A Welcoming Classroom

Although I teach fifth grade, which is considered to be upper elementary, I make sure to create a welcoming classroom for my students!  Many of the colors and décor used in the primary grades can be used in a different way to add flair to an upper grades room.  Some people shy away from bright colors and vibrant posters because they say it can be a distraction for the students.  I must say, I've never had this issue and my students have been quite content with the décor!  Take a look at some of the ways I decorated this year (I took the pics in the summer when boards weren't quite finished) so you can get an idea of how you may want to add a bit of color to your classroom!  It's never too late!  You can start by adding one thing at a time until you get to the level where you want to be!

 

First, I found these posters at the dollar store.  They just looked sooooo "Fifth Grade!"

 

 

 

Then, I went to Michaels Craft Store and found these adorable little lockers!

 

 

At Staples, while hoarding purchasing school supplies, I found these cute sneaker pencil cases!  They went right along with my "fifth grade" theme! SCORE!

 

Then, I attacked my classroom with color!  I took an old board...avert your eyes... 

 

and made it new!  TADA!!!

 

Students added  these conversation bubbles to the board!  On them, they wrote about what good readers and writers do (I teach ELA most of the day).

 

 

At Kohl's, I snagged some great pillows that allow students to rest their backs in the carpet area. I also grabbed up one of those chairs for dorm rooms.  The chair cleverly hid my computer wires by my desk.  LOVE! Today, I received a black and white chevron rug to add to my meeting space.  School is closed today so I'll have to wait until tomorrow to add it!

 

 

I added a colorful lamp to make the room a bit brighter, too!

 

 

There's more but I don't want to take up all the room here!  If you'd like to check out more of my classroom décor and teaching ideas, be sure to stop over to my blog by clicking on the button below...

 

 

P.S.  Here's a little freebie for you that I use with my fifth graders.  It incorporates a song and provides for a neat way to summarize new learning and/or to provide closure to a lesson!  Enjoy the start of your school year!

 

 

Talk to you soon!  Hugs,