Classroom Theme Ideas for Building Community

The beginning of the year is a time for building a sense of community in the classroom. All children should feel secure, welcomed, and supported by their new classroom environment. Here are a few theme ideas to help build the sense of community to help all children be ready to learn.  

LessonPix offers thematic templates to help set the theme of your classroom environment. These templates provide great theme options: 

Picture Schedules	Themed Picture Cards	Themed Mats
Themed Pairs	Artic Trials	Bingo Dauber
Game Boards	I Have Who Has	Menus and Lists

 

Other Templates have themes that may match in colors and styles as well: 

Scales and Ratings	Books and Stories	Certificates
Task Cards	Cutting Lines	Maze
Poem Pages	Tickets	Find the Picture

 

Click a theme below for some great ideas to start your year off right! 

Apples	Crayons	Flowers	Rubber Ducky
Bear Theme	Cowboy / Rodeo	Insects	Space
Bee	Dinosaur	Llama	Sports Theme
Boho Rainbow	FairyTale / Kingdom	Ocean Theme	Train
Cactus Theme	Farm	Popcorn	Woodland Animals

 

 

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Good Apples!

Back to School with a fun fall apples theme. Check out more Apple themed ideas here. 

 

Teacher Ideas:

• Apple Bulletin Board: "Sweet to the Core", "This class is Apple-Solutely the best!", "We couldn't have picked a sweeter bunch!", "Tiny Seeds Grow Mighty Seeds", "This class is full of good apples!"
• Include apple themed classroom helpers such as "apple picker" for someone who collects papers and "Apple washer" for someone who tidies up. 

Books:

• Apple Famer Annie by Monica Wellington
• Bad Apple - by Huw Lewis Jones
• Ten APples on Top - By Dr. Seuss

Small Group / Center Ideas:

• Mr Potato Head pieces using an apple

• Apple Facts - create display of apple facts 

• Taste test and graph favorite apples (Granny Smith, Red Delicious, etc.)
• Apple Experiements - Observe how apple changes
• Math- use apples for counting, addition, subtraction, patterns, fractions, etc. 
• Set up relay race with apples on a large spoon

Art Ideas:

• Cut apples and make apple prints

• Paper Mache Apples
• Decorate paper apple with cut up tissue paper
• Make apple scented play dough
• Make applesauce

Classroom Management:

• Highlight a students as "Apple of the Week"
• What is a good apple? Show rotten apple that looks good from one point of view. Discuss how mean words can bruise
• Students earn apple on their paper tree. When goal is reached, they earn a prize. 

Songs and Games:

• Sing to tune of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star":  Apple, apple on the tree, Red and juicy, just for me. Up above the world so high, Like a ruby in the sky. Apple, apple on the tree, You're so sweet and good for me.
• Way Up High in the Apple Tree
• 10 Apples on my Head
• Hi Ho Cherry Oh

  

 

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Beary Good Theme

Bears look so soft and friendly. With so many wonderful bear books and songs, it's easy to make a bear themed classroom warm and inviting. 

 

Teacher Ideas:

• Bulletin Board: "Beary Sweet Class", "Beary Nice"
• Have the students bring a bear on the first Friday when school starts. Students can share about their bear to the class, and teach the bear class rules and routines. Make a class book of each child and their bear. 
• Bear name tags

Books:

• Brown Bear Brown Bear- by Bill Martin Jr.

• We're Goin' on a Bear Hunt- by Michael Rosen
• Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson
• Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson
• There's A Bear on My Chair by Ross Collins
• Teddy Bear's Picnic- by Jim Kennedy
• Corduroy- by Don Freeman

Small Group / Center Ideas:

• Graph gummy bears by color 

• Bear counters activities
• Counting Teddy Grahams
• Make class book "Brown Bear Brown Bear" using students' names.
• Make a class book  with coloring pages of the animals from Brown Bear Brown Bear (Lessonpix.com create materials using pictures you select from our library. Laminate and punch holes around the perimeter.)
• A class stuffed bear goes home with different students for the weekends. The students write in a journal about the bear's experience at their home.
• Corduroy found a new friend named Lisa. Discussion: What does friendship mean? Have students draw a picture of their new friend at school. 
• Have a Teddy Bear Picnic
• Scavenger hunt - look for Teddy Bear die cuts hiding.

Art Ideas:

• Cut bear shapes from sandpaper. Rub on different scents (cinnamon, soap, lemon peel, wax crayon, piece of leather, etc)

• Bear puppets
• Sensory books from story Brown Bear, Brown Bear. Use feather to decorate bird, fur for bear, cotton for sheep, etc.

