April 29, 2015
Welcome back for the second installment in our two-part extreme classroom makeover blog series! In our previous post we outlined the first five steps you should take when embarking on your summer redesign journey.
So, you’ve re-imagined the possibilities and come up with a fresh new functional layout. You’ve given the whole space a good cleaning, laid a fresh foundation of paint and bulletin background, and began thinking of an innovative new decor theme for the upcoming school-year. What’s next? Read on to find out what steps you should take next to make your remodel a success
1. Hunt for a bargain. Creating the perfect classroom atmosphere can sometimes be a burden on your wallet. Instead of dropping your entire summer paycheck on items from the local teaching supply store, check out Wal-Mart, Target and the Dollar Tree. You would be surprised at what you can find for a steal when you bargain hunt. Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Head over to a craft store or thrift shop! There are plenty of fabulous finds waiting to be repurposed, and DIY decorations hoping to be handmade.
2. Plan ahead and be open to change. Sometimes great ideas are great in theory, but not so great in execution. Don’t be afraid to make changes to your design project both before it begins and once it’s already underway. As you go through the motions, you may notice that you don’t have as much space as you thought for that reading nook, or that you overestimated the surface area of a bulletin board. A great planning tactic is to use sticky notes to stage your layout design, so you can get a feel for where everything will end up, without the hassle of moving it there, and then inevitably back.
3. Slow and steady wins the race. Completing a classroom makeover takes time. Don’t feel like you have to buy everything all at once. Pace yourself and purchase items over the course of the summer. This will help alleviate the stress that comes along with a redesign, and will make it so that when things come up in those last few precious summer weeks, you’ll be cool, calm and collected. Taking your time will also allow you to find the best deals!
4. Call in some backup. It takes a lot to setup a classroom, so don’t hesitate to recruit some assistance! Whether you’re painting, hanging decorations, piecing together furniture or are just drawing a blank on design concept ideas, your friends and family can be a great help. Utilize the knowledge and experience of your co-workers to help inspire you. Sometimes, all it takes if a fresh set of eyes, and a second set of hands.
No matter what you’re planning, your extreme classroom makeover is sure to be amazing! At Nickerson Corporation, we understand the importance of a fully functional classroom and the impact that it can have on a student’s learning experience. Don’t forget to check out our list of available products, and give us a call at 631-666-0200 to learn more about how Nickerson Corporation can help you renew and refurbish your current classroom furniture.