Elevate your classroom door with a complete decoration kit featuring festive designs. Easy setup for all.
- Autumn Leaf Cutouts: Add a touch of fall magic with vibrant leaf cutouts. Perfect for creating a seasonal look.
- Classroom Thanksgiving Banner: Welcome students warmly with a festive Thanksgiving banner. Brighten up your classroom entrance effortlessly.
4. Seasonal Bulletin Board
Create a seasonal bulletin board featuring student art, Thanksgiving quotes, or facts about the holiday. It’s educational and decorative. This can also be a great place to showcase student writing assignments related to Thanksgiving. I find that incorporating student work makes the bulletin board even more engaging and meaningful.
Maybe worth checking out:
- Decorative Bulletin Board Borders: Enhance your bulletin board with vibrant borders, adding flair and accentuating student artwork.
- Thanksgiving Classroom Posters: Inspire students with colorful Thanksgiving posters featuring quotes and educational content.
- Autumn Leaf Cutouts: Add a festive touch with autumn leaf cutouts, perfect for seasonal decoration and art projects.
5. Fall Leaf Garland
String together a vibrant leaf garland using real or cut-out leaves in rich autumn hues. Hang it across the classroom to bring the outside fall beauty indoors. To make it even more interesting, use different types of leaves with varying textures and colors. I like to add a touch of glitter to the leaves for an extra sparkle that catches the light.
Useful items to consider:
- Artificial Autumn Leaves Set: Create a stunning leaf garland with these colorful, reusable artificial autumn leaves.
- Fall Leaf String Lights: Enhance your garland’s charm with warm, inviting fall leaf string lights.
- Leaf Craft Paper: Cut out vibrant paper leaves in autumn hues for a personalized classroom garland.
6. DIY Wreaths
Encourage students to make their own Thanksgiving wreaths using craft supplies like paper plates, leaves, and ribbons. Hang them on classroom doors or windows. This is a fantastic way to let each student express their creativity and personalize their space. I’ve found that allowing them to choose their own materials makes the activity even more enjoyable for them.
Check these products out:
- Craft Paper Plates: Spark creativity with versatile paper plates perfect for crafting personalized Thanksgiving wreaths.
- Artificial Leaves: Enhance your wreaths with vibrant artificial leaves for a festive and colorful touch.
- Assorted Craft Ribbons: Add flair to your wreaths with assorted ribbons to create stunning, decorative designs.
7. Turkey Handprint Art
Get your students involved by creating handprint turkeys. Trace their hands on construction paper, and let them decorate with colorful feathers and googly eyes. It’s a classic activity that brings a personal touch to your decor. Consider having each student write something they are thankful for on one of the turkey’s feathers. I have always cherished these handprint turkeys as a reminder of the precious moments spent with my students.
Possibly handy products:
- Colorful Construction Paper Pack: Encourage creativity with vibrant construction paper, perfect for crafting handprint turkeys with students.
- Craft Feathers Bulk: Add a fun flair to handprint turkeys with these assorted, colorful craft feathers.
- Googly Eyes for Crafts: Bring your turkey handprints to life with these playful googly eyes for endless fun.
8. Thanksgiving Banner
Hang a cheerful Thanksgiving banner at the front of the classroom. Personalize it with students’ names or favorite Thanksgiving sayings for a special touch. You can even make it interactive by having students contribute to the design or message. I think it creates a sense of unity and excitement when everyone is involved in making the banner.
A few helpful options:
- Customizable Thanksgiving Banner Kit: Create a personalized banner with students’ names for a warm classroom atmosphere.
- Thanksgiving Themed Letter Cutouts: Add colorful letters to enhance your festive classroom decoration effortlessly.
- Adhesive Leaf Decals: Decorate easily with reusable leaf decals, perfect for a creative and quick classroom setup.
9. Thankfulness Tree
Create a thankfulness tree on a bulletin board where students can add leaves expressing what they are thankful for. It’s a beautiful way to cultivate gratitude. This activity not only decorates the classroom but also encourages students to reflect on the positive aspects of their lives. I’ve noticed that it really helps create a positive and appreciative atmosphere in the classroom.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Colored Construction Paper: Add vibrant colored leaves for the thankfulness tree. Get creative with your classrooms’ gratitude display.
