Classroom Decor Archives - Page 2 of 5

4 Engaging Elementary Summer Activities and Resources

May 17, 2024 teachersbrain Classroom Behavior Management, Classroom Decor, Teaching Tips

Summer is almost here! Are you ready?

If you’re an elementary teacher looking for engaging and educational resources to keep your students learning over the summer, you’re in the right place.

Whether you’re looking for summer packets to prevent the summer slide, needing creative writing prompts, planning out classroom jobs, or brainstorming a fun and summer-tastic bulletin board, these resources have you covered!

Each tool is designed to be user-friendly, interactive, and aligned with educational standards, ensuring a smooth and productive summer for your students- and you!

Check out these fantastic summer activities for kids to keep the summer slide at bay and make learning FUN all summer long!

Summer Packets

These comprehensive print and go summer packets are perfect for keeping students engaged and learning over the break. The bundle includes seven packets for Pre-K through 5th Grade, each designed to prepare students for the next grade level while reviewing key skills aligned with Common Core Standards. Activities include both written and physical tasks that parents can easily do with their children, making these packets ideal for summer school reviews to prevent the summer slide. Each packet includes standard numbers for additional online resources and supports a blend of oral and physical activities.

Get a free sample here!

Summer Would You Rather Writing Activity

Make writing fun and interactive with the Summer Would You Rather Writing Activity! This download includes 53 colorful, summer-themed Google Slides with prompts that serve as great conversation starters, ice breakers, or writing exercises. The interactive slides allow students to use a moveable highlighter to indicate their choices, making it suitable for both virtual and in-person teaching. The set also includes digital and printable writing prompt papers, and black-and-white slides for handwriting practice, ensuring that students remain engaged and enjoy writing throughout the summer.

Classroom Jobs

Streamline classroom job assignments and transitions with this editable PowerPoint tool. With 52 editable slides, this resource provides black-and-white cards, both with and without images, suitable for intermediate or primary classrooms. The cards cover a wide range of classroom jobs such as Line Leader, Greeter, Pet Care, and many more. It includes cursive and print options, blank cards for custom jobs, and suggested fonts for easy editing. This tool helps in organizing and rotating students’ jobs efficiently, making classroom management smoother.

Summer Bulletin Board

Create a vibrant and customizable summer bulletin board with this editable PowerPoint resource! The download includes 22 slides featuring various designs like a girl or boy with a beach ball, a person with a surfboard, and more. You can easily add students’ photos or let them design their own faces with crayons and yarn. The resource also includes premade letter sets with phrases like “Having a Ball This Summer” or “Surfing Into Summer,” and provides both color and black-and-white options. Additionally, there’s a bonus summer hat design and a van/surfboard image for display, complete with an example of how to assemble the board.

Looking for more summer fun? Check out my post here for the perfect summer PBL activity!

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!

5 Back To School Resources That Will Make Your Year Better

July 29, 2023 teachersbrain Back to School, Classroom Behavior Management, Classroom Decor, education

It’s almost time to head back to the classroom!

As we gear up to welcome our new students and reunite with the familiar faces, it’s essential to be equipped with the best resources to make this academic year a smashing success.

If you’re looking for back to school activities, classroom decoration ideas, classroom management resources, or back to school resources for teachers, you’re in the right place! I’ll be sharing some fantastic back-to-school resources that will help us create engaging lessons, foster a positive classroom environment, and make this school year the best one yet! 🚀

What do you do to welcome kids back to school?

It all starts with your classroom! Creating a warm and welcome environment can work wonders when it comes to easing students’ stress and making them feel comfortable. Add colors and even a fun classroom theme to bring life to a cold and bland classroom.

The next step is implementing a good classroom management system that will make expectations clear, and then you want to have some fun with back to school and get to know you activities!

Here are 5 back to school resources to get you started!

1. This Boho Rainbow Classroom Decor Bundle is adorable and welcoming!

back to school classroom decoration ideas

Create an inviting classroom decor with this calming boho Rainbow-themed set! This is a calm theme with editable pages to easily personalize. Use the suggested fonts or create your own.

What is in the download:

An Editable Calendar Set
Editable Birthday Chart
Editable Daily Visual Schedule
Classroom Jobs Set
Color Word Posters & Name Tags
An Alphabet Line (Print and Cursive)
Back to School Welcome Banners, Forms, Posters & Labels for Binders

2. Try out the Desk Pet Pals Classroom Management System

back to school classroom management system

Need a great way to help your class improve daily behavior? I have you covered with this editable Powerpoint and Google Slides! Use these slides to personalize editable text boxes. Use mini erasers or the virtual pets provided to improve student’s behavior.

This resource comes with everything you need to implement this fun and engaging resource including behavior contracts, charts, pet store price list, signs, writing prompts, pet personality posters, and so much more! Just add some pet erasers.

Try it out free here!

3. Wondering what’s a good activity for the first lesson? Try out this Back To School Gingerbread Man Campus Hunt activity!

back to school Ginger Bread Man Hunt resource

Are you looking for a back-to-school activity to help students learn where different locations are on your school campus? This is a week of lessons integrating reading with a campus hunt for the Gingerbread Man! There is enough to keep your kiddos busy for weeks learning with this fun theme. It is full of extras too! Check it out!

4. Try out this First Day Jitters Glitter Slime Activity to ease the nerves

Love reading First Day Jitters to your students to help them get rid of their nervousness during the first week of school? The Jitter Glitter Slime included in this week lesson plan is always a huge hit with students! Use this at the beginning of the year to get students excited about science and teach them about inferences!

5. Don’t forget a fun craft! Check out these First Day of School Hat Crafts

Looking for an engaging activity to do with students to celebrate the first day or week of school? Have them create their own first day of school hat to wear while using the provided writing prompt to explain their favorite part of the first day, and give them a certificate!

I hope you and your students love these resources and that you have a marvelous first day of school!
Want more back to school resources? Check out these beachy classroom decor ideas.

How To Create A Positive Affirmations Station in Your Classroom

February 17, 2023 teachersbrain Classroom Decor, education

As elementary teachers, we all know how important it is to create a positive and nurturing environment in our classrooms. We all strive to build strong relationships with our students and help them develop the skills they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. One of my favorite tools to achieve that is positive affirmations!

Positive affirmations for kids are short, powerful statements that are used to challenge negative thoughts and replace them with more positive and empowering beliefs. It’s powerful to teach them the vocabulary that they need to have a positive mindset!

Do positive affirmations work for kids?

Yes! When used in the classroom, they can help students develop a more positive self-image, build self-confidence, and improve their overall mental health and wellbeing.

How do you teach positive affirmations for kids?

Start by explaining what positive affirmations are and why they are important. You can help your students understand that these are short, positive statements that they can use to remind themselves of how amazing they are!

Here are a few tips for teaching affirmations:

Create a list of affirmations. Together with your students, create a list of affirmations that they can use in their daily lives. Encourage them to think about their strengths, accomplishments, and qualities, and to come up with affirmations that feel right to them and make them feel good.
Use visualization. Visualization is a powerful tool that can help students to internalize their affirmations. Encourage your students to close their eyes and imagine how they will feel when they reach a goal.
Practice daily in a designated space. These are most effective when they are used regularly! Place affirmations around a mirror or create an affirmation station by setting aside a space in your classroom just for positive affirmation work. You can place a mirror here or just create a board with many positive affirmation cards displayed that students can use to remind themselves of how amazing they are.
Celebrate successes. Finally, be sure to celebrate your students’ successes as they begin to use positive affirmations in their daily lives. Acknowledge their efforts and encourage them to continue using affirmations to build self-confidence and develop a positive mindset.

If you’re looking for a list of positive affirmations for kids or a positive affirmations resource that you can use to create your own Affirmation Station, I have you covered!

I created these Positive Affirmation Cards that you can display on a mirror or elsewhere in your classroom.

In this resource, you’ll find pre-made cards and editable cards full of positive affirmations that you can place around a mirror in your classroom or at an affirmation station.

Included in this download:

Black and White Themed Editable PowerPoint:

24 Pre-made Affirmation Cards (4 per page)
4 different types of Titles Cards
2 Worksheets (To help students understand how to turn a negative thought into a positive thought.)
2 Blank editable pages for you to easily add your own affirmations and titles.
Directions with Suggestions
A Definition Affirmation Poster

If you want to add a pop of color, consider adding construction paper to the back for a border.

This is a wonderful and easy way to incorporate the power of affirmations into your classroom and help your students develop the positive mindset that they need to thrive.

Are you using affirmations in your classroom? Let me know in the comments! For more classroom management resources, check out my post here!