Classroom Management:

• Beary Good Choices
• Use a stuffed bear to teach social skill lessons.

Songs and Games:

• Teddy Bear's Picnic
• We're Going on a Bear Hunt song
• Teddy Bear Teddy Bear Turn Around

 

 

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Bee Amazing!

What's the Buzz? Busy bees work hard as a community - each helping the hive grow together. Check out more bee themed ideas here.  This fun theme uses bright yellow and black to decorate. 

Teacher Ideas:

• Bee Bulletin Board: "What's the Buzz", "Welcome to our hive", "Ways to Bee Amazing", "We Are Busy Learning Bees", "What Can I Bee?"
• Include educational bee posters about life of bees and importance in nature. 
• Assign Bee themed kobs like "Queen bee" for the line leader, Worker bee" for someone who collects papers, and "Honey Helper" for someone who tidies
• Make a Bee of the week, showcasing achievements

Books:

• The Very Greedy Bee by Steve Smallman
• Buzz by Eileen Spinelli

Small Group / Center Ideas:

• Bee relay races

• Provide writing prompts such as a day in the life of a bee

• Learn about bee geography

• Bee math: Use bee manipulatives or yellow pom poms for counting, addition, subtraction, etc. 

Art Ideas:

• Bee puppets

• Painting bees
• 3D Bee using recycled materials
• Bee hat with yellow paper headband and antenas

Classroom Management:

• Highlight a students as "Bee the best you can Bee"
• Make classroom rules start with "Bee": bee respectful, bee kind, bee responsible, bee ready to learn, bee helpful

Songs and Games:

• Sing to tune of "Wheel son the Bus":  The bees in the hive go buzz, buzz, buzz, Buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz. The bees in the hive go buzz, buzz, buzz, All through the day. The bees in the hive collect the nectar, Collect the nectar, collect the nectar. The bees in the hive collect the nectar, All through the day.
• Bringing Home a Baby Bumble Bee
• The Bees Go Buzzing

  

 

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Calming Boho Rainbow 

Boho Rainbow inspires unity and hope, using a monochromatic or muted color scheme. Check out more Boho Rainbow template ideas here. 

Teacher Ideas:

• Boho Rainbow Bulletin Board: "We are a Rainbow of possibilities", "You can change the world", "We are better together", and "Hello Sunshine!"
• Post inspirational quotes
• Incorporate natureal elements as wood, wicker baskets, and plants
• Use a calming nuetral color palatte

Books:

• A Rainbow in Brown by Pavonis Giron

Small Group / Center Ideas:

• Go on a nature walk (Listening walk)

• Teach students macrame techniques to make wall hanging or keychain

• Try yoga as a class

• Learn about rainbows in science

Art Ideas:

• Create your own boho rainbow with yarn and ribbon

Songs and Games:

• Sing to tune of "Twinkle Twinkle":  Boho rainbow in the sky, Soft and muted, way up high. Colors gentle, pink and gold, Green and blue, a sight to behold. Boho rainbow in the sky, Bringing joy to you and I.

 

 

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Cactus & Succulents Theme

Creating a cactus-themed classroom can bring a fun and refreshing vibe to the learning environment. Check out cactus template ideas here. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Teacher Ideas:

• Cactus Bulletin Board: "Look Who's Stuck on Learning", "Sharp Students"
• Hang cactus garland
• Incorporate natureal elements as wood, wicker baskets, and cacti
• I'm stuck on you encouragement notes

Books:

• Nobody Hugs a Cactus by Carter Goodrich
• There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Cactus by Lucille Colandro

Small Group / Center Ideas:

• Teach about different cacti

• Use cacti themed worksheets and manipulatives

• Pass the cactus Hot potato game using stuffed animal cactus

Art Ideas:

• Use green model magic and broken toothpicks to mold your own cactus

• Decorate cactus cutout with paint, pom poms and other crafts. 

• Make a collaborative mural

Songs and Games:

• Sing to tune of "Twinkle Twinkle":  Cactus, cactus in the sun, Standing tall, you are the one. In the desert, hot and dry, Reaching up into the sky. Cactus, cactus in the sun, Standing tall, you are the one.

  

 

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Crayon Theme

Crayon theme teaches creativity and diversity and as well as a popular school theme.

