Calm Classroom Decor Ideas - Creating a Serene Classroom Environment

Creating a calm classroom environment is more important than ever. Since classrooms can be such a busy place, many of our students (and their teachers) long for a serene environment that calms their senses. That's why I thought I'd put together a series of classroom design mood boards filled with ways to create a calming classroom environment. You'll find that the mood boards include muted colors, flexible seating, lighting alternatives, cozy textures, and motivational messages. The idea is to create a space that helps students feel calm and ready to learn. I have even more classroom decor ideas in this FREE Back to School Guide for teachers. Grab it here.

Each mood board is meant to create a relaxed and serene learning environment.  You'll even notice that the mood boards have some common elements.  For instance, most mood boards include...

A classroom rug - Even in a middle school classroom, a rug is one of the quickest ways to make your classroom more appealing. Once the rug is in your classroom, you can use it for class meetings, a work area, a comfy reading corner, a space for partners to work together...the options are endless!

Fun classroom chairs - I love the idea of including at least two chairs in the classroom.  In my own classroom, the special chairs were part of my homework incentive program.  Students worked all week long to complete their homework so that they could sit in the special chair.  But, chairs are also great for flexible seating options, spaces for partners or groups to work together, a "sharing" chair, and so much more!

Hanging decor - Whether it's a fun banner, paper lanterns, tissue paper poofs, or 3-D shapes, an inexpensive and fun way to decorate the classroom is with something that you can hang.  Imagine displaying your banner along a bulletin board or chalkboard.  Or, perhaps you can string the lights in front of your teacher desk.  The options are endless and the impact is huge.  Here's a tip: once you find the hanging decor you like, purchase several of them.  Having multiple sets will have more of an impact.

Quote Poster - There's nothing better than a little inspiration in the classroom.  So, each mood board includes a quote poster.  These are great to hang on your classroom door, at the front of the classroom, or even in the center of a bulletin board.  If you're up for it, I'd suggest getting the posters in the biggest size possible.  The bigger the poster, the more classroom real estate it will take up, and the quicker your classroom will be designed.

A lamp - If you're looking to change the feel of your classroom, a lamp will do it!  Whether it's a floor lamp that you can place on your rug with the chairs or a table lamp that you can set out on your desk, there's just something so cozy about lamps!  If you'd like, you can even purchase a couple of lamps to spread out around the classroom.  Then, you can make it a habit to turn off those florescent overhead lights...what a difference!

Storage baskets - What's a classroom without storage, right?  Well, if you're thinking of getting storage containers, I've included a few inspiration pieces on each design board.  

Fun design elements - You'll find unique elements on each design board, too.  Those have been added to provide even more fun ideas to tie in your classroom theme.

About the classroom decor items:

The items that I've placed on the mood boards are selected with a teacher's budget in mind.  That means that I really tried my best to ensure that the items were reasonably prices.  Oh, and since they're sourced from Amazon, there's a chance that you'll be able to put some of the elements on a school purchase order.  Of course, the mood boards are mainly intended for inspiration.  However, if you do want to learn more about each of the items, just click the links provided.

Alright, are you ready to set up a calm classroom? Then, check out the classroom design mood boards.  If you'd like to learn more about any of the items, just click on the links below the mood boards.

Garland /// Posters /// Sunshine Wall Decal /// Reading Nook Teepee Tent /// Artificial Plants /// Seagrass Rug /// Chair Pillow /// Gold Metal Lamp

Hanging Clouds /// Cloud Banner /// Rug /// White Chair /// Feather Lamp /// Cloud Basket /// Artificial Succulents /// Blue clock

Hanging Chair Swing /// Mountain Rug /// Round Ottoman /// Mountain Garland /// Motivational Posters /// Desk Lamp /// Storage Baskets /// Letter Tray

Rainbow Rug /// Modern Curved Chairs /// Inspirational Poster /// Garland /// Binder Clips and Supplies /// Colorful Pens /// Ladder /// Wire Baskets /// Wall Clock /// White Lamp

Plant Prints /// Forest Tapestry /// Leaf Pillow /// Round Cushions /// Geometric Rug /// Lamp /// Baskets /// Tree Magnetic Photo Display /// Large Desk Calendar

So...what do you think?  Are you feeling inspired to create a calm learning environment?  I sure hope so!  To get you started, I created this FREE set of Calming Classroom Posters. 

