Transform your classroom into an underwater oasis with these under the sea classroom ideas! The sea classroom theme is always a big hit with kids and is perfect for elementary teachers.
Whether you're a brand new teacher choosing your first classroom theme or you're looking for a change of pace, an ocean themed classroom is naturally colourful whilst also soothing with lots of cool blues and greens. Plus, kids love ocean animals, and there are so many ways to incorporate the ocean theme into playful learning ideas throughout the school years.
But first, a word of warning...
Before we go any further though: whilst I hope that this post provides some under the sea inspiration for you, I recommend reading my article: To Decorate or Not to Decorate. I sum up all the lessons I've learnt over the years in regards to setting up a classroom (Spoiler Alert: I haven't always gotten it right!) and tackle the debate surrounding classroom decorating! Before you start revamping your classroom, take a moment to read this post about the pros and cons of decorating your classroom. It's imperative to consider your students who are sensitive to visual stimulation to ensure your classroom is a suitable learning environment.
Some fun facts about my old classrooms: My 'under the sea' classroom was one of my first ever classrooms, and while it was SO much fun, it was also far too busy! I have learned a lot about effective classroom design and creating calming classroom spaces since then - so I encourage you to take some inspiration from the photos, but pick and choose the best parts for your own classroom!
There are plenty of popular designs and classroom sea decor sets out there, but not all of them are actually going to create learning spaces that will serve your students best. Some ocean theme classroom decor bundle sets are full of vibrant colors or color schemes that are more likely to distract than calm your students. Many under-the-sea packs are also very image-heavy which can be overwhelming for all students - whether you teach younger children OR older children.
So, take some of the photos from my ORIGINAL classroom below with a grain of salt - be inspired but find ways to potentially pare them back a little bit!
Under the Sea Classrooms, re-imagined
It's also always been on my list to someday create my own ocean themed classroom decor. A collection that applied all my learnings about what classroom decor should (and shouldn't) be. Something that felt soft, cohesive and calm without adding visual noise to classroom walls. Which is how our Sea of Wonder collection came to be. The Sea of Wonder Collection features soft pastel blues, greens, pinks and purples in a light, calming palette, with exclusive Sea of Wonder Kutopia characters from Australian artist Kasey Rainbow.
The pale colour palette is deliberate. Busy walls compete with busy brains, and the students who are still learning to filter out distraction are the ones who feel that first.
That doesn't mean bare walls. There's still plenty of colour here, just in tones that sit in the background instead of competing with the learning.
Every design comes with and without the Kutopia characters too, so in the areas where you want the absolute essentials and nothing else, you can strip it right back.
With clear layouts, accessible fonts and cohesive colours throughout, this collection is designed to support a calm, focused learning space. You'll find images from the collection throughout this post - and I encourage you to explore the many freebies!
20 Creative Under the Sea classroom ideas & decorations
Below, you'll find photos of my ocean theme classroom to help you get inspired to decorate your own room this school year. There are so many different ways to tie in the ocean theme, so there are plenty of ways to get creative with lots of different colours and fun sea creatures!
1. O-Fish-Ally classroom door decoration
By twisting some crepe paper streamers and cutting out some ocean creatures, you can turn your door into the entrance to an underwater sanctuary!
2. Hanging jellyfish ceiling decorations
Grab a round paper lantern and attach crepe paper or strips of plastic table cloths for a quick DIY jellyfish decoration! These are great hanging from the ceiling, but make sure they aren't obscuring student views from what's important!
3. Ocean-themed classroom walls
Use decorative blue paper to turn the walls of your classroom pale blue. I added a sand bar with yellow paper to make it feel like you're walking under the water.
4. Giant paper coral reef
Using a little paper, you can create a miniature Great Barrier Reef to house your new fish friends. These paper cut-outs can be used to create ocean-themed bulletin boards or as general classroom decor - but again, keep them to a minimum and not in busy learning areas that might distract your learners.
5. Ocean-themed bulletin board ideas
This catching compliments bulletin board is such a colourful addition to any classroom! The paper cups hold compliment cards to celebrate your students' kindness and generosity. I hung a net on the back wall to create this effect.
6. Use nets
Use a staple gun to attach fishing nets to your walls to bring the ocean classroom theme to life!
7. Cut out paper fish and creatures
These cute sea creatures are easy to cut out and can be displayed throughout your room e.g. on an ocean floor. Ocean crafts are great activity ideas for the new school year, and the best part is that this free printable pack has a bunch of different sea animals - so your older kids your older kids may like to even help you by creating their own decorations for an underwater scene! Other art projects could include fish made out of a paper plate or you'll find PLENTY more fun ideas online!
8. Custom wall signs & borders
Use pastel editable labels to create your own custom signage around the classroom. Blue, green, and yellow pieces perfectly fit the sea theme - whilst not overwhelming your students.
9. Caught being kind display
This fish-themed display is a great way to cultivate kindness in your classroom and celebrate your students when they're kind to each other. If you want to cultivate kindness in your classroom this year, get the free download here.
10. "Whale-Come" to the classroom welcome signs
Use your editable letters and some paper to create a whale-themed window display.
Or create other welcoming door displays with an ocean-themed door display.
11. Fish-themed table signs
Name your student groups after ocean animals or locations, like Team Baby Shark or Team Sea Turtles! Whether fish-themed, whale-themed or ocean-themed, your student groups will look beautiful in your classroom!
12. Ocean-themed daily schedule
Set up your daily agenda to match your underwater theme with ocean theme class schedule cards. Or, even better, customise The Hive's digital visual timetable with ocean-themed colours. It will make every day feel like a trip to the beach!
13. Underwater alphabet
Especially for primary teachers, we need the alphabet front and centre to help our students understand ABC order. Use ocean colour alphabet letters to tie into your theme.
14. Sea life bulletin board letters
Set up your sound walls, bulletin boards and headings with ocean-themed letters and bunting.
15. Editable ocean labels & tags
Ocean-themed tags are a fun way to label your students' desks or to show what's in your tubs and containers. Pick customisable tags, so you'll be able to use them again and again.
16. Ocean classroom decor
Add decorations that make you think of the ocean to complete your ocean-themed classroom, like sea shells, a treasure chest, fishing line and more. This is a great chance to be creative and repurpose some items!
You can also bring the ocean theme to life in your digital classroom with The Hive’s slide deck backgrounds - there are images AND videos like the one pictured below!
Whether you’re setting up your daily schedule, morning messages, or lesson slides, you can create a cohesive and engaging under-the-sea experience with themed backgrounds and visuals.
17. Ocean-themed birthday wall
Set up your birthday wall with this ocean-themed birthday display!
18. Under the sea classroom jobs
To help your students have ownership over the classroom and to keep your room in good order, it's a great idea to assign jobs. These free under-the-sea-themed classroom helper displays are the perfect way to do this while sticking to the theme!
19. Calming soundtracks
Another thing you'll find in The Hive are plenty of calming videos and soundtracks, including this calming track with waves! They are a great way to help students remain focused and calm during their learning.
20. Display your favourite books
For the first day of school, decorate your classroom library with your favourite ocean-themed picture books, like:
- The Rainbow Fish
- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
- A House for Hermit Crab
- The Snail and the Whale
- One Tiny Turtle
- The Pout Pout Fish
- Sea Mammal Alphabet Book
- Plus any other books about sharks, whales and more will always be a big hit!
There are tons of under the sea classroom ideas out there - but just remember to keep the needs of our young students at the forefront of your mind as you're creating your under-the-sea classroom!
Happy decorating!
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