As soon I came back from holiday, my mind was in a whirl about what I was going to do with my classroom. I had two days to figure it out but I spent it battling my post-holiday blues.

My excitement on having a planetarium theme for decoration had long gone. After a foggy mind and pointless imagination, I had decided, I would make the best of what I had inside my room.

I remember, the first time I set my foot in my classroom, I was told not to put, hang or paste any decoration on the wall as it might damage the paint. "Could you imagine the cost of repainting a wall full of holes?" It was a battle between a principle and practicality but I couldn't imagine teaching in a void room. I understand that decoration doesn't mean sticking things on the wall. However, here are my reasons why decorating a preschool classroom is important.

1. It is a place where children learn even if the teacher is not teaching. The stimulation level those things children find inside the classroom are enormous

2. It is the students' room away from home. What they find in the room could make them ease, comfortable and eager.

3. It is the place where you show how much you care for your students especially on things that matters to them.

4. It is an environment that encourages love, affinity and excellence for learning.

So, in spite of the sweltering heat that soaked me in sweat, my room is done in a week. I did the following things.

Recycled old decorations
Re- arranged cabinets to create more space
Accentuated the ceiling with party paper poms poms
Used party hats on birthday corner
Put a red old Burmese wooden umbrella on the reading corner
Bought some green vines that drape along the window pane
Hung my old flashcards with newly cut paper flowers
Made the play area get more pegs, blocks, cars and more toys
Got real plants growing on water
Had a small glass fish tank for mini aquarium.

A stimulating and educational classroom is what every child needs. It has to be simple, child centered and most of all caters also the needs of students who have learning needs. Oh, please don't forget to put a hearty simple quote. Its shows how you love being with your students.
How about you, what are your classroom beautification ideas?