Just add your information below and then check your email inbox!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Mary Beth

Looking for more classroom mood boards?  Check out these…

--- Colorful Classrooms (color-themed classrooms)
--- Classroom Sweet Classroom (home décor inspired classrooms)
--- Design for the Little Ones (mood boards for elementary classrooms)
--- Classroom Décor with a Theme (theme-inspired classrooms)
--- Middle School Classroom Designs (ideas for decorating in the middle school)
--- Classroom Design Inspired by the Decades (decades of décor)
--- Bright and Bold Classroom Décor (mood boards filled with fun colors)

* This post contains affiliate links.

Calming Classroom Posters - Free Calming Corner Decor

Classrooms are busy and sometimes stressful places. Our students have a lot of feelings and emotions to process throughout the day. Sometimes our students need gentle reminders to slow down and calm down. That's why I created this set of FREE Calming Classroom Posters. 

These posters are designed to be a proactive tool to help students feel encouraged and safe in their classrooms. They are designed to be simple so that students can easily find actionable tools and messages for creating a positive outlook. Display these posters to bring a little calming touch to your classroom. 

 Add your information below to receive the FREE set of posters in your inbox!

 

These posters are designed to be versatile. You might... 

--- Designate an area of the classroom as a Classroom Calming Corner or a Peaceful Space.  Display these posters in that space. 

--- Hang these posters on a single bulletin board to create a meaningful and impactful display. 

--- Highlight a poster's message once a week. Then, host a discussion about the poster's message. 

--- Use the poster's message as a springboard for writing prompts. 

--- Challenge students to design and display their own calming posters for the classroom. 

--- Share these posters with other teachers. Display them in common spaces to help educators feel calm, too. 

I hope you find a use for these posters in your classroom! Add your information here and then just check your email inbox!  

Thanks for stopping by! 

Mary Beth 

 P.S. Click here for a round-up of FRESH IDEAS for building a positive classroom community!

Book Report Ideas (that kids actually enjoy!)

 

Let's say goodbye to boring book reports for good! Today, I'm sharing 7 of my favorite ways to get students to report on the books that they have read. These ideas combine creativity, rigor, and engagement so that students actually enjoy reporting out on their reading. And...there's enough variety in these activities that you'll be able to tap into a variety of learning styles all year long.

1. Doodle Book Review - Exclusive FREEBIE!

Oh baby! There's nothing better than doodles to get students excited about learning. In the doodle book review, students complete planning pages before creating a doodle-themed, one-page book report. 

This book review is accessible and fun...and since I know your students will LOVE IT, I'm providing an exclusive FREE DOODLE BOOK REVIEW.

2. Book Report Mobile

Here's a fun twist on a classic book report. It's a paper book mobile. The Clothes Hanger Book Report works with any fiction book. The highly detailed planning pages are designed so that students can work on the project in class or independently outside of school. The end result is a vivid, comprehensive book report that students love.

3. Book Talk

Book talks are a wonderful way for students to demonstrate their understanding of  the books they read while practicing their writing and speaking skills. The only problem is, students often don't know where to start. That's where this FREE Book Talk resource comes in. Students learn about book talks before completing a pre-write. Then, they write a final copy. After learning about how to give a book talk, they're ready to report on their present their book talks.

4. Literature Circles

Looking for a fun way to get students involved in their reading? Then, you are going to love the Doodle Literature Circle roles. A literature circle is when a small group of students gather to discuss a piece of literature in depth. The discussion is guided by students’ responses to Literature Circle Role handouts. 

Each doodle-style handout will have students thinking critically about the text and of course, doodling to heighten their engagement and connection to their reading. The handouts are completed before the literature circle discussions. Then, during the literature circle, small groups gather and engage in critical thinking as they read, discuss and respond to texts together.

