
Pinterest is certainly buzzing with pins galore, and we teachers are spending our free time scanning those pins for the perfect classroom decor for back to school prep. We’re searching for those unit ideas that will be a slam dunk for our kids, and organizational tips to make our lives easier.
Today, you are in for a treat. I am linking up with Ashley at Just Reed for her Ten Pin Back to School Link Up. Ashley shared ten great pins for back to school, and I hope these ideas will help you as you’re thinking about classroom decor or classroom theme ideas.
Classroom decor ideas for Guided Reading
First of all, let’s focus classroom decor ideas to help guided reading organization. One thing that I find very distracting is unnecessary movement in the classroom. It seems my students are memory challenged when it comes to being prepared with their materials. By putting a cart beside the reading table, all materials are right there! You can also use labeled storage carts around the room for students too. Each group can have their materials all together in one place. Check out THIS POST from Tunstall’s Teaching Tidbits for other great guided reading tips.

Creating personal space with classroom decor
Another idea for organization comes from Mr. Greg at Kindergarten Smorgasboard would have been very helpful to me last year. I had a very small room last year, and during small group instruction, those students not meeting with me used some of the time for reading to self. By using this bath mat idea, they could take the rug with them to find their own quiet corner for reading. Stores like Ollies and Big Lots offer cheap bathmats.
Using classroom decor for reading motivation
Next, I’ll share a decorating idea I love is this tree. As a reading specialist, so encouraging reading is crucial to my students’ success. This reading tree can be incorporated into many themed classrooms. I am going with a Wild about Reading theme. This reading tree will go in my reading nook for my students to recommend books to each other. I am hoping it will create book discussions between the children.
Noise level control classroom decor sign
In addition to the previous idea, this pin will help my students manage their volume. When I’m working with students one-on-one or in a small group, there is a group of students working on their own. It’s so easy for the volume to creep up. This Voice-O-Meter is a gentle reminder to respect your classmates who are working with the teacher. From Create Art with Me
guided reading support
Because guided reading is a big part of my day,I love this idea from Adrienne at Adrienne Teaches for supporting kids in a small group. Dividing your table into sections helps students know their space and allows you to use that space as one big dry erase board. You can do word building, responding to reading, and even quick checks with questioning. All you need is a dry erase marker.
classroom decor for handling questions
Since kids ALWAYS have questions, but we ALWAYS have limited time, this pin might help. The time to answer questions and listen to stories can sometimes intrude into that valuable instructional time. ย For questions and comments that can wait, this parking lot idea would be extremely helpful. You can add magnets to the back to hang it on your chalkboard. Thanksย Math Coach’s Corner
quick status of the class
Because checking for understanding is an important part of each lessons, I love this Fist to Five Check poster. Often, we’re teaching away and thinking that our students are onboard. Then, you check the quizzes and learn they did not get it. With this strategy might. you can take the guesswork out. Author Unknown
Favorite project ideas for back to school
Because I am in charge of parental involvement activities, I want to share my all-time favorite pin idea. Like a science fair, this book fair utilizes the tri-fold displays in a different way, to celebrate literature and reading. Read. Write. Mom! shares many more of these wonderful displays.
Celebrate Reading and Writing Night
Our school has Celebrate Reading and Writing Night. It would be fun to have students share their writing in an assembly, and culminate the night with a tour the school to see the displays.
flexible seating ideas for back to school
Whether these neat chairs end up in your classroom or in your child’s bedroom, the idea is precious! What a great way to reuse old tires in a really cozy way. This is a DIY that won’t happen this year, but I still love them! Thanks, Itsy Bits and Pieces!
back to school open house welcome wall
Finally, I’ll share this pin you can use to celebrate the sweet children that will be entering our classrooms soon. I think this wall display is perfect for open house night and a great way to begin the school year. It’d be fun to repeat it at the end of the year for comparison on how your students grow during the time you’re together.
Looking for More?
My tens pins are complete. I hope you’ll have a great time planning out your year, and perhaps a few ideas shared here will help make your classroom run smoothly. This link up was sponsored by: Just Reed Blog
Have a wonderful year!
other links you’d enjoy:
- Back to School Room Reveal
- How to Make Reading Warm and Fuzzy in a Few Steps
- How to Motivate Young Readers to Keep Them Reading
Back to School is a hectic time, and I hope these ideas help you out. If there is something special that you’re needing help with, be sure to mention it. Otherwise, best wishes for a fun year.
7 Responses
Great pins- #1 would be my dream classroom, so organized I could just move in!
I really love Fist to Five- I'll be trying that with my students!
Karli
Creating a Thoughtful Classroom
So many great ideas on Pinterest. For me, it's a real time burner! So glad you liked these too.
Carla
Ooh… I love the book fair!
-Lisa
Grade 4 Buzz
I can't wait to try it. Definitely check out her website to see all of the other amazing displays. Whether the parents helped or not really doesn't matter to me as that increases involvement. Plus, the kids learn how to put a professional looking product together…so helpful in the adult world.
Thanks for linking up for Wishlist Wednesday! These sound like some great ideas for your room!
Anytime…I missed it on Wednesday though. ๐ I just happened to catch in my blog feed from bloglovin and decided to combine.
Have a great week!
I LOVE your chart for understanding! Also, I had seen the Parking Lot before, but yours has a neat approachable appearance. Is there any place to download the words? I am not the neatest when it comes to that.
Thank you for sharing!