 

Teacher Ideas:

• Use purple crayon lines on receipt paper or chalk to draw a line to the classroom for Open House. "This Way to Ms. Smith's Kindergarten" (Harold and the Purple Crayon)
• Decorate bulletin boards with white paper and let children "color on the walls"
• Decorate with crayons, crayon boxes, Harold, etc. 
• Bulletin Board: make a giant box of crayons with large crayons sticking out. Put students names on individual crayons.
• Staple crayon boxes (reinforced with clear packaging tape)  to bulletin boards to hold name cards, calendar items, and with interactive bulletin board displays.

Books:

• The Crayon Box that Talked- by Shane DeRolf - Show class that crayons are alike (used to draw, size, shape) and different (colors, some used more than others). Explain that this story is a make believe story about how crayons learn they can all get along.

• Dog’s Colorful Day- by Emma Dodd

• Harold and the Purple Crayon- by Crockett Johnson

Small Group / Center Ideas:

• Make a class book with a yellow cover that looks like a box of crayons. Have each student decorate a page and include a photo and their favorite color. 

• Make crayon shaped flannel pieces.
• Make crayon shaped name tags.
• Harold Says (Simon Says) - pull paper crayon out of box with a direction. Have students follow the direction - if Harold Says! 

Art Ideas:

• Make crayon crowns 

• Place crayon shavings between wax paper. Teacher then irons the paper to create stain glass shapes.
• Draw a picture with crayons on dark paper. Then paint with a salt water mixture. When the picture dries the salt will make it sparkle.
• Draw a picture with light crayons on white paper- press hard. Use blue, purple, and black watercolors to paint over crayon drawings. Colors will appear more vibrant.   

Classroom Management:

• Each child has a "box" of crayons. As they make good choices, they earn crayons for their box. When they have 8 crayons, they go to the treasure box.

Songs and Games:

• Song: "Red and Yellow, Green and Blue, [child's name], [child's name], Where are you? (Child raises hand) Look, Listen, Hear our Cheer. We are Glad that You are Here!"

 

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Cowboy / Rodeo Theme

Cowboy and Rodeo Theme creates a fun way to promote feelings of hard work, independence, and pride. 

 

Teacher Ideas:

• Mount children's photos on Wanted Posters for Bulletin Board.
• Make a classroom door gate-style with brown paper.
• Write "Howdy Partners"  or "Welcome to our Ranch" on a sign. Hot glue rope to decorate the sign.
• Make a Buckaroos Bulletin Board. Include student photos with lasso string tied around.
• Bulletin Board "Boot-Scootin Good time", "Kindergarten Corral"

Books:

• Sing Sophie- by Dayle Ann Dodds.

• Little Red Cowboy Hat- by Susan Lowell
• Grumpy Bunny Goes West- by Justine Korman

Small Group / Center Ideas:

• Make peanut butter (or another) sandwich. Punch out shape using boot shaped cookie cutter. 

• Lasso Practice (rope or hula hoops)
• Hide plastic toys, animals, sight words, or kids names in a sand table filled with hay.
• Math counting project: using die-cut cows, match number of spots on cow to corresponding number.  
• Make pairs of cowboy boots from die cut. Write on or have pairs of different colors. Have students locate matching pair from around the classroom.
• Go on a trail ride around the school.
• Make trail mix.
• Make a class book. Each child decorates a page and completes the sentence "A cowboy can ______". 
• Make pretend campfire. (Wood, white Christmas Lights, red and orange tissue paper) Tell stories around the fire. 
• Take pictures of students wearing a cowboy hat. Upload them to LessonPix.com and make bingo cards of the class photos.

Art Ideas:

• Make paper cowboy hats with names on front

• Decorate paper cowboy boots.
• Tie-Dye bandanas
• Fringe a paper bag vest
• Sheriff's badge

Classroom Management:

• Label Classroom Jobs as "Ranch Hands"

Songs and Games:

• She'll be Coming Around the Mountain
• Children try to jump over a wiggling snake (jumprope)
• Turkey in the Straw
• Home on The Range
• Line Dancing

 

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Dinosaur

Creating a dinosaur-themed classroom can make learning fun and exciting for students. Check out dinosaur template ideas here. Here are some ideas to help you set up a dino-mite classroom:

Teacher Ideas:

• Create Dinosaur bulletin board with sayings such as, "Welcome to our Dino-o-mite class", "Let the World hear you Rawr", "Our Class is A-roar-able",  or "Stomp into learning"
• Place dinsaur footprint shapes in a line to stand on when lining up
• Put up educational dinosaur posters
• Decorate with dinosaur shaped cutouts
• Display Dinosaur sketelon model
• Assign jobs with dinosaur-themed names, like "Paleontologist" for someone who helps with organizing materials, "Dino Keeper" for someone who tidies up, and "T-Rex Reader" for someone who reads aloud to the class.

