ThinkTeachTalk: Get Started.....using a Classroom Theme!

Hey teachers! I know the July/ August vacation has just begun and thinking about your classroom is the last thing on your mind.

While this may be true, the reality is that preparing your classroom for the new school term is critical to providing a stimulating, enjoyable and appealing learning environment for your students.

This is the first of my posts related to helping you, my colleagues, in preparing a classroom environment ready to captivate and motivate students as they learn.

As you prepare for your next academic year, you should note that integrating a theme within your classroom environment is a creative avenue you can utilize.

Designing and arranging your classroom within a theme creates a cohesive and stimulating environment which captivates students visually and engages them. Classroom themes provide opportunities for students to plunge into a world of meaningful learning experiences. The themes can support curriculum goals or students’ interests.

At the beginning of the school year, your students should walk into a space which is delightful and interesting. The general layout and design of your classroom should be evident to your students from the get go. Let your students know that they too will contribute to the theme as the school year goes by.

Here are some guidelines you can follow as you implement a Classroom Theme.

1. What are my Students’ Interest?

Knowing the interests and age of your students is very beneficial in helping you to decide on a classroom theme. Selecting a theme is not a daunting task, if you have knowledge of your new students. If you don’t, then the best theme would be one relevant to the curriculum. For example: a rainforest theme, patriotic theme, festivals or reading just to name a few.

2. What elements are central to the theme?

You need to spend time researching and learning about the theme you have selected. Identify components central to your theme and how they can be used in the classroom. The elements should be replicas of real-life features and guide students to tangible and meaning exposures to the theme.

Elements in a Circus Theme Classroom- Ringmaster, Ring of Fire,
Pennants

Circus Theme Classroom must have a Big Top

All aspects of the theme do not have to be presented initially, however, over the school year they can be incorporated.

Remember, in selecting your theme your goal is to provide students with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the theme. At the end of the school year, they should be familiar with the words, terms and phrases related to the classroom theme.

· For example:

If working with a pirate theme you must include a ship, pirates, treasures, parrots etc. In addition, read books about pirates and their adventures. Extend learning by giving students opportunities to write about pirates.

If working with a space theme you must include planets, asteroids, spaceships, astronauts etc. Read books about space exploration and famous astronauts.

Space Theme Classroom with hanging planets.
Did you spot the astronaut?

Painting a lantern to make a planet.

3. What should be the focus?

Your classroom theme permeates every aspect of the classroom environment and therefore must be evident in the general and specific learning areas/boards within the classroom.

Your welcome board is the first introduction to your classroom theme and students and visitors are initially drawn into your ‘world’ by a visually appealing Welcome Greeting related to your theme.

· If your entrance has a door, this is the best location to place your Welcome Greeting.

· If you don’t have a door, like me, you can select a board or wall space to arrange and display your Welcome Greeting.

· Your greeting should include a catchy phrase related to your theme along with students’ names or photos.

Infant Two Welcome Board

Grade 5/ Standard 4 Welcome Board

Another area where the theme should be evident in the classroom is the Library area. Draw students to this area by providing a cosy and comfortable nook. Support students’ reading and writing with books related to the theme.