Classroom themes help create a fun and inviting atmosphere for students. They provide a sense of classroom identity and also give you a starting point for planning the next year. With the summer half-way over, it’s time to start considering themes for the new school year.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:
• Think of a theme that fits your personality. Your room represents you. You don’t want to be stuck with decorations you don’t really like for the whole year.
• Use of more than one theme is strongly discouraged. Students with learning disabilities may find it a distraction.
• Limit your color scheme to three colors. Two solid colors and one print is a good rule of thumb. Use those same colors and pattern consistently throughout your room.
• Incorporate your theme into all aspects of classroom life. Depending on the theme, students will be part of a team (sports theme), crew (travel theme), troop (camping theme), or band (rock and roll theme). Carry the theme into your class newsletter, money in the class economy, group names and activities, and classroom management systems.
• Keep costs low by using butcher paper and printing materials yourself. Garage sales or resale shops may be a great place to find items to match your theme.

A few theme ideas that could work well for both boys and girls:
• Camping (tent, fire, cabin, pinecones, bugs)
• Travel (airplanes, cars, ship, maps, luggage/tags)
• Children’s literature (Dr. Seuss, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Where the Wild Things Are)
• Rock and roll (drums, guitars, microphones)
• Ocean or beach (fish, water, sand, shells)
• Movies (stars, popcorn, red carpet)
• Superheroes (comics, capes, cityscapes)
• Hippie (tie dye, shag carpets, lava lamps, bean bags)

Check out Pinterest or School Girl Style for loads of great classroom theme and design inspiration.

What is your classroom theme? Do you change every year? Let us know and share your ideas!

About the Blogger:
Harris County Department of Education’s Communication team helps promote the efforts of HCDE’s programs and services to the education community. Our close-knit, award-winning team works together on creative strategies to effectively support the organization. We’re always looking to share great stories and on occasion contribute to the HCDE blog, School Bell.

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