There’s a lot that goes into a classroom. Every decoration, every object, and every activity should have a specific purpose. So, how do you set up your classroom to promote successful learning and make your students smile when they walk through the door? 

Teachers have a special gift for creating an environment that supports students’ interest and success. These suggestions will help you provide a little extra variety and lots of learning value. Utilizing some innovation will improve the way your students learn the concepts you’re teaching them.

Use color in creative ways.

Color makes content attractive and more easily absorbed. Color makes content attractive and more easily absorbed. 

Don’t limit assignments to one format.

“Work on your second draft” is a legitimate writing assignment. But there are other revision techniques. Why not try these instead? 

• Replace four being verbs with action verbs. 
• Add one metaphor. 
• Add five sensory details. 

When it comes right down to it, students crave variety with a dependable structure. They want to be challenged yet not overwhelmed. And they need the opportunity to make some decisions and use their imaginations. 

Come in costume.

A lesson done in costume is far more likely to be remembered! Here are some ideas to try: 

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner as told by the Ancient Mariner himself, Drew Patrick. 

Jadine Chappell appeared as “Tex” to teach second-graders about cowboys in the American West. 

Meredith White’s first-graders will probably always remember her colorful rainbow theme. 

End or begin your class memorably.

Use some regular expressions or quotations that will become associated with your class. High schoolers may groan, but they will secretly love it and remember it. Pretty soon you won’t have to say it; they will do it for you. 

There’s always Yogi Berra’s “It ain’t over ’til it’s over.” Students still remember their history teacher who always began his class with “Greetings, friends of learning, scholars, and others.” 

And of course, younger grades still love these old goodbyes: 

• See you later, alligator 
• Gotta go, buffalo 
• Take care, polar bear 
• Bye, bye, butterfly 
• Out the door, dinosaur 

Incorporate humor in your classroom.

Creativity flourishes in a positive environment. Put humorous and profound thoughts like these on the board frequently. 

• Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken. — Oscar Wilde 
• Without geography, you’re nowhere. — Author Unknown 
• All generalizations are false, including this one. — Mark Twain 

Bulletin boards can also add color and subtle humor. 

We want to see your classroom! Share a picture on Facebook and tag us at Abeka Christian School.