Books:

• "How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?" by Jane Yolen

• "Dinosaur Roar!" by Paul and Henrietta Stickland

• "National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs" by Catherine D. Hughes.

Small Group / Center Ideas:

• Use dinosaur manipulatives for coutning, addition, subtraction, etc. 

• Dinosaur Geography- discovered where dinosaurs lived

• Explore virtual tours of dinosaur museums or fossil sites to learn more about these prehistoric creatures

• Hide plastic dinosaur in a sand table filled with sand.
• Math counting project: using die-cut cows, match number of spots on cow to corresponding number.  

Art Ideas:

• Decorate name tags dinosaur stickers

• Use variety of materials (styrofoam, paper towel rolls, etc) to build a 3-D dinosaur
• Have students create their own dinosaur art using materials like paper, paint, and clay.
• Make dinosaur hats
• Create a class dinosaur themed mural

Classroom Management:

• Dinosaur stickers
• Cut up dinosaur into pieces. Class earns piece of dinosaur. When it is all put together - have a class prize. ​
• Make a dinosaur token board

Songs and Games:

• Sing to tune of "Wheel son the Bus": The dinosaurs in the jungle go roar, roar, roar, Roar, roar, roar, roar, roar, roar. The dinosaurs in the jungle go roar, roar, roar, All through the land. The T-Rex in the jungle goes stomp, stomp, stomp, Stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp. The T-Rex in the jungle goes stomp, stomp, stomp, All through the land. The triceratops in the jungle goes munch, munch, munch, Munch, munch, munch, munch, munch, munch. The triceratops in the jungle goes munch, munch, munch, All through the land.
• Jurassic Park Theme Song
• We are the Dinosaurs by Laurie Berkner

 

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Fairytale / Kingdom Theme

All students are royalty with this fun and engaging theme!

 

Teacher Ideas:

• Cut out a drawbridge door from a refrigerator box and lay on the floor in front of the door. Use gray paper for chains as if to connect the drawbridge to the top of the door. Decorate with gray paper stones around the doorway.

Books:

• Paper Bag Princess- by Robert Munsch.

• Princess Knight- by Cornelia Funke
• Princess and the Pizza- by Mary Jane Auch

Small Group / Center Ideas:

• Give a tour of the "kingdom" on the first day as you walk around the various learning centers and around the school. 

• Make "jewels" from jello jigglers.
• Practice manners

Art Ideas:

• Decorate name tags with jewels

• Use variety of materials (styrofoam, paper towel rolls, etc) to build a 3-D castle. Paint.
• Use various paper shapes to form a 2-D castle. 
• Make crowns.

Classroom Management:

• Jewel stickers
• Collect 5 jewels and students can go to the treasure box.

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Farm

Creating a farm-themed classroom can be an engaging and educational experience for students. Click here to see more Farm Templates. Here are some ideas to help you set up a farm-tastic classroom:

Teacher Ideas:

• Decorate bulletin boards with quotes like, "Welcome to our herd", "Welcome to our barnyard", "Down on the farm", "In the Moo-d for learning", "Harvesting knowledge together",  and "Welcome to the Farm"
• Use large cutouts of farm animals such as cows, chickens, pigs, and sheep to decorate the walls and doors.
• Create a 3D barn and fence display using cardboard or construction paper to give the classroom a farm-like feel.
• Use artificial hay bales and straw to create a cozy reading nook or play area.
• Highlight a student each week as the "Farmer of the Week," showcasing their achievements or something interesting about them.

Books:

• Apple Farmer Annie by Monica Wellington
• Chickens aren't the only ones by Ruth Heller
• Click Clack Moo Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin
• The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle

Small Group / Center Ideas:

• Teach students about different farm animals, their habitats, and their roles on the farm.
• Use farm-themed manipulatives and worksheets for counting, addition, and subtraction activities.

Art Ideas:

• Have students create their own farm animal masks or puppets using paper plates and craft supplies​
• Make 3D barns using recycled materials like cardboard boxes and paint.
• Create a collaborative mural where each student decorates a part of a large farm scene.

