In today’s classrooms, teachers don’t just teach they design learning experiences. And because time is one of our biggest challenges, we need tools that are fast, powerful, and easy to use. Canva is becoming one of the best platforms for creating worksheets, presentations, posters, assessments, and everything in between.
Why Canva Matters for Teachers
Before we dive deeper, we take two minutes to explore WHY Canva is such a powerful teaching tool. Teachers quickly see that Canva:
- Saves valuable planning time
- Makes lessons more visual and engaging
- Supports assessments, posters, videos, and presentations
- Offers ready-made templates for every grade and subject
- Exports directly to PDF or PowerPoint
- Works smoothly on any device
Canva truly helps teachers work smarter, not harder.
The Five Must-Know Tools on Canva
1. Templates
Instructions
- On Canva homepage, click Templates.
- Search for:
- Worksheet
- Poster
- Lesson plan
- Certificate
- Click on a template and edit any text or image.
Teacher Tip- Always start with a template , it saves time.
2. Elements (Classroom Graphics)
Instructions
Teacher Tip - Use icons instead of long text.
- Open any design.
- Click Elements (left menu).
- Search:
- “math icons”
- “arrows”
- “stickers”
- “shapes”
- Drag and drop into your design.
Teacher activity
Create a Classroom Poster (10 minutes)
Instructions
- Search Classroom Poster.
- Choose a template.
- Change the text (e.g. “Respect Each Other”, “Growth Mindset”).
- Change colours to match your classroom theme.
- Add cute icons or stickers.
- Download as PDF for printing
3. Magic Write (AI Tool)
Activity Instructions
- Click Apps on the left.
- Search Magic Write.
- Type a prompt, e.g.:
- “Create 5 Grade 4 comprehension questions.”
- “Write a short paragraph about photosynthesis.”
- “Create a rubric for a poster project.”
Teacher Tip
Use Magic Write for ANY written content — questions, summaries, instructions, objectives.
4. Background Remover
Instructions
- Upload a picture (left panel → Uploads).
- Click the picture.
- Click Edit Image → Background Remover.
- Canva automatically removes the background.
Teacher Tip
Great for worksheets, posters, and learner photos.
5. Download Options
Instructions
- Click Share (top right).
- Click Download.
- Choose:
- PDF – Print → for worksheets/posters
- PNG → for WhatsApp
- PPTX → for classroom teaching
- Click Download.
Teacher Tip
Always choose PDF for printing.
Outcomes
This workshop gives teachers confidence, creativity, and simple digital skills they can use immediately. Canva empowers teachers to design quickly, work smarter, and create learning resources that their learners love.