Decorating the classroom is an essential part of any educator’s back-to-school routine. For elementary school teachers in particular, classroom decorations can be an essential part of students’ school experience. Keeping important information in a large, colorful, easy-to-notice area will keep it fresh in students’ minds.
Weekly and Monthly Calendar
A good calendar is the lifeblood of a classroom. Children do well in structured environments where they know what to expect next. It’s a smart idea to maintain an up-to-day weekly calendar that is laminated so that you can update it with a marker. Include times of lessons and special classes. In addition to the weekly schedule, a monthly calendar can help students learn the days of the week and the seasons. At the beginning of each month, discuss upcoming holidays or special events associated with that season.
Birthday Charts
Birthdays are a big deal in the classroom. Give each student a chance to celebrate by creating a laminated birthday chart. Placing a small cupcake or balloon with each child’s name and birthdate will help you keep track. Don’t forget to celebrate summer birthdays in May or June before school gets out.
Classroom Rules
A classroom rules chart keeps everyone on the same page about the level of decorum expected of students. Consider the following rules: listening when others are talking, working quietly, keeping hands and feet to yourself, finding appropriate ways to express feelings, getting permission from the teacher before leaving the classroom, being responsible for your actions, and cleaning up a workspace when finished.
Student Helper Charts
Being a student helper can be a fun experience for young kids. First, it’s important to decide whether you will name a single classroom helper at a time or divide responsibilities between several helpers at once. Then, you’ll need a classroom sign that designates who the current helper is and who’s on deck. Consider the following roles: clean-up monitor, line leader, caboose (for the end of the line), librarian, board eraser, pledge leader, and zookeeper (if you have any classroom pets).
The best student helper charts designate roles and allow you to place a laminated card or cutout with a student’s name in it next to the role. Go over roles at the beginning of each school day to ensure that students know what’s expected.
Neat Work Prompt
It’s easier for students and teachers alike if work conforms to a classroom standard of neatness. Hanging a chart reminding students to check spelling, erase mistakes, and circle correct answers helps kids remember the rules.