Classroom Management:

• Assign jobs with farm-themed names, like "Barnyard Boss" for the classroom leader, "Feed Keeper" for someone who distributes supplies, and "Animal Caretaker" for someone who helps tidy up.
• Students earn Apple for their tree
• Farm themed rules

Songs and Games:

• Old MacDonald
• The Animals on the Farm
• All Around the Farm by Jack Hartmann

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Flowers

Creating a flower-themed classroom can bring a bright and cheerful atmosphere to your learning environment. Check out this Plant Unit with ready-made visuals.  Here are some ideas to help you set up a blossoming classroom:

 

Teacher Ideas:

• Decorate bulletin boards with quotes like, "Blooming with Knowledge", and "Our Garden of Learning"
• Use large cutouts of Flowers to create a vibrant garden atmosphere
• Use plastic flowerpots for pens and crayon holders. 
• Decorate with flower plants. 

Books:

• Flower Garden by Eve Bunting
• The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
• Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert

Small Group / Center Ideas:

• Teach students about the parts of a flower, how flowers grow, and their role in the ecosystem.
• Start your own flower garden to tend over the year. 
• Use flower-themed manipulatives and worksheets for counting, addition, and subtraction activities.
• Hide flower cutouts around the classroom and have students find them. Each flower can have a question or task they need to complete
• Make Flower sensory box with beans, seeds, and small flower themed manipulatives. 

Art Ideas:

• Have students create their own flowers using materials like paper, tissue paper, and pipe cleaners.
• Make 3D flowers using recycled materials like cardboard tubes and paint.
• Create a collaborative mural where each student decorates a part of a large garden scene.
• Make tissue paper flowers. Place in colender. 

Classroom Management:

• Assign jobs with flower-themed names, like "Garden Keeper" for someone who waters the plants, "Petal Patrol" for someone who tidies up, and "Blossom Reader" for someone who reads aloud to the class.
• Students earn flower stickers for their paper garden
• Flower themed rules

Songs and Games:

• Here’s a simple and fun flower-themed song for preschoolers. You can sing it to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.": Flowers, flowers everywhere, In the garden, in the air. Colors shining oh so bright, Making everything so right. Flowers, flowers everywhere, In the garden, in the air.

  

 

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Insects

Creating an insect-themed classroom can be a fun and educational way to engage students with the natural world. Check out this thematic Unit on Insects with ready-to-use materials. Here are some ideas to help you set up a buzzing and crawling classroom:

 

Teacher Ideas:

• Decorate bulletin boards with quotes like, "Bugging out over learning", and "Our Garden of Learning", "We've got the Learning Bug", "A Bug's Life", and "The Kindness Bug" 
• Use large cutouts of Flowers  and bugs to create a vibrant garden atmosphere
• Use plastic flowerpots for pens and crayon holders. 
• Place potted plants or vases with artificial flowers to create a habitat feel, attracting "pretend" insects.
• Put up educational posters about different types of insects, their life cycles, and interesting facts about them.

Books:

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
• The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
• Bug by Robin Koontz

Small Group / Center Ideas:

• Teach students about the life cycles of different insects, such as butterflies, bees, and ants.
• Conduct a simple experiment where students observe live insects, such as caterpillars turning into butterflies.
• Use bug-themed manipulatives and worksheets for counting, addition, and subtraction activities.
• Hide insect cutouts around the classroom and have students find them. Each insect can have a question or task they need to complete.
• Place plastic bugs in a sensory box

Art Ideas:

• Have students create their own insects using materials like paper, pipe cleaners, and googly eyes.
• Make 3D insects using recycled materials like cardboard tubes and paint.
• Create a collaborative mural where each student decorates a part of a large garden scene with insects.
• Make bug headbands with pipe cleaner antennae

Classroom Management:

• Assign jobs with insect-themed names, like "Bug Keeper" for someone who cares for classroom plants, "Insect Investigator" for someone who helps organize materials, and "Butterfly Reader" for someone who reads aloud to the class.
• Students earnbug for their bug jar. Set a goal and earn a reward. 
• Bug themed rules

Songs and Games:

• The Ants Go Marching
• Bringing Home A Baby Bumblebee
• Butterfly Butterfly happy all day
• Glo-worm

  

 

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Llama

Creating a llama-themed classroom can be a fun and unique way to engage students. Click here to see llama templates. Here are some ideas to help you set up a llamazing classroom:

Teacher Ideas:

• Decorate bulletin boards with quotes like, "Llamazing Learners" and "No Prob-llama - We;ve got this"
• Use large llama cutouts on walls and doors to create a cheerful atmosphere.
• Put up posters featuring llamas with motivational quotes or fun facts about llamas.

