Bringing the tranquil beauty and endless wonder of the nature into the classroom creates a learning environment that nurtures curiosity, calm, and connection.
A nature-themed classroom not only connects students with the environment but also encourages curiosity about the world around them, fostering a deeper appreciation for science, geography, and biology.
This roundup features a variety of creative ways to incorporate nature into your classroom decor and activities.
From stunning visual displays that showcase natural elements to interactive learning centers that incorporate authentic materials from nature, these ideas thoughtfully blend aesthetics with educational purpose.
Classroom Corner
1. Reading Garden
This idea for a Reading Garden was created to inspire students by incorporating nature into their learning environment. Featuring an arch adorned with leaves and books behind, it provides a serene, immersive space for reading.
Learn more: Pinterest/Miss Jacobs Little Learners | Modern Classroom Decor
2. Into the Wilderness
This idea was created to bring the outdoors into the classroom, featuring a giant tree and plants everywhere. It transforms the learning environment into a lush, natural setting.
Learn more: Pinterest/Roomy Retreat
3. Forest and Friends
This idea was created to immerse students in a nature-themed setting with leaves painted on the walls, ceiling decor, and a giraffe. It transforms the classroom into a vibrant forest scene
Learn more: Pinterest/Roomy Retreat
4. Tales from Campfire
This idea invites students into an immersive setting with a bonfire in the middle surrounded by wooden chairs. It creates a cozy and communal space reminiscent of campfire storytelling.
Learn more: Pinterest/Tamig84
5. Seaside Serenity
This concept of a Nipa hut with a hammock inside the classroom, adorned with beach-like decorations, offers a unique and relaxing environment. Teachers and parents are encouraged to introduce this idea to create a tranquil space that promotes creativity, relaxation, and cultural appreciation.
Learn more: Pinterest/Sara Pendley
6. Woodland Walkway
This concept of a “Woodland Walkway” features a bamboo bridge inside the classroom, offering a whimsical pathway through a simulated woodland environment.
Teachers and parents are encouraged to introduce this idea to stimulate students’ imagination, promote physical activity, and cultivate a love for nature.
Learn more: Pinterest/Tracy DeMerchant
7. Classroom Expedition
The “Classroom Expedition” idea transforms a corner of the room into an adventurous setting with a jeep and animals like snakes, creating an interactive photobooth experience.
Learn more: Pinterest/Stephanie Martinez
8. Eruption Station
This idea features a giant DIY volcano decoration that simulates realistic magma eruptions, providing an immersive learning experience.
Teachers and parents can easily create this engaging decorations, making science exciting and accessible for students while fostering a love for nature and geology.
Learn more: Pinterest/RBP VBS | The Evangelistic VBS
9. Woodland Trails
This idea involves creating woodland trail directional signage with a green background to enhance nature-themed classrooms.
Made from simple materials like cardboard or wood, these signs guide students through various learning stations, fostering a sense of adventure and exploration
Learn more: Pinterest/Peggy Garris-Weickum
10. Enchanted Pathway
This idea features an enchanted pathway with a wooden bridge leading through a door, set against a green background and a river-like floor. Constructed using simple materials like cardboard, paint, and fabric, this setup transforms any classroom into a magical exploration space.
Learn more: Pinterest/Tanya Newbold
11. Serene of Streams
This idea features a serene stream setup with a DIY waterfall and a decorative lion on the side, creating a tranquil and engaging classroom environment.
Learn more: Pinterest/David Rekoph
12. Waterfall Whimsy
This idea features a DIY waterfall set against a green background, creating a whimsical and serene classroom environment. Made using materials like fabric, lights, and DIY trees, the waterfall brings a touch of nature indoors.
Learn more: Pinterest/Karyn Maynard
13. Camp by the River
This idea features an indoor camping setup by a river, complete with a faux bonfire and a river-like scene. Using materials like fabric, lights, and painted backdrops, this setup transforms a classroom into a cozy campsite.
Learn more: Pinterest/We Are Teachers
14. Crossing Into Nature
This idea features a DIY wooden bridge in a classroom corner, adorned with paper leaves, creating a “Crossing into Nature” theme. Made from simple materials like cardboard, paper, and paint, this setup transforms the space into a natural escape.
Learn more: Pinterest/Kunst and Kolder
15. Nature’s Flow
This idea showcases DIY waterfalls crafted from party curtains to simulate flowing water, with stones encircling where water drops.
Teachers and parents can implement this as school project to spark students’ fascination with natural elements, encouraging exploration and creativity while fostering a deeper connection to the environment.
