Do you use a theme in your classroom? Do you have a color theme, or a "topical" theme?
I have to admit, my first years teaching I didn't do any kind of theme, and then I slowly began working on a color theme. Now I am going to take my first stab at an actual theme: Nature.
While I haven't incorporated all of these ideas (darn teacher paycheck!), hopefully they will give you some inspiration for your own nature-themed classroom!
I have to admit, my first years teaching I didn't do any kind of theme, and then I slowly began working on a color theme. Now I am going to take my first stab at an actual theme: Nature.
While I haven't incorporated all of these ideas (darn teacher paycheck!), hopefully they will give you some inspiration for your own nature-themed classroom!
Color Schemes:
Educational Materials:
Forest Calendar from Native Reflections.
Talking Stick for Classroom Meetings.
Space Ideas:
Consider adding a "Nature Table". These items encourage scientific inquiry... plus it will give you a place to put all of those "special"rocks those students bring in to show the class!
A Peace Place/Safe Spot is essential for any classroom that has students with special needs, particularly those with sensory disorders. These are places where the student can sit and calm themselves and can take many different forms.
Your classroom library should feel like a calming, "get-away" space, just like the best places to read outdoors always are. Try to incorporate that peaceful, magical feel!