Books:

• Llama Llama Red Pajamas by Anna Dewdney
• No Drama Llama by Sarah Jackson
• Llamaste by Pat-a-cake

Small Group / Center Ideas:

• Teach students about the habitat, diet, and characteristics of llamas.
• Conduct a simple activity where students learn about the differences between llamas and alpacas.
• Use llama-themed manipulatives and worksheets for counting, addition, and subtraction activities.
• Learn about the regions where llamas are found, particularly in South America. Mark them on a map.
• Hide llama cutouts around the classroom and have students find them. Each llama can have a question or task they need to complete.
• Set up a relay race where students have to carry a "llama pack" (a small bag or basket) to their teammates.

Art Ideas:

• Have students create their own llamas using materials like paper, felt, and yarn.
• Make 3D llamas using recycled materials like cardboard tubes and paint.
• Create a collaborative mural where each student decorates a part of a large llama scene.

Classroom Management:

• Assign jobs with llama-themed names, like "Llama Leader" for the classroom leader, "Feed Keeper" for someone who distributes supplies, and "Llama Librarian" for someone who organizes books.
• Llama themed rules

Songs and Games:

• Here’s a simple and fun llama-themed song for preschoolers. You can sing it to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.": Llama, llama on the hill, Standing tall and very still. Eating grass and munching hay, In the sun you'll spend your day. Llama, llama on the hill, Standing tall and very still.

 

 

 

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Ocean Theme

Ocean theme is a popular and loved theme to decorate a classroom and begin to build a sense of community. Click here for more ideas to use with an Ocean Thematic Unit. 

 

Teacher Ideas:

• Room decoration: Have students paint bulletin board paper with child size-rollers / sponges. Then cut out fish shapes, staple 2 together and stuff with newspaper. Hang the 3-D fish around the room.

• Use sand pails to store classroom supplies
• Octopus name tags with paper reinforcers to resemble suckers.
• Use beach towels to teach perimeter / defined areas of a classroom.
• Bulletin Board Ideas: Welcome back to "school", Swim on in, Swim into prek, PreK is "Fin"tastic, Welcome to the sea of learning, Hooked on learning, Make a splash in PreK, Glad to "sea" you, What a catch

Books:

• Have you Filled Your Bucket Today?- by Carol McCloud and David Messing
• Rainbow Fish- by Marcus Pfister

Small Group / Center Ideas:

• Children dig in sand to find personalized seashells: Shells have classmates’ names on them. Students can find their own name and friends’ names.
• Cut out fish from colored foam. Write individual students names on both sides of the fish and place a paper clip on the nose of the fish. PLace the fish in a water table or bin.  Tie a magnet with a string to a stick to make a fishing pole. Students fish for their name.
• Message in a Bottle School Tour: Ahead of time- distribute bottles around school that contain a message with a message on where to go next and who to meet.
• Science center: write students’ names on clear laminated sheet with Sharpie and cut out. Place in clear bottle of water. Children find their names floating in a bottle.
• Die cut foam letters. Students “fish” for letters in their name from the water table and stick to the side of water table.
• Using a vinyl placemat, write child’s name with permanent marker. Students can then trace their name with fingerpaints and it will wipe off when they are finished.
• Use lacing cards with various sea animals. (Lessonpix.com create materials using pictures you select from our library. Laminate and punch holes around the perimeter.)
• Beach chairs in the reading center

Art Ideas:

• PreK Super Stars: Personalize starfish cutouts for each child. Place on Bulletin Board with crepe paper seaweed, fish cut outs etc.
• Ahead of time – Write child’s name on paper with white wax candle. Then child paints with watercolor and name magically appears.
• Cooking- Add a few drops of blue food coloring to a container of softened cream cheese. Spread some of the cream cheese on a piece of toast or a cracker, and press on goldfish crackers.
• Make a Lobster - use red hand prints for the claws and a red footprint for the body. Too Cute! 

Classroom Management:

• Each child has a bucket and children can fill their bucket with ocean items (starfish, fish) when they are “caught” being good. When they have 6 items in their bucket, they can go to treasure box.

Songs and Games:

• Fishy Pokey (to the tune of the Hokey Pokey): ie: "Put your right fin in, Put your right fin out, Put your right fin in and you shake it all about. Do the Fishey Pokey and your turn your self around. That's what it's all about." Put your gills in... tail in.... etc. 
• 5 Little Fish by Jack Hartman. 
• Play "hot potato" using a small beach ball. When the music stops, who ever has the beach ball steps out.
• Game, "I Can Do That!"

