teachersbrain, Author at Teacher's Brain

Choosing the Perfect Classroom Theme for Elementary

August 20, 2023 teachersbrain Teacher's Pay Teachers

As we gear up for another exciting school year, it’s time to start thinking about how we can create a warm and inviting classroom environment for our students.

One fantastic way to do that is by selecting a captivating classroom theme! If you’re looking for classroom theme ideas, classroom decorations, or other inspiration for the new school year, you’re in the right place!

What is a Classroom Theme?

A classroom theme is like the magical glue that holds your classroom together. It’s the central idea or concept that guides your classroom decorations, bulletin boards, and even some of your lesson plans throughout the year. I like to think of it as a story that unfolds as your students step into your classroom each day.

A well-chosen theme can foster a sense of unity, excitement, and engagement among our little learners, and who doesn’t love that?!

What are Some Good Themes for School?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few tried-and-true classroom themes that have brought smiles and laughter to many elementary classrooms:

Under the Sea Adventure: Dive deep into an underwater wonderland filled with colorful fish, friendly sea creatures, and sunken treasures. Your students will be thrilled to explore the depths of learning with this theme.
Jungle Safari: Embark on a wild journey through the jungle, complete with lush foliage, adorable animals, and a sense of exploration. This theme is perfect for sparking curiosity and discovery.
Space Odyssey: Blast off into outer space and discover the mysteries of the cosmos! Planets, rockets, and stars will take your students on an educational journey that’s out of this world.
Superheroes Unite: Calling all young superheroes! With capes, masks, and a classroom decked out in heroic gear, your students will feel empowered to conquer any learning challenge.
Enchanted Garden: Create a whimsical world where imagination blooms. Butterflies, flowers, and magical creatures will nurture a love for learning and creativity.

How Do I Choose a Classroom Theme?

Picking the perfect theme is like choosing the colors for a masterpiece you’re about to create. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you select a theme that resonates with you and your students:

Reflect on Your Interests: Start by thinking about what excites you. Do you have a favorite season, hobby, or animal? Incorporating your interests into your classroom theme will make the experience even more enjoyable.
Connect to Your Curriculum: If you can find a theme that ties into your curriculum, that’s a double win! For example, a “Historical Time Travel” theme could align with history lessons, making learning even more engaging.
Versatility is Key: Opt for a theme that offers flexibility. This way, you can easily adapt your decorations and activities as the school year progresses.
Plan for Engagement: Think about how the theme can spark discussions, projects, and interactive learning experiences. The more engaged your students are, the more memorable the theme will become.
Create a Welcoming Atmosphere: Above all, choose a theme that creates a warm and inviting environment. Your goal is to make your students excited to come to class each day.

One of my favorite themes lately is a fun, bright, and colorful Retro Groovy theme!

I have seen this trend pop up and I am loving it. If you are looking for retro themed classroom decorations, check out these resources!

Retro Calendar Set

Retro Classroom Job Chart

Retro Birthday Celebration Chart

Retro Affirmation Station

Retro Alphabet Line

Retro Classroom Posters

Retro Class Decor Set

Want it all?? Bundle and save with this resource!

Looking for more classroom theme inspiration? Check out my post here!

5 Classroom Management Tips for Back To School Time

August 11, 2023 teachersbrain Back to School, Classroom Behavior Management, Classroom Decor, kindergarten survival, Teacher's Pay Teachers, Teaching Tips

It’s that exciting time of the year again – back to school!

Are you ready?

I know we’re all eager to create a warm and productive classroom environment where our young learners can thrive, and one way to make that happen is with an effective classroom management system.

What is a classroom management system?

A classroom management system is a set of strategies and techniques that we can use to create a positive and organized learning environment. It encompasses a range of practices, from setting clear behavioral expectations and routines to fostering strong teacher-student relationships.

This system empowers us teachers to effectively manage student behavior, encourage active engagement, and promote a conducive atmosphere for learning and growth.

If you’re looking for some rockin’ classroom management system tips for elementary, you’re in the right place!

So, let’s dive into some tips and ideas for effective classroom management that have worked wonders for me over the years.

Tip 1: Set Clear Expectations

Start the school year by discussing and establishing clear expectations with your students. Let them know what behaviors are acceptable in the classroom and what the consequences might be for breaking those rules. Keep these expectations simple, age-appropriate, and positively framed. It’s like setting the compass for your class journey!

Tip 2: Create a Fun and Organized Physical Environment

A classroom that’s inviting and organized can do wonders for managing behavior. Use colorful decorations, student artwork, and interactive displays to make the space engaging. Arrange desks and seating to minimize distractions and encourage interaction. Don’t forget to designate specific areas for materials and supplies – it helps keep chaos at bay.

