Classroom design is very important even at the middle and high school levels, even though most secondary classrooms don’t have a theme, and I certainly never have in my years of teaching in middle-high school classrooms an all-out classroom theme like, say, they do in elementary schools. However, I can say there is great value in having a “theme” of sorts – even in a secondary classroom. I like to be super-organized, and a theme/scheme works well for me and the students. One theme I’ve used in the past was “Rock Star,” and on the first day of school we talked about what my theme is, and we had a mini lesson on theme development.

I chose to transform my classroom with a rock star theme because 1) I love music and 2) It sets the “stage” for how we are going to be “owning it like rock stars” every day. Yeah, that may be a little cheesy, but I love cheesy, and it really does work. I love anything vintage, burlap, pink, and chalkboard, so I decided to put all those ideas together for a shabby chic, glam rock star-themed classroom. Here are some rock star classroom makeover ideas and inspiration!

CLASSROOM WINDOWS MAKEOVER, VINTAGE ROCK STAR STYLE

It might be easy to overlook a window treatment in a classroom, but it 100% gives your classroom design a homey feel. These curtains could be done in a couple of ways. I ordered ready-made inexpensive burlap valances from Amazon and hung them with spring rods. However, there are many tutorials for making no-sew curtains out of burlap. Everything is better with burlap!

CLASSROOM DOOR AND HALLWAY MAKEOVER, VINTAGE ROCK STAR GLAM

The door is, of course, the first thing students see when they come to your classroom. Like I said before, theme is very important in an English classroom, and we talk about it on day one. So, I wanted them to be aware of it immediately- hit them on the head (literally!) I bought those chalkboard pennants at Hobby Lobby and just strung them together with raffia, also from Hobby Lobby.

STUDENT SUPPLIES, STORAGE, AND INFORMATION AREAS, ROCK STAR STYLE

There needs to be a space in the classroom where students’ supplies, etc. are stored, so they aren’t misplacing things or constantly getting in your space! This little area is much more functional now with the date blocks, sharpener, and journal buckets all in one place. Plus, now it’s near the weekly playlist of assignments, which I really want them to look at often!

I’m also so proud of my little chalkboard lamp. It was my granny’s lamp, and I loved having it in my classroom. However, it was green, and the shade was dry rotted. I found that ah-mazing burlap shade at Goodwill for $3.00!!!! After a coat of primer and some chalkboard spray paint, I had a shining jewel for about $10 bucks.



BULLETIN BOARDS AND CLASSROOM WALLS, VINTAGE ROCK STAR STYLE

You need to make intentional choices with your walls and bulletin boards. Walls and bulletin boards should display information, encouragement, and celebrations. See a post on Instagram here with more tips about decorating the walls in your classroom.

Inspiration

Keeping with my Rock Star theme, I made song quotes chalkboard prints and hung them above where students store their bags. My bulletin boards are covered with black fabric (easier and more durable than paper) and a fun layered border. I also smile every time I look at my mirror with the V.I.P. sign above it! I do believe the best boards and walls are student-centered and low maintenance.

Celebrating the Rock Stars and Their Work

Information



We chart data throughout the year for a variety of reasons, so even that area matches the theme. Check out my “My Data Story” pack of materials on TPT.

TEACHING STATION MAKEOVER, VINTAGE ROCK STAR STYLE

I inherited my podium from a teacher friend in my first year of teaching! In its former life, it was a wallpaper stand at a paint store. How cool is that? It wasn’t, however, very fancy. I rolled on a couple layers of chalkboard paint, and now my students and I can write new quotes on it whenever we want! 

My “I’m Done” box also got a makeover, also. I place my turn-it-in basket near my teaching station, so it’s handy when I’m ready to grade student work. I used one basket for everything, but you could also have them organized by sections, too. Here I wanted to add a little bit more pink to the room, so I just bought this durable basket from Michael’s. I used the rest of the chalkboard spray paint on the tray where students return handouts.

I hope you enjoyed seeing this classroom transformation – simple, budget-friendly, organized, and student-centered! Let me know what theme you use in the comments!

ROCK STAR NOT REALLY YOUR THEME? TAKE A LOOK AT MY JOURNEY THEME HERE!

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