Turning A Class Into A Home
- Megan August
- Jul 7, 2025
- 4 min read
One interesting fact about me is that I originally went to school for a Bachelor's degree in science, Promotion to Health and Wellness. My original plan was to go to Occupational Therapy School, but when life gives you a miraculous baby boy, you tend to want to spend every moment possible raising him. So, I pivoted my life plan, you will soon learn I am pretty good at this especially for a lady who is not that big on change. I worked random jobs to get by such as store managers, trucking company office manager, and finally a substitute coordinator. One day my boss asked me why I wasn't a teacher? My response... "I didn't like school when I was a kid, I wasn't very great at it, so didn't think I needed to make it my career." Surprisingly enough he followed up with "that is exactly why you need to become a teacher, you get it, you relate to their struggles! Best of all you LOVE kids. You need to become a teacher."
From there I looked into teaching and obtained my teaching degree in 2023-24 was my first school year teaching 5th grade. With every job there were things I could go without but overall, I really loved it. However, the job did not come without lots of surprises...One of the biggest was the classroom makeover process.
As teachers, we spend more waking hours in our classrooms than in our own living rooms- so it's no surprise that we want them to feel warm, welcoming, and homey. I personally also want to offer a place where a child who may not have the "cool room" at their own home they can have a cool unique classroom to call their own for the year. So, gone are the days sterile white walls, florescent lights, and mismatched furniture. Today's classrooms are Pinterest worthy, with cozy corners, matching color pallets, soft lighting, and themes that range from soothing to boho, to fun.
But here's the cold hard truth no one really talks about creating a "homey vibe" classroom is hard and it is not cheap!
The costs add up...FAST
Classroom budgets (if you even get one) rarely cover more than basic supplies - pencils, paper, maybe a few markers. So when you decide you want an area rug, storage bins, a lamp or two, bulletin board borders, curtains and a calming corner.... well that is all on you!
Even the "little" things - like a set of bins or faux plants, can easily total hundreds of dollars. Add in a rug ($50-$100), a few lamps ($20-$40 each), and a comfy chair ($100-$200), and well you're well past $500 before you've even thought about your actual teaching materials.
TIP: Start small and pace yourself. Remind yourself this is a marathon not a race. You don't need to transform everything in one summer. Prioritize one area at a time, and use hand-me-downs, thrift stores, yard sales when you can. I also tried to hand make A LOT of my own paper products (calendar and inserts, posters, weekly calendars, teacher open house and yearly student goodies)
That Amazon Wishlist Hustle
Many teachers like me turn to Amazon wish lists and social media to help fund their dream classroom. While this can be a lifesaver, it's also stressful and can feel vulnerable. Posting your wish list and publicly asking for help takes courage. I will say though you can never guess the different people willing to help your cause and it is truly heartwarming to see the support!
Sometimes it feels like you are competing with every other teacher in your area or on social media just remember to not lose faith. Go share your wish list on Facebook groups, with family, friends and even in your parent newsletter. Every little bit helps!
The Big Paint Debate
Painting the walls in your classroom can instantly transform the vibe of your classroom and it is a fairly inexpensive route to cover a large space...but it's not always allowed. Many schools have strict policies about painting. If you are one of the lucky ones who are allowed to paint you may look into what colors ignite what emotion/feelings! You want to know if you are going for calming, creative, lively vibes etc.
If painting isn't an option, you may look into removable wallpaper or large fabric backdrops. Bulletin board paper can cover huge area and create a cozy feel without breaking any rules.
Burnout is Real
The biggest struggle of all? Spending your own money, time, and energy to create a beautiful space--and still facing the reality that teaching is hard, and many of the things you buy and bring into your classroom gets torn up and will need replaced sooner than you would like. Remember they are kids, and kids will be kids.
Remember what really makes a classroom feel like home isn't just the aesthetics-- it's the care and love YOU bring each and every day.
Mrs. August's 5th Grade Science Wish List :
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