Why I Never Choose A Theme For My Classroom

Why I Never Choose A Theme For My Classroom

Each year as I began decorating my classroom, preparing for a new group of children, I've held a special tradition. I never chose the theme-I let them. I believe this created a greater classroom community and sense of pride and ownership among myself and my students. Those four walls were by no means only mine. I shared them with 20+ people for 180 days. 
So how do you have your students choose a theme? Here's how I've done it.
1. In my welcome back letter, I asked each child to think of an animal that would make a great classroom name for our class. Thinking of the qualities of that animal and bringing any research in on the first day is encouraged.
2. Within the first few days, during classroom meetings I listed every animal child's suggestion. We took it VERY seriously. No one was allowed to shut down anyone else's suggestion.
3. We voted! This took several rounds of semi-finalists and finalists. The excitement and anticipation builds and a final decision was made!
4. Once the animal is decided, that became our entity for the whole year. They proudly wore that name, and no future class could use it again until they graduated from high school!
(Some of the names we've had were: koalas, tigers, pandas, gorillas, chinchillas, penguins, flying squirrels ) I kept a small poster with all the semi-retired animal names.
5. Once we had a animal theme established we found books, articles, and pictures to hang or display in the classroom library. Every notice I sent home had the animal image on it. The class newsletter and website had that image and a special name. I found small rewards or make printable ones with that animal on it. (I'm NOT a huge extrinsic reward giver, but a few small things like a teacher-made coupon, bookmark, or pencil is fine with me from time to time.)
My classes have LOVED this tradition and I hope yours will too! I would love to hear your feedback!
-Emily :))
TRT/OG



Seven Back To School Read Alouds For The Classroom

Greetings Reading Friends!
I'm staying at home with my children this year! I'll miss being in my classroom, but I feel like I am able to give back in a new way by sharing with a larger audience.
Many teachers have come to me over the years asking for book suggestions to read aloud to their classes in the first few days of school.
Sooo, here's my list of favorites!
1. The Important Book by: Margaret Wise Brown
I've always incorporated a get to know you writing activity with this fav. The finished piece makes a nice presentation for Open House night.
2. First Day Jitters by: Julie Danneberg
I love the perspective of the teacher in this book feeling nervous about the first day, which we don't find out until the end. Seeing the looks on my students faces at the end of the story was priceless.
3. Prairie School by: Avi
Noah thinks reading isn't important on the prairie, but his Aunt changes all that. Noah learns the power of reading and lifelong learning. There's great discussions to have about the importance of reading with this book.
4. Donovan's Word Jar by: Monalisa DeGross
Donovan collects words! After reading this short chapter book, I always started a class word jar with my class and we became word gatherers just like Donovan all year long! The ideas are endless.
5. My Teacher's Secret Life by: Stephen Krensky
The student narrator humorously explains what teachers do after hours at school. He's shocked to see his teacher outside of school doing things other people do!
6. Enemy Pie by: Derek Munson
This book has a powerful message of friendship. There's a fun Enemy Pie website to check after you read the book too!
7. And my most favorite? (drum roll, please) The North Star by: Peter Reynolds
 The message is simple, but powerful: Follow your own journey. See how the little boy in this story finds out. This book has incredible character-building life lessons. There's a North Star website as well with mini posters to print out and use during morning meetings. There's even a North Star classroom curriculum!
Feel free to comment on any of these books. I'd love to hear if you have a favorite not mentioned in my list. Happy New School Year!