“You’re so lucky, you get the summers off since you’re a teacher!” they said. … And then all the teachers laughed and laughed.
We know the truth: summers for teachers are spent planning, dreaming, and learning in preparation for the new school year. We take this time to do all the things that we ran out of time for during the school year, including DIY projects to spruce up our classroom space.
These five classroom DIYs are fun and affordable. They’re perfect for middle or high school teachers to work on during their summer “off.” 😉
Fabric banners
Adding textiles to your secondary classroom is an easy way to make the whole space feel more cozy and inviting. I’ll walk you through exactly how to make fluffy fabric scrap banners that you can hang anywhere to brighten your classroom.

Paper fan circles
I love these versatile paper fan circles! They look great layered with each other, or with banners, tassels, and more. So many possibilities. This video tutorial will walk you through all the steps.

Adding a chalkboard surface to a bookcase
Here’s a fun and easy project for even the least crafty teacher! Theresa shows step by step how she used chalkboard surface contact paper and decorative duct tape to turn the side of a bookcase into a surface her students could write on.
Dry erase tables
If you’re feeling ambitious, this is the classroom DIY project for you. Carrie transformed all of the tables in her middle school classroom to white boards! Students can work and jot notes right on the table. How fun is that?
QR Codes Frame for Classroom Management
This project is one that just might transform a few of your classroom routines. Amanda transformed a photo collage frame into a classroom management QR code center for her students. Genius!
Book-themed bulletin boards
Need some fresh bulletin board ideas? Melissa shares her how-to tips and ideas for five different bookish bulletin boards that will get middle or high school students excited about reading.
If you decide to tackle one of these DIYs, share with us in the comments!
