Creating a Theme

Journey Westward!

Simple flower arrangements throughout the room provide a
cheerful atmosphere for the students.

Summer is super exciting for me as a teacher. First, I have the opportunity to recharge my "battery" and spend time with the family. Although our summers are busy (I often lament that I need to go back to work so that I can rest), I enjoy taking time away from the stress and labor of teaching. The second reason that I love the summer is because I spend MANY hours in every thrift store within a 40 mile range. Thrift stores are the bomb!!! For those of us who work in Title One schools, thrift stores have provided many extra items for our classrooms that we could not have afforded otherwise.  I have purchased furniture, picture frames, books, puzzles, storage containers, rugs, and much more from local resale stores.

Planning for the next year is a fun part of the summer break for me. Once a theme is determined, my creative juices begin flowing. This year, my theme was Western. I thought that I would give you a glimpse into my classroom so that you could gain some inspiration from this fun subject matter.

I have two assistants who work with me in our self-contained classroom.  I designed this area for their use.  It is important to have a very organized area for them as they maintain a lot of data while aiding in instruction throughout the day. This space is used for one-to-one instruction and assessments throughout the school year.

Western Classroom Setup

A themed classroom does not have to be overloaded with items on the walls or on bulletin boards. In our special education setting, it is less distracting if we limit text and simplify instruction. Even general education teachers need to be aware of over-stimulation in the classroom.

Morning Area, Writing Center, and Helper Board

I hope that you have enjoyed this tour of my Western classroom theme.  May your summer be filled with rest, dreams, and anticipation for the upcoming school year.  Happy Summer Break!!!

the uncommon classroom teacher

Learning Disabilities Resources


Reading and Math Online Games

Redefining A Teacher's Summer "Off"

Today is my first "official" day off for summer break. One might think that as a teacher, I might be doing something fun or exciting to celebrate the lazy days of summer- this is not the case so far! For those of you that know me, you would not be surprised if I rattle off to you the many things that I have already accomplished for the upcoming school year.  It is amazing to me that I can be so exhausted from last school year, yet I somehow find the strength to begin gathering materials for the upcoming school year. 

To encourage my fellow teachers out there, I would like to share with you 4 steps that I am taking to get ready for the new school year.  While I realize that many of you are already thinking that I have LOST MY MIND, please give me a few minutes of your time before you retreat to your sun-laden lounge chairs of delight!

Looking forward to the next year is kinda like looking forward to Christmas to me.  The new school year promises a fresh start, new school supplies (I am just like a child when it comes to buying new school supplies!), and the possibility of making a difference in a new student's life.  As a teacher, I have the unique calling of imparting knowledge and character into my precious little ones (my fifth graders LOVE it when I refer to them in this manner... hehe!). So before you dismiss my summer break handiwork, try to catch the beginning of the year excitement that we all share as teachers (ok, that might be stretching it a bit...).

Getting reading for the new school year can be engaging if you follow these four steps:

Step One:

Clean out a closet- yes, you read this correctly!! Someone once told me that the best teachers are those who "steal" from others.  In this case, I plan on stealing from my own closet.  How many things have we purchased as teachers that were stuck in the back of a closet and forgotten?  Before you begin purchasing for the upcoming year, take inventory of what you already have in stock!

Step Two:

Don't try to do everything yourself! I have learned that Teacher's Pay Teacher's is my friend.  While I would love to create 100% of my classroom assessments myself, it is NOT gonna happen!  I value my time with my family and prefer to let others do the handy work on this step.  When I plan out my small groups, I always check TPT for pre-made items that can ease some of my "teacher" burden.  TPT can be a life saver!

Also, enlist volunteers to help you cut, sort, and file activities for next year. You would be surprised who would stop by and help you if you offer coffee and cake!

Step Three:

Pace yourself!  Planning does not need to be done in one day. Give yourself a set deadline to have a rough curriculum map created for the upcoming school year. Use this information to begin "mapping" your small groups and whole group instruction. I find that working some each day helps me maintain a positive attitude without creating teacher burnout.  This method allows me to be prepared when August comes and limits my chances of being caught off guard.  

I wonder if other teachers have a
corner like this in their home
this summer?

Because I teach a self-contained special education classroom, it is vital  that I enter my classroom each morning and "hit the ground running." It only takes a minute of disorganization to cause a disaster in the classroom!  Because of this, I spend much time in the summer organizing lessons, creating small group centers, and tracking student needs for the upcoming year.  By beginning the year ahead of the game, I prevent added stress on me and my paraprofessionals.  In addition to relieving stress, being prepared allows me to have additional time to interact with my students and create lasting bonds.

Step Four:

Enjoy your time off! Yes, despite my perfectionist mentality (don't you find it odd that I am a special education teacher????), I must remind myself that I am allowed some "down" time.  As an educator, we are often chastised because we only work 7:30-3:30 (umm...right???).  This type of thinking sometimes might make us feel guilty for enjoying the leisure time off during the summer.  Not this girl!!! After being beat up all year long (and yes, some years are physically difficult in my classroom), I count it a privilege to be able to rest and recharge for the next year.  

I hope you take steps this summer to regain your enthusiasm for teaching! If you have time, feel free to browse a few of these great YOUTUBE videos and let your heart be encouraged:

The Lettered Classroom

The Autism Helper

Kasey Morris

The Uncommon Classroom Teacher

Email: theuncommonclassroomteacher@gmail.com