Classroom theme?

It sounds to me like you are well on your way to being ready for your own class! You've got some great ideas already. I teach 3rd grade and I always have a "theme". I love to change things up and I have yet to repeat a theme. I keep a notebook where I jot down ideas that come to me and then go back and look at it shortly after the school year is finished to start planning for the next. The kids love themes and it's great when a previous student comes back and says, "Hey, we didn't have that!" and I tell them no, but they did have...

I think singing is great! I am in an open concept school, so we don't have any doors, the walls we have don't reach the ceiling, and the two classrooms that are on the same side of the wall are only separated by bookcases, etc. so singing has to be done in a quiet manner, but it can be done! We sing songs for subjects, holidays, classmate appreciation, and just because. My kids know when I say, "I feel the need to sing!" that we are going to have a group sing. They offer suggestions, like when we are having a restroom break and waiting for everyone to finish or they know it will be academic if we are in class. Even older kids like to sing. Your 5th graders may even be willing after a little coaxing. They like to see you being a bit different and "silly" because it makes them realize you are a person too. Maybe you can find a short animal related song that would make a good start/transition too.

Keep thinking! You might want to try looking at www.orientaltrading.com for some low cost animal items. Also, they have those really cute paperplates that are shaped like animals. Those make good masks if you cut out the eyes and attach them to popsicle sticks or put ear bars on them like glasses (I don't like to tie things around the kids' heads)or they can be good decorations. Have you picked a saying? I usually pick one for the bulletin board outside my room, decorate it in the theme and then have the kids names displayed and later their work.

Maybe...Safari so good!  Have you "herd", we're a great class!  No "lion", learning's fun!

Let me know what you think/decide.

ok, I cannot compete with MsP. - i LOVE her bulletin suggestions! All your ideas sound great! But i will offer some advice given recently by one of my teachers, not to plan EVERYTHING in advance because when you meet your students there are going to be so many new ideas as you get to find out their personality as a classroom and what they are interested in etc. Obviously a base is impt. but as you know we can get overwhelmed with having everything done and she just reminded me that its ok sometimes to go with the flow and see what great ideas you have as you go. :) so basically great ideas and planning but don't let it stress you out that everyone else has everything planned to a t, bc lets face it something will go wrong and things will get changed so you arent behind.

I think your ideas for your classroom are really creative. I know when I get into my classroom that I also want to have some kind of fun theme that can teach your students, but at the same time create a relaxed enviroment. I think the jungle theme is wonderful, because it really gives you the oppurtunity to teach about different animals that aren't normally taught. I also like your idea of having a time in the day where the students can go to their own corner and read for a certain amount of time. Reading is so important and I think that this time is critical for students, so I really like that idea. I agree with you too, about having your students use as much technology as possible, because technology is becoming such an important part of children's lives today. I think you have done a wonderful job of planning out your classroom!