Sharing Center Ideas: Here

• What Lives in the Ocean? Ideas for Writing
• Ocean Animal Bingo
• Shark Week Book
• Sorting Mat

 

 

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Popcorn

Creating a popcorn-themed classroom can be fun and engaging for students. Click here to see many popcorn template ideas. Here are some ideas to help you set up a "pop-tastic" classroom:

 

Teacher Ideas:

• Decorate bulletin boards with quotes like, "This Year Is Going to be Poppin!", "Popping into a good book", and "A Kernel of Knowledge"
• Make garlands using paper or fabric popcorn cutouts and string them across the ceiling or along bulletin boards.
• Use large popcorn cutouts on walls and doors to create a cheerful atmosphere.
• Use popcorn containers to store classroom supplies like pencils, markers, and scissors.

Books:

• "The Popcorn Book" by Tomie dePaola
• "Popcorn" by Frank Asch
• "Popcorn Dragon" by Jane Thayer.

Small Group / Center Ideas:

• Teach students about the science behind popcorn, how it pops, and its nutritional value.
• Conduct a simple experiment where students observe popcorn popping and discuss the process.
• Use popcorn to help in coutning, addition, and subtraction activities. 
• Set up a relay race where students have to carry a "popcorn kernel" (a small ball or pom-pom) to their teammates.
• Explore virtual tours of popcorn factories to learn more about how popcorn is made and packaged.

Art Ideas:

• Have students create their own popcorn art using materials like paper, cotton balls, and paint.
• Create a collaborative mural where each student decorates a part of a large popcorn bucket scene.

Classroom Management:

• Assign jobs with popcorn-themed names, like "Popcorn Leader" for the classroom leader, "Kernel Keeper" for someone who distributes supplies, and "Popcorn Patrol" for someone who tidies up.
• Scoop popcorn colored pom poms in a popcorn bucket every time the class receives a complement. When bucket is full - they earn a class reward. 
• Students can earn movie day with popcorn

Songs and Games:

• Here’s a simple and fun llama-themed song for preschoolers. You can sing it to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.": Pop, pop, popcorn in the pot, Watch it popping, see it hot. Little kernels turning white, Popping, popping, what a sight. Pop, pop, popcorn in the pot, Watch it popping, see it hot. Pop, pop, popcorn, such a treat, Crunchy, munchy, fun to eat. In a bucket, in a bowl, Popcorn makes me happy whole. Pop, pop, popcorn, such a treat, Crunchy, munchy, fun to eat.
• Dance and sing to Popcorn by Greg and Steve

  

 

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Rubber Ducky

Creating a rubber ducky-themed classroom can be a fun and cheerful way to engage students. Check out this great article for more rubber ducky ideas.  Here are some ideas to help you set up a "quacktastic" classroom:

 

Teacher Ideas:

• Decorate rubber duck bulletin boards with quotes like, "Splish, Splash, Learning’s a Blast!" or "Duck into Learning!"
• Put up posters featuring rubber ducks with motivational quotes or fun facts about ducks.
• Use large rubber duck cutouts on walls and doors to create a cheerful atmosphere.
• Use rubber duck containers to store classroom supplies like pencils, markers, and scissors.

Books:

• "Duck & Goose" by Tad Hills
• "Make Way for Ducklings" by Robert McCloskey
• "10 Little Rubber Ducks" by Eric Carle.

Small Group / Center Ideas:

• Use rubber ducks for counting, addition, and subtraction activities.
• Check out the Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman's collection of large ducks which can be seen in Amsterdam, Sydney, Hong Kong, and other cities around the world. Video Hofman makes the ducks out of PVC, and the largest creation is 85 feet wide, 65 feet long, and 105 feet high.
• Every year, Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH hosts a race of the duckies to support research for the hospital. The top three ducks earn big prizes! there are duck races all around the world! Video Make your own duck race. 
• Imitate expressive rubber ducks (from store or use Lessonpix Duck Feelings) 
• Play Duck Duck Goose

Art Ideas:

• Painting with rubber ducks
• Have students create their own rubber ducks using materials like paper, felt, and craft foam.
• Create a collaborative mural where each student decorates a part of a large pond scene with rubber ducks.

Classroom Management:

• Assign jobs with rubber duck-themed names, like "Duck Leader" for the classroom leader, "Pond Keeper" for someone who tidies up, and "Duckling Reader" for someone who reads aloud to the class.
• Give out themed rubber ducks as reward. 
• Highlight a student each week as the "Duckling of the Week," showcasing their achievements or something interesting about them.

