Now, I know you have seen all the hype of classroom transformation over Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! As hesitant I was to jump in the bandwagon, I was also desperate to get my kids to write and make writing a time they would enjoy.
How many fourth-graders you know like to go back to revise and edit their essays? The thought of even saying it gets me a handful of grumpy cat looks.
Those were the days I knew were going to be rough. None of my kids wanted to do this, and I was pulling teeth to get them to write during our writing block.
You see, those were the days before classroom transformation! After implementing classroom transformation, it has become less of a struggle to get my fourth graders to try new things in writing.
Does this mean I do classroom transformation all the time? The answer is no! I like to do them when my kids are struggling big time to write. This is usually near vacation time and testing time.
Before doing anything in the classroom, here are five things I consider when planning a classroom transformation.
Table of Contents
The Gold Is in The Task
Classroom transformations are a great way to get kids engaged because it’s a fun and memorable experience. But don’t let the games and decoration fool you, the kids work hard too!
In the last classroom transformation, the activities correlated with writing standards to strengthen their writing by revising and editing. This meant taking the revising and editing strategies I wanted my kids to practice and turning them into tasks they completed in each station with their essay.
Student Engagement & Activities
Classroom transformations are all about piquing students’ interest and making the content engaging and relevant. For this think simple group games or activities. I engage my kids by including games and activities after they complete a task.
For example, in this football-themed classroom transformation, each group made a field goal by throwing the football through the inflatable goal after they completed their task. It was simple, and they all enjoyed it. But most importantly, they practiced writing!
Clear Expectations
A successful classroom transformation has clear guidelines and set expectations. For this, I use the classroom management strategy CHAMPS to establish the routines and procedures for each transformation. You want them to have fun but also work within certain parameters.
Before starting any task, I gather my kids and go over the rules and talk about natural consequences that can follow. For example, one of my rules is for them to stay within their station area, which is clearly defined by grouping the tables.
If one of my kids decided to wander off their station the first time they get a warning. After the second warning, they sit out from the activity that follows the task.
Helping Hands
Classroom transformations are fun when you have an extra pair of hands to help you set up. Many of my parents can’t make it to my classroom within school hours to help me make copies or put up the props. So, I enlist the help of my fourth graders to get things rolling.
I group my kids in small groups to help me in the classroom. Each group is given a task like putting the tablecloth and placing the baskets on top of the tables. Many of these tasks fourth graders can do independently. My routine for classroom transformation now involves setting up the day before and doing it 30 minutes before dismissal. The kids love it and it gives them a sneak peek to what’s coming!
Decorations & Props
Classroom transformations are all themed. Many of the themes are inspired by kids’ recommendations, interests, and holidays. I like holiday themes because there’s an abundance of ideas and decorations already out there.
If decorating your classroom is holding you back, don’t! You do not need to be a crafter or have many props to have a classroom transformation.
Many of the items I use are either donated, common items that can easily be found in stores, or things that are made from paper. My best advice is to use what you have. The kids can still be excited, everything is in how you present it to them.
There you have it, five things to consider as you plan your next classroom transformation.
Also, many of the decorations I use repeatedly. Check out this post about ways you can do a classroom transformation on a budget. Here, I am going to share with you my must-have items for classroom transformations.
Are you doing classroom transformations? What do you consider to be essential when planning them?
Leave a comment and let us know. We’d love to hear from you
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