Learn more: Pinterest/Embrace the Chaos
16. Rustic Retreat
“Rustic Retreat” is a classroom corner transformed into a cozy forest area, featuring a reading nook with green designs and wooden decor.
Using elements like faux foliage, wooden accents, and comfortable seating, this setup creates a serene atmosphere for reading and relaxation.
Learn more: Instagram/Wunderled Teaching
This idea transforms classrooms into immersive nature-themed environments with elements like wooden bridges and boats with bonfires, creating an engaging setting for learning.
By incorporating such thematic elements, educators can inspire exploration, creativity, and a love for the natural world in young minds.
Learn more: Pinterest/Cokesbury VBS
18. Green Retreat
This concept, Green Retreat, brings the wonders of wildlife into the classroom through nature-inspired decor like wood chairs and slides.
Encourage teachers or parents to embrace this idea as a means to cultivate a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world among students.
Learn more: Pinterest/Little Clowns Day Nursery
19. Monkey Pirate Voyage
This idea, Monkey Pirate Voyage, transforms classrooms into captivating adventure zones with ship-like decor and palm trees, inviting students to “join our crew.”
By creating a pirate-themed environment, educators can foster creativity, teamwork, and a love for exploration in young learners, enhancing their educational experience through immersive and imaginative settings.
Learn more: Pinterest/Amelia LeNette Wisener
20. Indoor Greenery
This Idea brings the essence of a treehouse into the classroom, surrounded by wooden chairs for an authentic playground feel.
This immersive setting encourages exploration and hands-on learning, nurturing a deeper connection with the natural world and promoting holistic development in students.
Learn more: Pinterest/Becca Hopper
21. Boho Rainbow
Boho Rainbow infuses classrooms with a vibrant, bohemian-themed decor, accentuated by wooden elements and a central wooden tree.
Encourage teachers or parents to introduce this eclectic style to students, fostering a sense of creativity and individuality.
Learn more: Miss Jacobs Little Learners
22. The Giving Tree
The Giving Tree concept involves a paper mache tree adorned with numerous books, symbolizing a nurturing environment for learning and growth.
Learn more: Pinterest/Sandy Mosgrove
23. Where Learning Blooms
This imaginative setting encourages students to embrace learning as a journey of continuous growth and discovery, nurturing their minds and spirits in a space where knowledge flourishes like blossoms on a tree.
Learn more: Pinterest/Debbie Welford
Door Decoration
24. Roaring Welcome
Roaring Welcome invites students into classrooms with a playful door decoration featuring the head of a lion, with the door serving as its open mouth.
Learn more: Pinterest/Kelly Michalczyk
25. Doorway to Magic
This idea, Doorway to Magic, involves creating enchanting door decorations that transport students into a world of wonder and discovery.
This creative approach not only enhances the classroom environment but also sets the stage for engaging lessons and memorable experiences that ignite a lifelong love for learning.
Learn more: Pinterest/Stacy Douglas
26. Woodland Haven
This creative approach not only enhances the physical space but also sets a welcoming tone, encouraging students to embark on a journey of discovery and learning within the comforting embrace of nature-inspired decor.
Learn more: Pinterest/Jennifer Wolfe
27. Rocky Roar
Rocky Roar welcomes students into classrooms with a rock-themed door adorned with the word “roar” above it, creating an exciting and dynamic entrance.
Learn more: Pinterest/Anita Herzog
28. Pride’s Welcome
Pride’s Welcome invites students into classrooms with a majestic lion head roaring, its mouth serving as the door, creating a bold and captivating entrance.
Learn more: Pinterest/Melodie Lewis-Collins
29. Cave Portal
This idea welcomes students into classrooms with a captivating cave-style door adorned with rock-style paper decor, creating an immersive and adventurous entrance.
Learn more: Pinterest/Annafulachio
30. Welcome To Our Jungle
Teachers can capture kids’ interest and imagination right away by putting welcoming animal faces around the entrance.
Learn more: Pinterest/Naw Emma Paw
31. Rocky Passage
This Idea brings up a spirit of adventure and exploration in students from the moment they walk in with doors surrounded by rough rock décor.
Learn more: Pinterest/Shelly Kim
32. Wild About Learning
This idea is surrounded by cute creatures placed among vivid leaves greets students at Wild About Learning, creating a happy and welcoming entry.
Learn more: Pinterest/Clair Amick
33. Welcome to the Wild
“Welcome to the Wild” welcomes students with an entrance surrounded by coconut trees and a row of animals arranged vertically, inspiring a spirit of exploration and adventure as soon as they walk in.