5. File Folder Book Project

I love this book project because it's designed for students to complete all on their own. That means that they can create a unique file folder covered in plot details, character analysis, setting description, a personal reflection as part of an independent reading project. 

This project is super adaptable too. You can also use it for a class-wide novel study or even a summer reading project. And my favorite part is that the final file folders are a great addition to your classroom library. Future readers can easily reference the file folders to get a review of a book before reading the book on their own.

6. Creative Reading Response Tasks

Here are 20 creative ways to get students to report out on their reading. These creative Reading Response Tasks give students an opportunity to share their thoughts and interpretations about their reading in engaging ways. The activities tap into current social media trends as well as traditional writing styles. Along with the 20 fun and educational reading response activities, you’ll also find everything you need to set up a reading response program or journal in your classroom. Let the reading (and fun!) begin!

7. Task Cards and Doodle Poster

What happens when a great book, creative task cards and engaging doodle notes combine? A Doodle and Do resource, of course! I've created Doodle and Do resources for Freak the Mighty, Walk Two Moons, Wonder, and Tuck Everlasting. In each of these resources, students will respond to 12 fun task cards with 2 pages of doodle notes. The task cards require students to write, chat, swap, and draw in response to specific questions about the book. Then, students add their responses to fun doodle notes for the novels.

I hope you have found some fresh ideas for book reports!

Here are the links...

1. FREE - Doodle Book Review

2. Clothes Hanger Book Report

3. FREE Book Talk

4. Doodle Literature Circle Roles

5. File Folder Book Project

6. 20 Creative Reading Response Tasks

7. Task Cards and Doodle Poster - Freak the Mighty, Walk Two Moon, Wonder, and Tuck Everlasting

Don't forget to grab the FREE Doodle Book Review!

Thanks for stopping by,

Mary Beth

P.S. Click here for even more reading resources!

Positive Affirmations for Teachers - Promoting a Positive Mindset

 

Let's face it...being an educator is challenging. Teachers often have the weight of the world on their shoulders. So, simple coping strategies are essential for promoting a positive mindset about teaching. One way to reduce stress, promote happiness, and reset one's thoughts is with positive affirmations. Reciting positive affirmations is an easy tool for teachers.

Affirmations are positive statements that help you overcome stressful and negative thoughts. They are brief phrases, repeated frequently. When affirmations are repeated often, one’s outlook and thinking patterns begin to change. Positive mental repetitions reprogram our thinking patterns, so that we begin to think and feel differently.

Affirmations have been shown to boost problem-solving abilities and reduce health-deteriorating stress. In addition, they can stimulate the parts of our brains that make us more likely to make positive changes. Affirmations are a simple way to lower stress and promote positivity.

The idea is to pick a phrase and repeat it to yourself. When you repeat the phrase three to five times a day, the positive belief is reinforced.

Here some to try...

--- I can do hard things.
--- My job is important and meaningful.
--- I adore my students.

--- I am building a kind and productive classroom.

I like the idea of keeping positive affirmation cards right on my teacher desk. When I see the affirmation phrase, it's easier to remember to recite it. It's a simple way to reset my thinking throughout the day. Since I'm a fan of posting the affirmations right in front of me, I made a FREE set of 30 affirmation cards for you.  They're designed to stand up all on their own.

Click the link below and they'll arrive in your inbox. I've even included a few blank cards that you can customize.

The positive affirmation cards are designed to be versatile. You might… 

--- Place them on your desk to reference throughout the day. 

--- Gift them to your colleagues. 

--- Add them to your lesson plan book as a daily reminder. 

--- Choose your favorites and make larger posters. 

--- Select a new affirmation at the beginning of each school day or week. 

--- Write your own affirmations on the blank cards that are provided.

I hope you've found some affirmations that bring some positivity to your days in the classroom. I so appreciate you!

Thanks for stopping by!

Mary Beth

Positive Classroom Community Activities and Ideas

 

Building a classroom community where students feel included, valued, and supported is every teacher's dream. As educators, we want our students to feel like important members of our classroom community. Of course, this happens naturally in the way we interact with students and the way we celebrate learning in our classrooms. However, I've found that it is also effective to include intentional activities that help students build bonds, develop social emotional learning skills, and foster a positive learning culture. 

Here are a few of my favorite ways to build a positive classroom environment...

Writing notes to students is a wonderful way to let them know how important they are. Many students have a deep desire to be noticed and recognized. Taking a moment to share a kind note with kids is a perfect (and easy) way to let them know that they matter.

The notes you write don't need to be extravagant. Sometimes a little message next to students' homework assignments or a post-it note at their desks is perfect. You might also want to be more intentional and designate a day in your planning to write notes to students. I've found that it's best to keep a set of notecards at the ready for sharing with students. 

To make sharing words of encouragement really easy, just grab this FREE set of positive note cards.

Build a positive classroom community by giving students a chance to be kind to each other. One of my favorite ways to do this is to play "Pass the Compliment." Begin by discussing what constitutes a sincere compliment, and how to give specific praise. Explain to your students that a comment like “good job” is less powerful than a comment that begins with “I really liked the way you...” Once they’ve got the gist, have them put their new skill into practice by writing specific, sincere compliments about their classmates by passing around customized compliment collecting papers for each student. 

When the students receive their customized, original compliments, stand back and watch them beam – my students talked about this for months after we did it! Find this FREE activity along with many more in this 25+ page resource filled with kindness activities.  

Promote positivity in the classroom with inspirational quotes and writing prompts. One way to do just that is with positive pennant flags. First, students will choose a motivational quote that inspires them. Then, they’ll respond to a writing prompt based on the quote. The writing prompt gives students a chance to pause and reflect. Finally, students combine their writing with a pennant topper with a motivational quote to make a fun and inspiring pennant flag. 

These pennant flags make incredible displays. They’re easy to create and impactful to share. Your students will love this community-building, classroom-beautifying, writing-practicing, positivity-creating activity! Check them out here.

Create a "sea" of kindness in your classroom one drop at a time. Build a positive classroom community by hosting a Random Acts of Kindness challenge in your classroom to encourage students to spread kindness at school, home and in the community. In this activity, students perform four random acts of kindness and record their good deeds on “drops of kindness.” The drops of kindness can be collected and displayed in the classroom as a reminder of the power and impact of small acts of kindness.  

Get this activity (and 5 more FREE kindness activities) directly in your inbox. Just click here.

Give students a chance to investigate positive emotions like hope with the Chain of Hope activity. To begin, you have a discussion about hope with students. Students could share a time when they were hopeful and why hope is an important emotion. Then, give students a chance to create links for a classroom chain of hope. On strips of colorful paper, have students write a hope for themselves, their classroom, their community, and the world. Then, as students share their hopes, link the pieces of paper. Finally, hang the chain in the classroom. Find this activity and more here.

Speaking of emotions, take time to help students build their social emotional learning skills. When students have a chance to explore emotions, they build more self-awareness. As their self-awareness increases, so does their ability to show empathy, build positive relationships, and make thoughtful decisions. Social emotional learning activities are a crucial way to promote a positive classroom community.

One way to help students explore emotions is by having them work collaboratively to create an emotions skit. Assign small groups an emotion. Then, have students plan and write a script that showcases someone experiencing that emotion. Give students a chance to practice their skits before performing them for classmates. Find detailed planning pages and 5 additional social emotional learning lessons here.

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I think we both agree, there's nothing better than a classroom filled with positive energy. I hope you've found a few ideas to make your students feel connected to you, their classmates, and the school community. Grab each idea at these links...

--- Free Positive Notecards

--- Free Compliment Posters

--- Positive Pennant Flags

--- Free Acts of Kindness Challenge

--- Chain of Hope (and 5 more activities)

--- Emotions Skit (and more Social Emotional Learning Ideas)

Thanks for stopping by!

Mary Beth