Tip 3: Use Positive Reinforcement

Celebrate your students’ achievements and good behavior with praise, rewards, or simple gestures like stickers or high-fives. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in motivating them to follow your classroom rules. It’s like sprinkling a bit of magic encouragement to keep their spirits high!

Tip 4: Implement Routines and Procedures

Kids thrive on routine, so establish consistent daily routines and procedures. From entering the classroom to transitioning between subjects, having predictable steps can help minimize disruptions. Remember, routines aren’t about rigidity; they’re like the rhythm that keeps your classroom orchestra in tune!

Tip 5: Foster a Strong Teacher-Student Relationship

Building a positive rapport with your students can make a world of difference in classroom management. Get to know them, show genuine interest in their lives, and listen actively when they talk. When students feel valued and understood, they’re more likely to respect and cooperate with you. Think of it as nurturing a garden of trust and connection.

Looking for the perfect classroom management system? I have you covered with this free Desk Pet Starter Pack Resource!

Need a great way to help your class improve daily behavior? Desk Pets are great for helping with classroom management! Try these FREE printables to help you begin your Desk Pet Pal Positive Behavior System Journey!

What is in this download?

Pg. 1 Cover

Pg. 2 Link Page to Full Resource

Pg. 3 What is a desk pet?

Pg. 4 Adoption Application EDITABLE PowerPoint

Pg. 5 Labels (Adoption Center and Hotel)

Pg. 6 Editable Page to create Writing Prompt or other Idea

Pg. 7 Zoo Habitat for a Pet

Pg. 8 How to Fold the Habitat

Pg. 9 Other Resources

Pg. 10 Credits

Get it for free here!

Looking for more classroom management tips? Check out my post here!

Joyce Lansky TpT Conference and COVID Resources

August 7, 2023 teachersbrain Teacher's Pay Teachers

I attended a Teachers Pay Teachers National Conference in 2018. I was able to meet up with my online friend, Joyce Lansky. To know Joyce is to know joy! She is always smiling and willing to help me learn all about the TpT world. She also loves dogs and a good ghost story too! What is not to love? 🙂 I had a wonderful time being able to get to know her better.

A little over a year later, we both worked on COVID resources for teachers during the pandemic. It was great to be able to bounce ideas off of each other about how to make resources that were digital, and appropriate for different aged students. You can find her Logic Puzzle HERE.

If you are ever wondering if it is worth it to attend the National TpT Conference, I highly recommend it so you can find your “JOY” too!

Top 3 Tips For An Amazing Year in Kindergarten

August 5, 2023 teachersbrain Back to School, kindergarten survival, Teaching Tips

Are you getting prepped for a brand new year of teaching kindergarten? You’re in the right place! Kindergarten is such a magical time. Students are truly so excited to be coming to school and their little minds are so ready to learn! It’s one of my favorite age groups! If you’re looking for kindergarten activities or even some fun kindergarten worksheets, I have you covered.

But first, you may be wondering, how do you entertain a kindergarten class?

The key with entertaining your kindergarten students is to make learning fun! Don’t know where to start? Here are three tips for making it happen.

1. Engaging STEAM Activities:

Incorporate trending STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities in your lesson plans. Kids love hands-on experiences, so try out simple science experiments, building challenges, or creative art projects that stimulate their curiosity and imagination. It’s a fantastic way to foster a love for learning and critical thinking skills!

2. Interactive Learning with EdTech:

Embrace educational technology to make learning interactive and exciting. Use educational apps and interactive whiteboards to engage the little ones and reinforce concepts through gamified learning. Don’t worry; there are plenty of kid-friendly apps and online resources that are both safe and educational!

3. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Focus:

A trending approach that has shown fantastic results is focusing on Social-Emotional Learning. Create a warm and caring classroom environment, encourage kindness, empathy, and emotional awareness. Teach mindfulness techniques and help children develop essential social skills. A positive and supportive classroom atmosphere will work wonders for their overall development.

Remember, patience and flexibility are key! Kindergarteners are a bundle of energy and curiosity, so embrace the journey and celebrate their small wins.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one kindergarten mega resource full of teaching activities for kindergarten that will give you everything you need to start the year off on an amazing foot, you’ll love this Kindergarten Survival Pack bundle!

I picked 10 of my best resources for getting started back to school in Kindergarten! Some of these I swear, I could not survive without the past couple of years. This will save you time and money!!