Can I just say, when I first saw people sharing classroom transformation ideas I was completely overwhelmed! I know I’m not the only teacher out there that probably sees these wild transformations and thinks “NO WAY”. Here’s the thing though, I’m all about trying new strategies in the classroom and people promised that it increased engagement… so I went for it! I can’t wait to share my easy classroom transformation ideas with you!
Friends, those teachers weren’t kidding. Classroom transformations are a GAME CHANGER when it comes to engagement. Students get super excited and are ready to use those brains when they see even the slightest change in the classroom. That excitement is key. When students are willing to put forth effort and are genuinely excited to learn, you get to up that rigor and students are able to learn at a higher level.
This statement from a student I had is just too perfect, “Oh my! Today was the best day ever, but I think my brain hurts from all the learning you tricked us into doing.” I was cracking up. He described a classroom transformation day perfectly!
A Classroom Transformation in 3 Easy Steps
If you’re now thinking that maybe you need to get on board with a classroom transformation, I’ve got you covered. Do NOT spend hours and hours prepping for one more thing! Start by incorporating a classroom transformation into standards you are already teaching. Don’t make your life any more difficult. Here’s how I set up the
Spider Room Transformation Kit with my 2nd graders, but it could definitely be taken and used in any grade level!
1. Select your standards!
Classroom transformations are a great way to teach students those tough concepts that they typically struggle with because they are SO stinkin’ engaged! I picked a day of the week, and I used the activities we were already doing in class that day.
Remember, your focus should be on what and how you will get kids to learn. The decorations are not the focus, just an added bonus!
2. Plan the activities!
I like to start out with a letter to my students to give them a purpose for the day. For this example, I knew I wanted a giant spider web on the floor so I used this letter from my
Spider Room Transformation Kit.
This gives the students a little extra motivation to work hard for the day! Each time they finished an activity, they got to add a toy spider to the floor! I grabbed a giant pack of spiders from Target during Halloween time.
3. Plan the decor!
I think it’s important to say that the decorations are what adds the fun to the classroom transformation, but they are not the REASON to do a transformation. Don’t get caught up worrying about decorations or thinking you need to spend money. You can do a transformation for $10 or less with things you have around your house and classroom!
On our back wall, I filled a garbage bag with old newspapers for a spider body. Then cut up another garbage bag to make the legs. I picked up a pack of spider webs at Dollar Tree to put around the room. I then took masking tape I already had, to create a gigantic web on the floor and pushed the desks to the side. Another trick, is to grab table cloths at Walmart for $1 to cover their tables.
Remember, your class will be excited by ANY little change in your classroom! Don’t spend a ton of money OR time setting it up… unless you genuinely love decorating.
Tip: Be sure to set up your classroom transformation the night before, so you can focus on coming in excited in the morning rather than stressing about getting it all done!
Classroom transformations are such an engaging way to tackle difficult standards. I want to challenge you to set a timer and plan one in under 20 minutes. I promise you, it can be done. If you want some more ideas, here are my Spider Room Transformation Kit and my Butterfly Life Cycle Room Transformation Kit!
Ps. If you found this post helpful, share it with a friend or take a screenshot and tag @thesprinkletoppedteacher. I love hearing how you all take ideas and spin them to make them work for you and your students!
