I haven't had a theme in the past but might incorporate one this year if I find "it". What do you think are some good themes for this age group? You know, that aren't too childish; reptiles, sports, Hollywood, Dinosaurs. Nothing really excites me. I have a lot of maps in my room because I love the soothing colors. Anyway, I'm going to the teacher store soon to get ideas but thought I'd post here first and pick your brains. Thanks.
I think maps would be a cool theme for 5th grade. I've done Hollywood before, and a 4th grade teacher I know did a cool theme with dots. You could incorporate Dr. Suess' book "Oh the Places You'll Go!" with your map theme. You could map out social studies content (such as explorers), or biomes of the world for science. We do Reading Street, and it would be easy to map out where the stories take place. You could teach map skills, and incorporate math with graph reading, using the map scale, etc! I am beginning to like this theme myself!
I am not a huge fan of themes (expensive), but I've been seeing a lot of robot things that would be really neat for a class that age. I think it's Creative Teaching Press.
I've never had an official theme until last year, when I decided to play on my life-long love of the New Orleans Saints. It worked great! Not only does it make decorating easier, but I use the team theme a LOT in my class - we build table teams, a class team, discuss the fact that, just like the professional football team has to (1) show up to work and on time (2) do their homework (3) practice (4) follow the coach's directions and the sport (and team) rules, etc., so do we as students & teachers! My kids really got into it - and I'm doing it again! So, all that being said, how about a favorite sports team?
I love a sports theme at that age. There can be so much focus on teamwork and cheering each other on. Maps and travel is a good option too.
I like the idea of sports theme. What about a Rock/Pop Star theme? There are tons of ideas on pinterest.
5th grade classroom My theme is "patriotic." I use lots of red, white, and blue along with yellow/gold. The color scheme is easy to find and goes along with our learning of U.S. history.
Maps are cool for that age group. Would be super with "Oh the places you'll go" (Like knitter63 said) and have Explorers as a theme!
I have a couple of theme ideas that would be great for the age group. Surfing, Rock Stars, Our Class Rocks, School Rocks, Celebration of the Sea w/ Wyland artwork which is very colorful with deep blues and greens. All under the sea murals. Let me know, I'll give you more details if any sound interesting.
I have used a Frog theme, for " Hop into Learning", but my two favorites have been a Tropical theme and a Jungle theme. I agree, the Sports idea would really appeal to some of the boys!
I have seen the following in upper-elementary classrooms: -Western -Patriotic -Sports -Rock star/Our class Rocks You could also do a color theme...I love my color theme. It is so easy to add new things from year-to-year, and I don't get sick of it.
I like the map theme too. I've seen lots of ideas for map/globe decor lately--my son LOVES geography so I've been looking for stuff. As others said, you can incorporate it into your lessons easily too.
Check out schoolgirlstyle.com for some awesome color schemes. I am excited about doing the "bird" theme because it is simple, has colors from nature, and the supplies are easy to find. Good luck!
