“Redecorating My Class”: Creative Grade 7 Teacher Turns Into Interior Designer

• A young teacher, Felicity Vilakazi, shared a video of herself redecorating her classroom for her Grade 7 students
• The local teacher chose a theme based on a popular Disney and Pixar movie for her colourful classroom
• Some members of the online community showed an interest in her creativity, asking questions about where she got her ideas and supplies
• An interior design expert, Marilize Jacobs, shared with Briefly News the key elements and budget-friendly ways to transform a classroom

The start of a new school year brings not only the preparation of lesson plans but also the effort to create a welcoming classroom environment for learners.

One educator shared her approach to transforming her classroom, making the space inviting and conducive to learning.

From teacher to interior designer

TikTok user and teacher Felicity Zinhle Vilakazi uploaded a video on the social media platform showing how she transformed her classroom for her Grade 7 learners.

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The young woman wrote:

"Redecorating my class using the Inside Out theme, featuring Santa’s favourite little helpers."

At the end of the clip, Felicity proudly admired her work, which included a lot of time dedicated to researching, cutting and pasting.

Watch the TikTok video below:

What to consider when decorating a classroom

Pigs Can Fly Interiors founder Marilize Jacobs spoke to Briefly News about the key elements to consider when designing a classroom with a specific theme, including keeping the class's age and grade in mind.

"Disney movie themes will not work for higher grades. Here, you may look at a theme around the teacher's subject or a more neutral theme.

"Consideration also needs to be given to pupils with special needs, for example, autism or ADHD. A busily decorated classroom can be very distracting and have an influence on pupils' attention span."

Marilize also shared budget-friendly ways to transform the classroom while keeping the design cohesive. She suggested teachers use paint (depending on the school's guidelines) and invest in a lamination machine, as it will ensure colours on posters don't fade over time.

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Mzansi reacts to redecorated classroom

A few local members of the online community loved what Felicity had done to her classroom and added their thoughts in the comment section.

In love with what they had seen on their For You Page, @nonhlanhla.dhlamini said to the creative being:

"You are such a cool teacher."

@m.h.u.m.a.n positively wrote in the comment section:

"A teacher by heart."

@semakalengmsibi wanted to know:

"Which websites did you use for your classroom design?"

Felicity said to the app user:

"All the Inside Out-themed posters I designed myself, and the rest I found on Twinkl."

A curious @hlehlemooi asked the young lady:

"Do you have EMS wall art or charts?"

The teacher responded to the TikTokker:

"Yes, I do. I will upload the last part of my class decor once I’m done with the whole class. It's just taking longer now since the kids are back."

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3 Other Briefly News stories about Mzansi teachers

• A teacher in Gauteng shared that she had to welcome 53 new Grade 1 students into her classroom and questioned the country's education system.
• At least 16 000 teachers nationwide face job losses due to the National Treasury's budget cut. South Africans feel ministers' salaries should be cut as compensation.
• A video of teachers playing childhood games at school concerned local online users. Some worried it might get them in trouble with the Department of Education.

Source: Briefly News