SEL Classroom Decor Ideas to Inspire and Engage Students

This post is all about classroom management noise control.

This site contains affiliate links, view the disclosure for more information.

SEL Classroom Decor Ideas

As a teacher, the classroom environment plays a huge role in promoting positive behavior and emotional well-being. When it comes to Social Emotional Learning (SEL), creating displays that encourage reflection, connection, and growth can make a big difference. In this post, I’ll share some inspiring SEL-focused classroom decor ideas from Pinterest, each designed to engage students and nurture their emotional development. Along with each idea, I’ll provide suggestions for the materials and equipment you can use to bring the vision to life in your classroom.

1. Growth Mindset Wall

A growth mindset encourages students to embrace challenges and view mistakes as opportunities for learning. It’s such an important skill for young people to learn.

A wall of inspiring quotes can serve as a constant reminder of this empowering perspective. You could display phrases like, “I can’t do this… yet!” or “Mistakes help me grow!” Which is why I love this idea from Miss Jacobs Little Learners

Why it works: It fosters a culture of resilience and perseverance, key components of SEL.

My Favorite Growth Mindset Classroom Decor Products:

1. Growth Mindset Poster Pack nature inspired

This resource is perfect for primary school teachers looking to promote a growth mindset culture in their classrooms. The posters can be used during class discussions, morning meetings, or displayed as an empowering focal point

2. Amazing Things Happen Here Bulletin Board
3. Boho Bulletin Board Set
4. Be The Reason Someone Smile Today: Classroom Bulletin Board Decoration


2. Emotion Chart or Feelings Wheel

Feelings Wheel Classroom Display

Help students name and understand their emotions with a visually engaging feelings wheel. This can be displayed prominently in your classroom, providing a reference point for students to identify how they’re feeling and start conversations about emotional regulation.

Why it works: It encourages emotional literacy, an essential SEL skill.

Suggested Products:

1. Zones of Regulation Posters
2. Thought-Spot I Know What to Do Flipbook: Emotions Chart for Kids
3. Round 2-sided Emotion Wheels For Building Emotional Intelligence

3. Compliment Wall or Kindness Tree

Pinterest Idea: Compliment Wall or Kindness Tree

Celebrate and reinforce positive behavior with a compliment wall or kindness tree. Students can leave anonymous compliments for each other, or you can add leaves or flowers to the tree as acts of kindness are performed.

Why it works: This promotes kindness, empathy, and a sense of community—important SEL values.

Suggested Products:

1. Boho Classroom Tree Bulletin Board
2. Groovy Retro Hippie Flower Bulletin Board Borders
3. Kindness Grow Greatness Bulletin Board

4. Mindfulness and Calming Corner

Pinterest Idea: Mindfulness Corner with Visual Calm-Down Tools

A dedicated space for mindfulness activities and emotional regulation tools can give students a place to pause and center themselves. Include calming visuals like soothing imagery, breathing techniques, and relaxation instructions.

Why it works: It provides a designated spot for emotional regulation, helping students manage stress and anxiety.

Suggested Products:

1. Calm Down Corner Bulletin Board Set
2. 10 Pcs Flower Pillows
3. Classic Bean Bag Chair
4. Washable Rugs
5. Teepee Tent for Kids


5. Classroom Feelings Journal

Pinterest Idea: Classroom Journal for Emotional Check-ins

Having a feelings journal can be a powerful way for students to reflect on their day, identify emotions, and practice gratitude. It can be an individual or group activity, depending on how you choose to implement it.

Why it works: Journaling supports self-awareness and emotional regulation, both of which are central to SEL.


Suggested Products:

1. 48 Pack Colorful Notebooks/Student Journals

6. Self-Esteem and Affirmation Station

Pinterest Idea: Affirmation and Self-Esteem Display

A display featuring positive affirmations can help boost students’ confidence and self-worth. You can rotate different positive statements each week or let students contribute their own affirmations.

Why it works: This activity promotes self-esteem, a key SEL component that helps students feel valued and capable.


Final Thoughts: Bringing SEL Decor to Life

Integrating SEL-focused decor and displays into your classroom is a great way to create a positive, supportive environment that nurtures emotional intelligence. Whether it’s a growth mindset wall, an emotion chart, or a mindfulness corner, these displays help foster a classroom culture where students feel safe, understood, and ready to learn.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to make your displays interactive! Let students contribute their ideas, and rotate the materials regularly to keep things fresh and engaging.

Try these Affirmation flashcards, a quick and easy resource to add to your space

Shop new arrivals

  • $2.00
  • $3.50
  • $3.00
  • $2.00
  • $1.50

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *