Teacher’s Brain

5 Reasons To Have Beach Themed Decor

Looking for classroom theme ideas for your elementary classroom that will get your students excited to come to class? You’re in the right place! Classroom decorating themes make it fun to come to school, especially at the beginning of the year when students are likely to be a little more nervous than usual. 

There are so many fun options to choose from. You can do characters, animals, rainbows, books, etc. These are all amazing but my favorite is definitely beach themed classroom decor! It’s simply timeless and loved by all. 

5 reasons to have beach themed decor

Here are 5 reasons you should have beach themed decor in your classroom

  1. It’s an easy theme. It’s easy because there are tons of affordable decoration options available. Watch for supplies in ocean colors like blue, white, light green, and tan. You can check out the dollar store for tons of beachy things like leis, inflatables, sunglasses, or even some seashells in the craft supplies section! 
  2. It’s relaxing. As mentioned above, many students feel some nervousness prior to starting a new school year with a new teacher. The beachy vibes and calming blue colors will provide a welcoming environment that will hopefully help calm those nerves a little. 
  3. Students love it. Who doesn’t love a beach vacation? Beach classroom decor brings that summer fun feeling to school. 
  4. It gives the perfect setup for beach themed days. These themed days are classic and for a good reason! We all have a memory of going to school in Hawaiian shirts and sunglasses. Your beach decor will set the perfect scene. Just put on some ocean white noise or a video of the ocean and you’re ready to go! 
  5. You can connect it to your science lessons. Sharks, dolphins, whales, sea turtles, etc. Students love these animals and will be so engaged in their lessons when they are in a beachy environment. 

Love the Beach classroom theme? Here’s the perfect resource to help you set up. 

This Beach Themed Classroom Decor Bundle is just what you need. 

This is a Hawaiian Beach Themed Classroom Decor Editable bundle with pineapples and palm trees! It has 6 Resources bundled using Hawaii photographs and watercolor clip art.

What is included?

Welcome Banners

Tropical Word Wall

Growth Mindset Posters

Labels

Table Numbers

Center Posters

Hawaii Photo Alphabet Lines (cursive and print)

Name Tags

Classroom Jobs (editable) 

Number Posters

Where Are We Signs

How I Get Home Sign

Calendar Set with watercolors 

SO MUCH MORE! 

The best part is it comes with editable Powerpoints, so you can personalize it to meet your needs! 

Looking for more beachy classroom fun? Check out this Beach Themed Day Activities Resource, Beach Party Escape Room, and this Beach Day Virtual Field Trip! Also, check out this blog post to learn about my favorite ways to bring the beach to the classroom. 

What are your favorite beach themed classroom decorations? Let me know in the comments!

Why You Need A Visual Schedule In Elementary

We all know how important it is to get our students in a good routine for a smooth running classroom. Students thrive when they know what to expect for their day. 

Studies show that a good routine helps with behavior management issues in the classroom. It also helps your students feel more safe with the consistency that it brings. 

When I was in the classroom at the start of the year, I tried to ensure that I go over the schedule and break down the entire day for my students. This included what we do when we come in for the day, what subjects we work on when, when we transition to lunch and specials, how we transition to lunch and specials, and the pickup/ going home procedures. 

I found it to be beneficial to have a visual for younger students who may need extra help remembering the daily schedule and procedures. 

visual schedule

I created this Classroom Visual Daily Schedule to help smooth out the transitions and give students the peace of mind that comes with knowing what comes next every day. 

visual schedule

 You can use these cards on a pocket chart, wall, or magnetic board to easily edit and move your schedule around. You can even allow students to take a card to the next task if they have trouble transitioning.

This resource is a digital, editable PowerPoint so you can edit it to fit your needs. You can also personalize it if desired! 

visual schedule

Here’s everything I included

  • 42 editable PowerPoint slides (*Make sure you have PowerPoint)
  • Black and White with Clocks (moveable hands and text boxes provided)
  • Cursive and print for intermediate or primary classrooms
  • Blank cards
  • Directions with suggested fonts
  • Pictures cards include ( A+, apple, backpack, chalkboard, books, bell, lunch, milk, glue, globe, clock, crayons, owl, grad hat, paint pallet, paintbrush, bookworm, bus, pencil, pen, check, bell, stars, scissors, beaker, music, paper airplane, protractor, data journal, music, magnets, locker, glasses, light bulb, ruler, flask, heart, sun, tent, music notes, tie, flashlight, plant, tie, test tube)

I would put these at the front of the classroom on the board or in our Calendar Time area. I noticed how much of a difference it made in my students when we had a clear, easy-to-understand schedule. 

What do you do to teach students your daily schedule? Let me know in the comments!

visual schedule

 

How To Create A Fun And Easy Virtual Calendar For Your Classroom

If you know me, you know I just love calendar time. It is such a great way to gather with kindergarten or first grade students, go over the calendar, review some concepts, read stories, listen, share, and maybe even sing some songs. For more info on why I love it so much, check out my post here. 

 I adore my traditional Calendar Time area. This fun beachy-themed calendar area has always been my favorite.  Recently, however, I have been exploring Google Slides more and more and have found that it is the perfect tool for creating a virtual calendar easily! 

Here are some benefits of using a virtual calendar in your classroom

  • It can be used in person or virtually. After the last couple of years in the classroom, we are realizing the need for resources that can be used in the classroom AND virtually for distance learning. Teaching resources that are versatile enough to be used in both is essential these days. 
  • They are easily customized. Google Slides are so easy to play around with and make it your own. 
  • It can be easily reused year after year. While you can reuse physical products too, reusing digital items doesn’t require you to store anything or take up extra space. It can also be edited and personalized each year to fit whatever theme you want. 
  • It saves money. If you are printing your resources, it will save you money on paper and printing costs to just do it virtually. Saving money in the classroom is always a plus! 

Ready to explore virtual calendars yourself? I have you covered! I created this Virtual Calendar template for teachers who want to simplify Calendar Time in the classroom. 

virtual calendar

These colorful Google Slides templates make it easy for you and fun for your students. They can easily be edited to add your own personal touch. This calendar comes with Google Slides to help you review time, days of the week, months, money, share your morning messages, birthday shoutouts, and more! 

virtual calendar

Check out my virtual calendar tutorial here! 

Here’s what’s included in this calendar resource: 

  • 21 Colorful Digital Calendar and Math slides. Includes time, days of the week, months, money, a spinner game, morning messages, birthday shoutouts, patterns, shapes, and tally marks. 
  • 2 Review Pages (one digital and one black and white to easily print for pencil to paper) 

virtual calendar

Ready to get started with your virtual calendar? Check it out here!


virtual calendar


 

Calendar Time in Primary is a Beach!

I always loved calendar time when I was in the classroom. In fact, it was the most enjoyable time of the day! If you don’t do Calendar Time in your classroom, you may be wondering what exactly it is. 

Calendar time is a time during the day to come together as a class by the calendar. It is a great way to start the day or transition from one activity to the other. It also helps students because it is part of the daily routine and they know what to expect. 

calendar time

Some of my favorite activities for Calendar Time include: 

  • Singing a song or two. This is such a fun way to let your students show their personality and have some fun. Add in dancing for extra physical activity! 
  • Listen to others. Sharing stories or other important information is a great time to practice our listening skills. 
  • Reviewing days and months. Use your calendar to review the days of the week and the current month. Repetition will have your students reciting it on their own in no time. 
  • Review math skills. Reviewing during Calendar Time feels more fun and less like work. Take this time to review some essential skills you have been working on. 
  • Talk about the weather to help students understand the daily weather and what it means. 
  • Read a story. Select a book that relates to what you are working on that week and read it during Calendar Time while students are gathered close and can easily see the pictures. 

If you are wanting to get it set up for your classroom, I have you covered! My Beachy Calendar Time Resource has everything you need! 

calendar time

This beach-themed decor bundle comes with matching decorations for your set up. It has six resources bundled in one using Hawaii photographs and watercolor clip art. How amazing does that sound?

calendar time

Included you’ll get welcome banners, tropical word wall decor, growth mindset posters, labels, table numbers, center posters, Hawaii photo alphabet lines, name tags, editable classroom jobs, number posters, Where Are We signs, How I Get Home sign, and your calendar set with watercolors and so much more! 

calendar time

Looking for tips for decorating your classroom? Check out my post here!