Songs and Games:

• Here’s a simple and fun llama-themed song for preschoolers. You can sing it to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.": Rubber ducky in the tub, Splishing, splashing, full of fun. Yellow feathers, bright and neat, Floating gently, oh so sweet. Rubber ducky in the tub, Splishing, splashing, full of fun.
• "Rubber Ducky You're the One" by Sesame Street

  

 

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Sports Theme

Sports Theme is a great way to tie in the importance of team work and setting goals.

Teacher Ideas:

• Name our class "Team Eagle." (Mascot, teacher name, etc.) The students were the players, and teachers are the coaches.
• Have "Team Meetings" to discuss goals, progress, and the importance of working together as a team.
• Decorate room with sports memorabilia, pom poms, etc.
• Make pennants that say “Go Team!”, “Work Together”, “Be a good sport”.
• End of the Year, Students earn a "Letter" On Bulletin Board, use artificial turf for a football or soccer background and tile Contact Paper or peel-and-stick flooring that looks like hardwood for a basketball court.
• On a designated day, everyone wears their favorite sports team clothing to school.

Books:

• Curious George Plays Baseball- by Alan J. Shalleck
• Roasted Peanuts- written/illus. by Tim Egan
• Take Me Out to the Ball Game- written/illus by Jim Burke

Small Group / Center Ideas:

• Create "Baseball cards" with photo of each students and a short biography.
• Get as many different types of sports balls as possible (basketball, baseball, hockey puck, etc.) and pass them around your class and talk about each one. During play time you can also let your children play with them
• Have students plan a new game with rules. Play during outside play.
• Toss / Roll a ball to different students. When they catch the ball, they have to share something about themselves or what they like to do. 
• Create an obstacle course around the classroom. Focus on leaning parts of the classroom, where things belong, where to put completed papers, etc.
• Include games like Chess, Checkers, Connect 4, etc. in a games center.
• Write a class cheer or class song
• Design team logo. Vote on best design
• Science experiment: does it roll or slide? Take various objects from around the room and see if rolls or slides down a ramp.
• Design a track, then build the design in the blocks center.
• Shoe Game – Have everyone take off their shoes and put them in a pile in the middle of the room. Mix the shoes up. Divide the cheerleaders into 2 groups. See which group can find their shoes and put them on first. When they have their shoes on the team done first must sit on the floor.

Art Ideas

• Create Sports Magazine Covers with photos of students.
• Make individual pennants "All about Me"
• Design class / team  t-shirt
• Paper mache' on a balloon to create favorite balls

Classroom Management

• Students have an icon they can move around a baseball field working towards a "home run" to score and go to a treasure box.
• Penalty Box for time to stop and think 

Songs and Games

• Take Me Out to the Ball Game
• Play Tennis with fly swatters and balloons
• Relay Races

Sharing Center Ideas: Here

• Expectations in Gym
• Sorting Cards

  

 

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Space Theme

Space theme is a fun theme to decorate a classroom and begin to build a sense of community.

Teacher Ideas:

• Write a Welcome note to parents from "Mission Control"
• Star name tags and decorate with glitter
• Bulletin Board Ideas: Prepare for Liftoff, Reach for the Stars, Far Out,  Constellations

Books:

• Oh The Places You'll Go- by Dr. Seuss
• Happy Birthday Moon- by Frank Asch
• Hedgie Blasts Off- by Jan Brett
• Our Stars by Anne Rockwell

Small Group / Center Ideas:

• Make and read class book where every child has a page. “Planet PreK” Include photo with children wearing a space helmet and information about each child.

• Include pictures and manipulatives of planets and space related items.
• Watch a shuttle / rocket liftoff archive at NASA or YouTube 
• Become explorers. Go on a scavenger hunt around the school. 
• Read book by flashlights, tie to pajama day.

Art Ideas:

• Use model Magic to create a moon. Punch a hole in the top to hang with a string.
• Create a rocket with Pringles cans and craft pieces.
• Astronaut faces: Have students paint paper plates gray. Then on a small, skin-colored circle, have the students draw a self-portrait. Glue in the middle to look like an astronaut head.
• Crinkle foil and decorate with black paint and glitter to look like moon rocks.
• Create a "starry Night" with purple, blue, and black paint and gold star stickers.
• Have students create a spaceship.  Provide a box of various materials such as paper towel rolls, lunch trays, milk cartons, soda bottles, yarn, popsicle sticks, butter tubs, foam, etc. Students can use tape or glue and paint their project when it is completed.

Classroom Management:

• Blast-off: Create paper ro
• ckets with the children's faces looking out a window. As students make good choices, their rocket moves higher.
• Super Star students 

Songs and Games: