Cheap & Easy Classroom Dividers

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Classroom Dividers:

Classroom dividers are key! Let me start by saying, that every teacher knows the struggle of having that one student who's like a ninja when it comes to distractions in the classroom. You know the type – their attention can shift from the lesson to a speck of dust on the floor in a split second.

Well, fear not, my fellow educators, because today I'm going to spill the beans on a classroom hack that's not only practical but also incredibly easy and budget-friendly. Say hello to my trusty PVC pipe room classroom divider!

I, of course, enlisted the help of my very handy husband, who knew that I needed this in my special education classroom!

Gather Your Supplies:

Okay, so first things first, here's what you'll need:

25 feet of PVC pipe, preferably 1+ inch thick (the exact amount depends on your divider's desired dimensions)
2 PVC pipe 90-degree elbows (matching the pipe size)
4 PVC pipe tees (same size as the pipes)
4 PVC pipe caps (also the same size, optional for capping the ends)
PVC pipe cutters (or your husband can do it like mine did)
Measuring tape
spray paint (optional)
fabric tape
3-5 yards of your choice color fabric

Choosing the Right Fabric:

Before embarking on the project, it's essential to select a fabric that can be effortlessly draped over the PVC piping, all while being mindful of not adding excessive weight. Additionally, take into account your students' preferences; for instance, some may harbor aversions to particular fabrics, such as felt. You never know! In my situation, I discovered an appropriate cotton fabric available at Joanne Fabric. Concerning color choice, opt for a solid hue instead of a bustling pattern to maintain a distraction-free environment in the room.

Looking for some visual aids, click here!

Step-by-Step DIY

Measuring and Cutting: To kick things off, precisely measure and cut the PVC pipe to your desired dimensions. In my case, I fashioned a stand measuring 4.5 feet in height and 5 feet in width. This involved cutting the following sections:
- (2) 4 feet pieces (dedicated to the sides)
- (2) 5-inch pieces (also intended for the sides)
- (2) 5 feet pieces (reserved for the middle bars)
- (4) 10-inch pieces (designated for the legs)
Constructing the Stand: It's time to turn your creative vision into reality! Commence connecting the PVC pieces to assemble your robust stand. This is where your artistic flair can truly shine. Initially, I had envisioned a vibrant teal hue, but ultimately, I settled for a sleek and timeless white.
Hemming Your Fabric: Now, let's shift our focus to the fabric. Accurately measure and cut it to create a large pillowcase-like cover for the stand. Precision is key here. Enter fabric tape, which comes into play for the neat fusion of fabric segments, yielding a polished, hemmed edge.
Assembling It All: Once your spray-painted structure has dried and is ready to showcase, drape the fabric over it expertly. This is the pivotal moment when your room divider starts to take form. Personally, I favor the pristine look of all-white.
Bonus Pro Tip: For an added layer of durability, word on the street is that PVC pipe cement can work wonders. While I haven't tested it myself, it's a worthwhile consideration if you aim to fortify your masterpiece. This insider knowledge could elevate the stability of your creation to another level!

So, you've made your PVC pipe room divider, which is great for your classroom. It helps keep kids from getting distracted and creates quiet spots for work or independent tasks.

I decided to make this divider because of a new student in my class. He had a habit of wandering around and needed more than just lines on the floor to stay put.

Now, with this special divider, he not only stays in one place but also does well. What's even better is that I can move it around the classroom as he needs it, so it works for both of us.

This PVC pipe divider is pretty handy. It can change to fit what you need in your classroom. You can use it to create spaces for different activities, make quiet areas, or give some kids a clear boundary to stay inside.

By the way, if you want more tools to help students who learn better with pictures and visuals, check out my blog post called “5 Tools to Support Nonverbal Learners.” It's full of ideas to make teaching and learning better.

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I am a High School, self-contained Autism teacher from Central New York, who is passionate about individualizing student learning. I am a mommy of three, lover of all things Disney, married to my best friend and addicted to chocolate!! I hope that you find great ideas and inspiration here, so welcome!!