Classroom transformations may have caught your eye on Pinterest or Instagram. When I first saw one, I wondered what I was seeing. I was intrigued, and I wanted to know more. I soon discovered that a classroom transformation means you change the learning environment to enhance learning. It usually involves adding something new to your classroom to make it different and exciting. It looked amazing, but it also looked hard, expensive, and time consuming. These were three good reasons to skip over them, but I decided to give them a chance before I passed on the idea.
After I gave them a try, I found that I loved them. My students also loved them! I was hooked. I love creating them using the standards I teach because they are fun and engaging. If you would like to try classroom transformations, you’ll definitely want to download this FREE guide to simple classroom transformations. I have created a guide to help you plan your own classroom transformations. I think you will quickly be hooked! Simply put your name and email in the box, and I’ll send it to you right away!
Reason #1: Transformations Equal Fun Classroom Learning Activities
One of the reasons I love classroom transformations is that I found them to be fun classroom learning activities. By changing the classroom environment, my students were more excited to learn. It also created “buy-in” for the learning intentions for the lesson. With some simple changes, my students were captivated and motivated. Like Mary Poppins said, “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and – SNAP – the job’s a game!” It is our job to teach our students, but we can make it fun!
Reason #2: Your Students Can Practice the Standards You Are Teaching
The standards are the most important part of the whole process when you are planning. They must be kept in the front part of your mind. Otherwise you may get caught up more in the theme and forget what the transformation is trying to achieve. You are trying to increase student engagement while they are working on the standard or standards you are teaching. This must not be forgotten.
Is this just fun and games?
I know that some may believe that this is just fluff without teaching. Since it looks like fun, some may mistakenly believe that learning is not occurring. This is simply not true! It makes my teacher heart sing when I see my reluctant students become thoroughly involved in the activities and when all of my students are working hard. Learning is fun, and games can be used to practice standards.
How to decide on the learning intention for your transformation
The best way I know to do this is to look at the standards that are being taught. Then I ask myself two questions.
- Is there a standard or standards that need to be reviewed?
- Is there a standard or standards that we are currently focusing on that could be used?
If I answer these two questions, it isn’t difficult to know if I want a review or more practice with the current standard we are focusing on.
Another thing I like to consider before planning the activities is what I need to help my students. If I need more data to track my student learning and progress, then I may design paper and pencil activities so I have something to correct. If I know my students need time to practice a skill such as math facts, then I design an activity with this in mind.
Reason #3: They are Creative Activities in the Classroom
One of my favorite parts of a classroom transformation is the creativity it allows me as a teacher, and I can use my creativity as much or as little as I choose. There are some times during the school year when I need to break up my routine. Please don’t misunderstand me because I work hard to develop the routines in my classroom. I love routines! I also know students need consistent routines. With that said, sometimes I need to break up the routine. I need a change, and so does my class. A classroom transformation breaks up the normal schedule just enough and allows for creativity while focusing on the standards. It is a win-win situation!
Reason #4: Are You Asking Yourself How to Build Relationships with Students?
This may seem like a strange question in the middle of a blog post about classroom transformations, but it is a valid question! The activities you choose to do for transformations help strengthen your relationships with students. Your students will be excited for something different. You will be excited for something different. When both teachers and students are excited and happy, everyone benefits.
Another benefit is the chance you have to tailor your classroom to the interests of your students. If you have a student who loves cars, then you can have a race car theme. Another student may love dogs and cats so you choose to have a pet shop. You may also find out your whole class loves pizza. If this is the case, then it is definitely time for a pizza restaurant. The possibilities are endless, and the relationship building is priceless.
Reason #5: They are Team Building Activities in the Classroom
Classroom transformations are also another way for team building. Students are working for a common goal. I like to give my students an explanation of what they need to do, and I usually give them a story about a problem they need to solve. There may be multiple problems that need to be solved, and teamwork helps make this happen. All students are strengthened as they work together to achieve the goal. I have seen some of my reluctant students become thoroughly involved in the activities because of transformations. There is magic in having a theme and a goal to work to achieve.
Sometimes the activities I choose are not team based for the entire activity. As the teacher, I know what I need to achieve. I like to have a partner for the students in most of the activities I plan. This is what is so fantastic about making up your own transformation. You know your students best, and you know what they need.
Can you really do this?
The answer is absolutely yes. Do transformations have to be overwhelming? The answer is definitely no. Changing the learning environment will always enhance learning. You might find that wearing a detective hat while you are looking for information in the text is all you need. A simple hat changed the learning environment and enhanced the learning. When it is time to talk about fractions, you may wear an apron and a chef hat to teach about dividing a pan of brownies into halves, third, and fourths. Once again, you simply changed the learning environment to enhance learning. Start simply and try it out!
Here are some other articles about teaching that may inspire you.
http://www.thefriendlyteacher.com/2019/06/tips-for-making-transformations-easy.html
In conclusion, my students and I have both benefited from classroom transformations. I love when an activity is loved by all! I hope that you will try one for the benefit of your students and you. Click here to download your FREE guide to simple transformations! I think you and your students will love classroom transformations!
