If decorating your classroom is holding you back from classroom transformation, don’t let it! You do not need to break the bank to have your classroom transform into something magical.
As I find myself doing classroom transformation more and more. I am using many of the same materials to transform my classroom.
In this post, I am going to share with you my must-have items to transform your classroom on a budget!
Let’s dive into it!
Add Tablecloth
The easiest thing to do in a transformation is to add color tablecloth. By adding a pop of color on the table, it automatically transforms the room.
Tablecloths can be found almost in any store that has some type of party area, but it can also be found at the Dollar Tree. I must warn you they are not the best quality, but it gets the job done. I prefer getting tablecloths at Walmart. Walmart has a special pack that brings three tablecloths for $2.99.
One way to save money budget is by asking parents to donate it. At the beginning of the year, part of my wish list items is a ton of tablecloths in any color. My only requirement is for parents to donate six tablecloths at the same time. The reason behind this is that’s the number of groups I have.
Clear Frames
The Dollar Tree once again has plastic clear frames. I use these frames to hold rules or procedures of different tasks.
My favorite clear frames measure 8 by 10. I simply cut the paper to and slip it right in. No need to go crazy laminating or buying card stock paper these frames do get the job done.
Colored Paper
Another easy way to transform your classroom is by printing on colored paper. My favorite paper is the Astrobright Paper.
Once again, I include Astrobright Paper as part of my wish list at the beginning of the school year. Some teachers at the beginning of the year have it as a school supply.
However, I encourage my parents to bring the multi-color pack because it brings a range of colors I can use throughout the year. I use this paper for different things in the classroom, so it eases the cost when parents donate the paper. It’s a win for their kids and me!
Besides Astrobright paper, I use butcher paper from my school to add to the theme. I have seen teachers in my building use butcher paper as tablecloth too.
For example, for this football classroom transformation, I used green butcher paper to create the banner and the “football field”.
Props for Classroom Transformations
A classroom transformation wouldn’t be complete without props. Don’t worry, you don’t have to go crazy or be crafty to add props.
Many of my props come from Dollar Tree. I think you might have figured it out by now the Dollar Tree is the Christmas Palace for classroom transformation.
The Dollar Tree has a range of selection of seasonal items for a dollar. I like to splurge on the themed basket. Many of the tasks the kids complete are placed inside baskets. My favorite baskets are the white basket from Dollar Tree because they fit easily into every theme. They are also deep and can hold a good amount of papers and supplies.
Next, props can be found anywhere and reuse multiple times. For example, I printed graphics I found online and sprinkled them everywhere in the room in my first classroom transformation. It was nothing fancy, but it got the kids excited to work.
The key to getting ready for classroom transformation is having a theme and to be resourceful. For this enlist the help of everyone you know like parents, coworkers, and family members. I can’t tell you how many times I have people donate Items from home that fits a theme perfectly.
Remember, the goal of classroom transformation is not the decor. The decoration helps my fourth graders get into the activities they are going to be doing. The bigger goal is to get them engaged in the tasks to get them to write.
If you want to get the inside scoops to classroom transformation, click here to know five things you should consider when planning a classroom transformation.
By making decisions based on these five essentials items, you will have a bigger picture where the décor fits into classroom transformation.
Are you doing classroom transformations? What items are you using for your classroom transformations?
Leave a comment and let us know. We’d love to hear from you or you can pin it and come back later!
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