Choose a specific area of the classroom for the beach. This should be large enough to fit at least one small wading pool and two to three children. Clear the area of all toys, furniture and other items.
Lay a plastic tarp, or similar barrier, onto the floor where you are planning to create the beach. Secure the tarp to the floor with masking tape.
Place a small, plastic or inflatable wading pool onto the tarp. Fill the pool with sand. Avoid filling the pool all of the way to the top. Add the sand to a depth of approximately three inches.
Bury a few smooth shells in the sand for the children to find.
Place plastic sea creatures such as crabs, lobsters or starfish in the sand.
Add a few plastic shovels and buckets for the children to play with the sand.
Create faux palm trees. Tear pieces of green tissue paper in half to make palm leaves. Stuff the ends of the leaves into the top of a large (at least three feet long) cardboard tube. Prop the trees up near the sand against a ball or other sturdy surface.