- Reusable Adhesive Putty: Easily attach leaves to the bulletin board. Perfect for decorating without damaging surfaces.
- Bulletin Board Border Trim: Enhance your board’s appearance with stylish trims, making the tree display more engaging.
10. Pumpkin Centerpieces
Place small pumpkin centerpieces on desks or tables. Add some fall foliage around them to create an inviting and festive atmosphere. You can use real mini pumpkins or craft pumpkins, depending on your preference and budget. I like to add a few pinecones and acorns to the display for a more rustic and natural look.
Consider these options:
- Artificial Pumpkins for Decoration: Enhance your classroom atmosphere with these charming artificial pumpkins for lasting seasonal decor.
- Fall Foliage Garland: Create a warm, festive feel by adding vibrant fall foliage garlands around your centerpieces.
- Mini Hay Bales for Crafts: Add rustic touches to your pumpkin centerpieces with cute, authentic mini hay bales.
11. Craft Stick Turkeys
Use craft sticks and colorful feathers to create craft stick turkeys. They’re simple to make and can be a cute addition to any classroom display. These little turkeys can be customized with different colors and embellishments to make each one unique. I think these add a touch of whimsy and are always a hit with the younger students.
You might give these a try:
- Colored Craft Sticks: Create vibrant turkeys with these colorful craft sticks, perfect for engaging classroom decorations.
- Assorted Craft Feathers: Add flair to your turkeys with these bright feathers, ideal for creative classroom projects.
- Craft Glue: Securely attach feathers and sticks with this reliable glue, essential for any crafting activity.
12. Cornucopia Display
Set up a cornucopia display filled with faux fruits and vegetables. It’s a classic symbol of abundance and can be a great discussion starter about Thanksgiving. You can use a woven basket or even create a cornucopia shape out of cardboard. I usually use this display to teach the students about the history and significance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Explore these options:
- Large Cornucopia Basket: Bring tradition to life with a classic cornucopia basket for your classroom display.
- Faux Fruit and Vegetable Set: Enhance your display with realistic faux fruits and veggies for a vibrant classroom atmosphere.
- Autumn Leaves Garland: Add autumn charm with a garland of colorful leaves to frame your cornucopia setup.
13. Decorative Tablecloths
Dress up classroom tables with festive tablecloths. Whether store-bought or student-made, it sets the scene for a Thanksgiving celebration. Consider using fall-themed colors and patterns like plaid, leaves, or pumpkins. I find that a simple tablecloth can instantly transform the look of the classroom and make it feel more festive.
Might be a good match:
- Autumn-Themed Tablecloth: Brighten your classroom with a vibrant autumn-themed tablecloth, perfect for festive occasions.
- Thanksgiving Table Cover Set: Set the mood with a Thanksgiving table cover set, ideal for classroom celebrations.
- Patterned Vinyl Tablecloths: Enhance classroom tables with easy-to-clean patterned vinyl tablecloths, suitable for any event.
14. DIY Paper Pumpkins
Get crafty with some DIY paper pumpkins. Use bright orange paper and let students create their own pumpkins to decorate their desks. They can draw faces on them or add glitter and other embellishments. I love seeing the creativity of the students as they personalize their own little pumpkins.
A few choices to try:
- Bright Orange Construction Paper: Add vibrant color to your classroom with this versatile orange construction paper for crafts.
- Safety Scissors for Kids: Ensure safe crafting fun with blunt-tip scissors perfect for young, creative hands.
- Craft Glue Sticks: Securely bond your paper pumpkin projects with these easy-to-use, mess-free glue sticks.
15. Gratitude Jars
Introduce gratitude jars where students can drop notes of thanks throughout the month. It’s a meaningful way to encourage appreciation. At the end of the month, you can read some of the notes aloud to share the gratitude. I feel this activity fosters a sense of community and thankfulness within the classroom.
Some handy options:
- Set of Mason Jars: Encourage sharing of gratitude with these versatile jars, perfect for classroom displays.
- Colorful Sticky Notes: Energize notes of thanks with vibrant sticky notes for a colorful expression of gratitude.
- Fine Point Markers: Write clear, heartfelt messages with these markers, perfect for crafting notes of thanks.
