It’s almost August and suddenly teachers are feeling the heat (not just these 100 degree temperatures)! It’s really easy to get caught up in bulletin boards, Pinterest boards, supplies, ideas… and it can be overwhelming.
There is so much you COULD do. Not, there is so much you NEED to do.
Today, let’s simplify classroom decor.
Sometimes less is more. Too much on shelves and walls can be a distraction. Plus, starting the year with less means you’ll have room to add more later. If I only had time/resources for a little classroom TLC, here’s where I’d start.
(Oh, and if you are a superstar and your classroom is already perfect… Yeahh! Keep inspiring the rest of us!)
1.) Cover your bulletin boards with just a background and something simple.
Start with butcher paper. Add a simple quote or a giant HELLO in your target language.
Later you can add posters, student work, and culture. No need to spend so much time on it now!
2.) Post question word posters.
Need a new set? These are fresh off the press – and you can download them here in Spanish or French! Enjoy!
(Tip: Print on cardstock paper – no shiny glares from lamination!)
These help us stay in the target language during lessons (both the teacher and students). I love having materials that represent the target culture AND are age appropriate.
3.) Hang a large world map
Amazon sells this shower curtain map. We’ve both used this one! It’s easy to move and you can see it across the classroom! The only way it could get any better is if I could find it in Spanish! Anyone seen it?
This is a world map decal. It isn’t labeled, but that means you could do it in the target language! If you have a big, empty wall this would be amazing!
That’s it! 3 simple steps to get your classroom set for a new year!
Thanks for the reminder and quick tips! I’ll add that I’ve printed the question posters smaller (all on one page) so students can put in their notebooks, especially when I was a cart teacher.
please share your ideas on the FIRST day in class…..especially university and adults,please!
Thanks for the suggestion! The first day is important isn’t it! I’ll see what I can do!
The world map in Spanish from Teacher’s discovery is portable ,but not as colorful!
Your amazing!
Oops! You’re amazing!
Great reminder about not needing to go over the top on decorations! Thanks! I love your question posters and already have them up in my classroom. Thank you for making them available for all of us! I also have the shower curtain map in my room, and it makes a great reference point. Students love looking at it, and it really adds to the room!
Glad you liked the posters, Amy! I was so tired of the kindergarden feel of the set I bought my first year. Our classrooms are “twinnning!”
Great post as usual ladies! Please let me know if you find that shower curtain in Spanish! I’ve been looking for one but they are all in English.
Hola Megan and Kara, Thanks so much, love all the posts and ideas! I met you last fall at the BOLT professional development and was happy to see you will be back again with us this fall in Lenox, Ma. I am having trouble downloading these… I am being prompted to add to cart and then put in billing and address info. Is there an easier way to do this? Any help is appreciated! I am in school today putting the finishing touches on my classroom and would love to have these up.
thanks again,
Shannon
Hi Shannon! Sorry for the delay responding. It will ask for that information, but it’s not required. Or if it is, you can put whatever you want. It should not ask for credit card number unless you purchase something.
I just bought the Unit for schools and I like it, but the link to access to the materials don’t work. Please help with this matter.
Thank you!
Hi Grenna! Sorry that link isn’t working. The “Escuelas del mundo” unit is on our new curriculum membership site http://www.adiostextbook.com. The unit is free to access and you will need to register to get it (in the top menu or scroll down front page). Hope you enjoy it!