Choosing Your Class Theme

I absolutely love this part! Choosing and creating the theme for your upcoming class is one of the most rewarding experiences of being a teacher! You get to watch your students walk into the classroom and see their eyes light up simply because you took the time to find out what could make learning fun.

Now, although it’s super fun, it can be pretty difficult to settle on only one class theme. I mean there are really hundreds out there to choose from! How do I pick only one? How do I narrow down my options?

Well, hopefully I can help you a bit with that. Let’s get started thinking creatively!

Creative Brainstorming

This is probably the part that’s the most fun! Why? Because I’m literally encouraging you right now to go scroll through Pinterest!

Take a look at Pinterest, go online, and ask friends what they’re upcoming themes are. Have some fun and see what’s out there! Use as many resources available and try to find some original ideas. Now, make sure to set a time limit on how long you spend traveling through ideas and thoughts, otherwise you may never get to our next step.

2.Contact Others

Ask questions!! This kind of ties in with the previous one.

Basically, go to others! Go to the teachers that inspire you, the people that you look up to, and ask them what themes they’ve done in the past. You could even ask what their favorite Bible verses are or favorite songs and make a whole new original theme based off of that!

Not only does this get the creative juices flowing, but it also allows you to ask questions about how they incorporated their class theme into things such as games, gifts, and lesson plans.

Second Grade Has a Spot for you-Jungle Theme

3. Choose a theme

Wait, only two previous steps and we’re all ready to choose a class theme? Yes! Honestly, It’s not really all that complicated.

Choose a theme that pertains to your students, but is also something that you love! Remember, although the theme is for the kids, it should be something the teacher enjoys too–you’re the one who has to look at it for the year.

Choose a theme that is seasonal. Pick something that you can easily see yourself adding fall leaves to, putting fake snow around, and growing spring flowers on.

Choose two themes. Now, personally, I know this is weird or perhaps a might different, but I tend to choose a brightly colored theme for the fall and a relaxing cool colored theme for the spring. Why? Because I know myself. I tend to go into the school year with loads of energy and then feel overwhelmed by the crazy colored patterns by the winter. So, right after Christmas break, I change my class theme completely around to something with blues, greens, and purples. Not only do I feel relaxed but the students are also super excited to come back from break to see a different class decor.

Now, don’t think that you have to change your class theme mid-year! I realize that it’s not for everyone. Some teachers do and some don’t. Some even change their’s up more than that. I knew a teacher who changed her class theme up every month! Can you believe it? If I did what she was doing, I’m sure I would have passed out by month three! My point? Do what’s best for you, your class, and your school. Don’t feel pressured to do what I’m doing or even what others are doing. Get ideas from others, but find your school’s expectations and follow those.

4. Create a Purpose

I love this part too! Well…let’s be honest, I love every part of being a teacher!

Creating a purpose for your classroom theme might take a bit more creative brainstorming. What do I mean? Well, I want you to ask yourself a few questions:

Who is this theme for? Is it for me or for my students? (Side note: the classroom theme should always be for the students)

What do I want my students to learn from the classroom theme? To rely on the Lord? To enjoy learning? To do their best?

How do I want them to feel when they come into the room? Inspired? Energized? Relaxed?

What all does your classroom theme do for both you and the students? What is your purpose statement for your class?

In the past, my classroom was decorated with large pieces of grass and huge bugs. The theme was, “Our God is so Big.” This theme taught my students that He loves even the littlest things and made them feel excited while letting them know that they are truly loved by their Creator.