Completely Transforming an Elementary School Classroom
We recently just completed our biggest makeover challenge to date! We transformed an elementary school classroom from start to finish with the help from Best Buy Canada! A couple months ago, we put out a call for teachers across US and Canada, and got so many applications, it was hard to choose but we narrowed it down to one incredible teacher - Miss. Hardy in Kelowna, BC. She has a split class of kindergarten and grade one students.
the classroom
Not only does Elizabeth and the classroom need to accommodate 2 different grades and curriculums, but it also requires a multitude of different learning styles. She has 20 students in her class, and within that, there are students who are English language learners, who are diagnosed on the autism spectrum or with learning disabilities, who have visual impairments or are hard of hearing and students who have Indigenous ancestry.
Miss. Hardy had previously done the best with what she has, but as many of you may know, classroom budgets are not always large. Her school is in a lower socioeconomic area, so a lot of the funding that they get goes to important things such as breakfast carts and grocery programs that they give to families that might be struggling. That said, Miss. Hardy had to personally supply a lot of her classroom furniture or use hand-me-downs that other classrooms didn't need.
We hopped on a call with Miss. Hardy and chatted about the needs of the classroom, then we made a list of what we wanted to get done.
Fix lack of storage
No windows (add colour to brighten up the space)
In need of a space for the students to play
Need a calm corner
A carpet & reading chair is a must
Before travelling to Kelowna from Toronto, Miss Hardy sent us a bunch of pictures and a detailed classroom floor plan so we could get the most accurate plans mocked up before flying across the country.
Before
Empty Room
Play Space Area
We constructed a structure that resembled a store front, to use as a storage area for toys and games. We also painted the pre-existing cabinet that was in the room to match the structure, and make it look like one big unit. This unit also added extra storage and gave a pop of colour with the yellow striped canopy.
The cherry on top was adding LED strip lights inside from Best Buy, that are controlled by the teacher's phone, to add more light - as desired by Miss. Hardy!
Products In this section
Green Rug - https://bit.ly/3qPQUMH
Flower Pillows - https://bit.ly/3QZqjHV
Drop ceiling clips - https://bit.ly/3YUZTc2
Paper Lanterns - https://bit.ly/3L0Xeb2
Calm Area
To create a calm corner for the students, we made a make-shift canopy with some faux leaves we got from Facebook Marketplace and got two matching bean bag chairs to fit underneath. To block it off and create the privacy we wanted, we got a bookshelf to really nail that peaceful space we were aiming for.
Additionally, around the whole classroom, we added some extra paper lanterns with Smart Lights from Best Buy that can change colours if Miss. Hardy wants to create a zen time with less harsh lighting.
Products In this section
Canopy Leafs - https://bit.ly/3YUZE0C
Beanbags - https://bit.ly/3PhLCTE
Carpet & Reading Chair Area
Carpet time is huge in elementary school, so having a bigger, softer and more durable carpet was a must. We also supplied a new reading chair and tied the whole area together with new decor and a fun colour palette.
Products In this section
Blue Rug - https://bit.ly/3qOemdn
Log Pillows - https://bit.ly/3PiDMcC
Overall Decor & Storage
To bring in even more colour, we went to the thrift store and got some fabric scraps and pillowcases to create a patchwork wall on the largest bulletin board. We then added back any of the required posters or graphics that were already on them, making it still functional, but more colourful! We also added yellow vinyl to all the indoor windows to give the illusion of sunlight beaming through them, even though it really is harsh cool tones fluorescent lights.
Products In this section
Yellow Vinyl - https://bit.ly/3Ekys21
To bring in more storage, we supplied Miss. Hardy with a new teacher desk and ergonomic chair to replace the hand-me-down one she had before. We also got some shelving units to add to one of the walls to store student work in.
Products In this section
Shelving Units - https://bit.ly/3OUu2ns
Teacher desk - https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/monarch-floating-60-w-computer-desk-with-3-drawers-natural/15333971
We also brought in the student desks, added some fun decor, colourful pillows and faux plants, but most importantly, brought in some cool Smart Toys from Best Buy (list linked below) for the students to play with.
Products in this section
Amazon Fire Tablets - https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/15457895
Children’s Headphones - https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/15325424
Smart Toys - https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/14881930 and https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/14762545
Stacking Stones - https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/16250770
Sensory Shapes - https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/16669234
Magnetic Wooden Blocks - https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/15463838
Final results
We hope this classroom makeover can inspire you to transform your classroom fit to your needs! Let us know your thoughts on the whole makeover in the comments of our YouTube video linked here.
