Setting up your classroom with a fresh and engaging summer theme can help create a fun and welcoming environment. Whether you’re preparing for a summer school session, getting students excited before heading into break, or giving your space a bright refresh for an early August start, summer classroom decor ideas can set the tone.
Using technology to enhance classroom decor helps bring in elements of creativity, collaboration, and student ownership. Of course, if you’ve stopped by the blog before, you know I’m always looking for an EdTech connection. A techy twist makes it even more interactive, engaging students in creative ways while showcasing digital literacy skills.
Today on the blog, I have seven summer classroom decor ideas to share with you!
7 Summer Classroom Decor Ideas with a Techy Twist
Digital tools can make displays more engaging, allow students to contribute their own work, and even provide interactive learning opportunities. By blending traditional summer themes with tech-forward designs, teachers can build an inviting and future-ready space.
The ideas on the list below are ready for you to customize and make your own!
Creating Bulletin Boards with Summer-Themed Images
A summer-themed bulletin board can brighten up any classroom while also serving as a learning opportunity. Teachers can find high-quality, open-source images on sites like Unsplash and model how to cite these images correctly. If you are using Unsplash, they have an easy copy-and-paste citation option.
Adding a small credit line near each image demonstrates responsible digital citizenship, helping students understand the importance of giving credit when using online resources. If you decide to use AI images instead, make sure to check out this post, “How to Cite AI Images in the Classroom.”
Using AI to Generate Coloring Book Pages
Speaking of images made with AI, have you tried creating coloring book pages? AI-generated coloring book pages are a unique and creative way to incorporate student artwork into summer classroom decor ideas. Using AI tools to create summer-themed pages, students can color them in and then use their finished work to decorate the room.
This is one of my favorite unexpected uses of AI, and I love sharing it in workshops and webinars for teachers. You can also check out a past post on my blog for a step-by-step guide to generating your own custom coloring pages. That post is called “How to Make Your Own Coloring Book Pages with AI,” and I also have an Easy EdTech Podcast episode on this topic, “Ways to Use Coloring Book Pages at Any Age – Episode 293.”
Designing a Summer Emoji-Themed Door
A summer emoji-themed door design is a fun and modern way to welcome students into the classroom. Choose emojis that represent summer, such as 🌴🌺🏝️🏊, and incorporate them into a vibrant display.
You can create posters or stickers featuring summer-related emojis and pair them with student-generated captions or artwork. This interactive decor idea helps reinforce digital literacy while adding a playful element to your classroom. There are plenty of online spaces to go to if you want easy access to emojis. This blog post, “8 EdTech Tools and Websites with Emojis,” has oodles of options to choose from.
Creating Interactive Digital Displays
Instead of traditional posters, use a digital bulletin board like Padlet or Google Slides to showcase summer-themed student work. Display QR codes around the room that link to student presentations, artwork, or reflections on summer activities. This approach makes decor more dynamic and interactive, allowing students to engage with content in multiple ways.
Hosting a Virtual Summer Scene Contest
Have students design their own summer landscapes using digital drawing tools like Canva, Adobe Express, or Google Drawings. Display their artwork on a rotating slideshow or print out their designs for a gallery wall. This activity gives students a creative way to engage with technology while personalizing their classroom space. It’s a great way to give students a purpose and audience for their creations!
Encouraging Summer-Themed Stop Motion Projects
Have you tried stop motion in your classroom? It’s a great way to combine both online and offline experiences for students. Students can create stop-motion animations using apps like Stop Motion Studio to depict summer scenes.
During the season of summer or leading up to it, you can showcase these videos on a classroom digital display. Alternatively, you can place the videos in a shared folder or a space where you can get a link and connect them to a QR code.
Creating an Interactive Google Travel Map
Set up a Google Maps display where students can mark places they’d love to visit during the summer. This summer travel wishlist might include places they’ve learned about in a social studies unit or spots they’ve read about in a book. I’m a big fan of Google tools, including the Talking Tours option, which I shared in the recent podcast episode and blog post, “9 AI Tools from Google Teachers Should Know About.”
Summer Classroom Decor Ideas
Whether you’re using AI-generated images, student creations, or QR code displays, there are plenty of summer classroom decor ideas for your consideration. When you add a techy twist, you can keep students interested and excited about the changing season.
For more ways to integrate EdTech into your teaching, check out my book, EdTech Essentials: 12 Strategies for Every Classroom in the Age of AI, 2nd Edition. It includes more ways to use EdTech for any season. If you already have a copy, be sure to download the free study guide for even more practical classroom strategies!
