Classroom Themes Linky Party Fun!

Well, in my last post I told you that I am turning my attention to redecorating my classroom (Just wait until I post the pictures of the "Before"!) and back-to-school prep. I go back to work on the 25th of July! It is coming up too fast.

 

This year, I have decided to try a themed classroom...for the first time. I am excited. Apparently, I have been missing out on this popular trend. If you are still trying to decide on a theme for your classroom, then this is the post for you because I am linking up with Corrina from Surfin' Through Second. She is having a Classroom Theme Linky Party! Yay. I love parties.

My classroom theme is going to be...owls. I love them. I've also picked tangerine and lime colors to keep things bright and fresh. I need light...lots of light!

Anyway, I have been working on things that I will need for my classroom. I haven't purchased anything yet, other than a few cute pencil pails in the dollar bins at Target.

But, so far I have created...

So, above are are my teaching notebook cover and spine inserts.  Also, I created a S.O.A.R. students binder cover to keep my students organized. 

AND

I also made some classroom posters and forms.  Here's a Teacher Tip for anyone who uses Accelerated Reader in their classroom.  I print a couple of the forms on the right and randomly stick them in my printer.  (Insert them so any new print jobs will print on the other side of the paper.)  If a student gets 100% on their A.R. test, and it comes out on this form, they get a small prize from my Treasure Jar!  My kids loved it, and it really emphasizes reading for comprehension, not just reading to make weekly # goals.  Want to keep it even easier?  I mean we're busy right?  Just stick a few sheets of colored paper in your printer.  Whoever gets a 100% TOPS report on a colored piece of paper, receives some sort of recognition.  "Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!"

The owl on the left is for marking my table numbers.  I will print out two owls for each table.  I plan to cut them out, and glue them back-to-back, and then laminate them.  Then, I will cut them out (again) and hang them from the ceiling over each table.

The smaller owl on the right will be cut out for each table, and I will put a magnet on the back.  These get posted on my white board to manage table points.

Are you sick of me yet?  Because there is more...

The first one on the left is to keep me organized.  I'm going to post this by my teaching area....somewhere.  The other two pages go with our Classroom Birthday Book.  I create the cover (middle image) and all the kids write a letter to the birthday boy and/or girl.  Then, I just bind it all together.  Need easy, inexpensive birthday gift ideas to recognize your students' birthdays?  Visit this earlier post.

Honestly, there is more...but I think you get the picture here.  I can't wait to put it all together.

You can find the Differentiated Behavior Punch Cards that go with my owl theme in my Tpt store, HERE.  These cute owl-themed behavior cards can be used to motivate a wide range of students. When students accomplish a task or other goal, simply punch a hole in a number on the card. Don't want to use a hole punch? You can also use a unique stamp, or sticker.  These can be used to motivate students in the areas of behavior, homework, reading, and math achievement.  These were definitely one of my favorite motivation tools from last year.  I have to give credit to Rachelle Smith over at What the Teacher Wants for this idea.  She has graciously granted me permission to put my own spin on her idea.  Thanks, Rachelle!

I also have Pirate themed, Beach, and Jungle (Zoo) Animal themed behavior incentive cards in my store, as well.  Click on any of the images below to take you to my TPT store.

I will be offering Space, and Dinosaur cards soon.  I even have a FREE Apple and Polka Dot set, just for you!

Wow, you made it to the end of this very long post.  I am very impressed with your "stick-to-it-ness"!  I would love to hear what theme you have planned for the coming school year. Leave your comment below.

Have a great day!