Learn more: Pinterest/Virginia
Bulletin Board
34. Earth and Tree Harmony
This idea, Earth and Tree Harmony, featuring the earth hugged by tree roots overlapping the bulletin board, was created to inspire a love for nature in students. It encourages an understanding of ecological interdependence and fosters a connection to the environment.
Learn more: Pinterest/Latuya Morris
35. Rainforest Explorers
This idea, Rainforest Explorers, featuring a giant bulletin board with trees and cute monkeys, was created to immerse students in the wonders of rainforest ecosystems.
Learn more: Pinterest/Martha Villalpando
36. Trails Through Nature
This bulletin board featuring a bulletin board with a jeep containing students’ pictures and animals peeking through leaves, was created to engage students with the excitement of exploring nature.
Learn more: Pinterest/Evelin
37. Growing Together
This idea, “We’re Growing Together,” featuring a branch with the quote’s letters hanging, leaves as a border, and lights, was created to symbolize collective growth and learning. It aims to foster a sense of unity and development among students.
Learn more: Pinterest
38. Meet the Friends in the Woods
This Bulletin Board introduces “Meet the Friends in the Woods,” an engaging activity where students discover animals hiding in the bushes. Teachers should introduce this activity to spark curiosity about wildlife, foster observational skills, and encourage interactive learning.
Learn more: Pinterest/Jennyfer Ielsch
39. Magic Tree House
This bulletin board displays the “Magic Tree House,” which consists of an acorn and a space set aside for students to put up their schoolwork. This can spark student’s imaginations since it brings to mind the magical world of the Magic Tree House book series.
Learn more: Pinterest/Kelsey Harvey
40. Jungle Jamboree
Learn more: Pinterest/Lizzie Rodrigues
41. The Great Kapok Tree
This Bulletin Board invites students to a “Jungle Jamboree,” featuring hidden animals, including snakes, nestled in the bushes.
Students will love the thrill of discovering hidden creatures, the opportunity to learn about different jungle inhabitants, and the chance to engage in creative storytelling and role-playing adventures set in a vibrant jungle environment.
Learn more: Pinterest/Caroline Britta
More Nature-Themed Decorations
42. Leafy Aspirations
This Bulletin Board, “Leafy Aspirations,” takes creativity to new heights by hanging from the ceiling, allowing students to share their dreams and goals on dangling leaves.
Learn more: Pinterest/Emma Fraser
43. Forest Pathfinders
This idea, “Forest Pathfinders,” was created to inspire nature-themed learning by using directional signage and forest decor in classrooms. Featuring elements like tree signs, trail markers, and woodland paths, it aims to cultivate a love for nature and environmental awareness
Learn more: Pinterest/Joey Joe-Joe
44. Safari Cargo Boxes
These boxes can serve as storage, display areas, or interactive learning stations, bringing the excitement of a safari adventure into the classroom.
Learn more: Pinterest/Sei Molto Bella
45. Jurassic Jungle
This idea, “Jurassic Jungle,” was created to inspire nature-themed learning by incorporating huge palm trees with dinosaur toys below into classroom decor. This setup transforms the classroom into a prehistoric jungle, sparking curiosity and excitement about the ancient world.
Learn more: Pinterest/Gwen Meredith
46. Hanging Volcano Decor
This decoration was designed to inspire nature-themed learning by incorporating hanging volcano decorations into classroom decor. These vibrant, eye-catching volcanoes bring the dynamic elements of Earth’s geology into the classroom, sparking curiosity and excitement.
Learn more: Pinterest/Andrea Michelle Wood
47. DIY Bonfire
This idea was created to inspire nature-themed learning by incorporating a bonfire made from cardboard into classroom decor. This creative and safe representation of a campfire brings the warmth and ambiance of outdoor adventures indoors, sparking students’ imaginations.
Learn more: Pinterest/Catch My Party
48. Pride Rock
Roar with this pile of rocks classroom decoration.
Learn more: Pinterest/PrncesJeannie
49. Craft Indoor Waterfalls
These handmade waterfalls bring the soothing and dynamic elements of flowing water into the classroom, sparking curiosity and tranquility.
Learn more: Pinterest/DelightLyla Carrillo
50. Leafy Arc
This idea, “Leafy Arc,” was created to inspire nature-themed learning by incorporating a leafy archway into classroom decor. This vibrant, green arc mimics the beauty of a forest canopy, sparking students’ curiosity and love for nature.
Learn more: Pinterest/Tracy DeMerchant