Sunday 13 January 2013

Choosing a Classroom Theme

I am so thrilled to be going back to my Prep teaching job in just a few weeks.  It was a HUGE decision for me to resign to come to Canada when the option for unpaid leave wasn't available for me - so I was thrilled to be re-hired by the school that I love so much... and even more excited when another wonderful teacher felt like a year level change and left the Prep spot free for me!  When I left at the end of 2011 I packed up everything that belonged to me and it's currently in storage at my Mum and Dad's.  I also left a heap of stuff in the Prep block, partly because I didn't have room for it, and partly because I knew the other teachers could use it.  Now that it's only two weeks until the new school year I need to get my act into gear and think about how I will arrange stuff and decorate my room again when I get there.

I work in a beautiful block that was custom built for Prep classrooms.  We have large rooms with vaulted ceilings, shared storage and a kitchen, a big undercover play area, a separate room for the teacher aides to work in and bathrooms for the kidlets attached to each classroom.  There's also secure outside storage, and BIG sandpit and grassed area and a playground.  I am VERY fortunate to work in such a great space. (As soon as I'm there I'll post some photos!)

Since I'm dealing with a room that will be stripped of all it's finery I'm faced with the tough choice of choosing a classroom theme - or if I should choose one at all.  I've read a few amazing blogs with details of how other teachers theme their rooms (most recently Casey over at adoring lilly) and I have a few ideas of my own that I'm yet to decide between.  In the past I've done a garden theme that integrated cute bugs and butterflies.  I'd love to do some sort of 'Around the World' travel theme, or use beautiful colours for a rainbow room.  This year though, I'm leaning towards a Dr. Seuss inspired space!

I'm thinking that I can use characters from his books as my small group names, decorate with truffula trees, use a positive quote as my behaviour management catch-cry... and illustrations from Dr. Seuss' books lend themselves nicely to bright colour blocking on my bulletin boards and wall spaces.  
I found this print at Balancing Home.
Mrs. Lodge made these beautiful truffula trees.
Dr. Seuss canvas art from Pottery Barn Kids.
Do you have a classroom theme? Better yet, do you have a Dr. Seuss inspired room? I'd love to hear what other amazing ideas are out there for classroom themes. :)


Lauren

7 comments:

  1. Love your cute blog! I want to follow you...but don't see a "follow" button on your side bar. Let me know how you accept followers! I saw your comment on DeeDee Wills' blog and knew I had to check you out! I'm a newer blogger myself...and love to find new teachers to connect with! It's all about sharing great ideas for the good of our kiddos! Blessings!

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    1. Hi Holly,
      I'm not even sure if you'll see this comment! I was reading over my first blog posts (almost 2 years ago now!) and yours was one of my first comments I had! I can't believe that a FAMOUS blogger commented on one of my posts. :) I follow your bog and Instagram and just love your energy and passion for teaching. In case you were wondering... I now have a Bloglovin' button. :)
      Lauren

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  2. Hi Holly,
    Thanks for stopping by! I just added a follow by email and subscribe option to the sidebar. Hope that helps?
    I'm off to check out your blog now!
    Lauren :)

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  3. Hi Lauren, I teach Grade One in Brisbane and I'm also a new blogger! If you go into 'Design' and then 'Layout' you should be able to add a 'Followers' gadget so that we can all follower you. That way your blog will then show up in our sidebar too! Your Prep classrooms sound amazing- ours are not that fabulous! Good luck getting your classroom ready!

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    1. I have added a few followers gadgets but maybe not the right ones? If you point me in the right direction of which one I need specifically I would greatly appreciate it. :)

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  4. I love your idea of using Dr Seuss as an inspiration! Your room will be fantastically bright and stimulating for your kiddies. Your Prep area sounds fabulous too - I'm very jealous of the toilets attached to your rooms! Thanks for the shout out too - I'm currently deciding whether to upload some photos of my room or wait until it's perfect hehe

    Casey
    Adoring Lilly

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    1. Thanks Casey - I'm hoping it turns out like I'm imagining it! I'll hopefully post some photos this week.

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Thanks for popping by!