Saturday, July 13, 2013

Traveling and a Travel Themed Classroom

I love to travel. Each year as summer approaches, my hubby and I (both teachers) plan some trips over the summer months. Usually they include going home to the suburbs of Chicago. Last summer we took a road trip from Chicago to Montana. This summer we added Boston to the mix and are now adding Europe.


 I was born in Poland and still have family living there. Whenever someone finds out I'm from Poland they usually refer to a popular city like Krakow or Warsaw and ask if I've visited there. My answer has continually been "No." Unfortunately traveling to Poland doesn't happen as frequently as I'd like for it to. Therefore, all the times I've gone in the past have only involved visiting family in my small home town. That is until NOW. Nick and I are flying to Berlin, Germany, spending a few days there, going to my hometown of Choszczno, Poland (a mouthful....I know), and then taking 2 additional weeks to see the beautiful country of my birth. I am really looking forward to this trip.

I am a firm believer in surrounding yourself with the things you love. That is why when planning on a theme for my classroom, I decided on a Travel Theme. It reminds me of the traveling I've done, the traveling I plan to do, and the traveling through learning I will do with my students through the school year.

As we embark on our trip to Europe, I want to share with you the new Travel Themed Classroom Decorations I've created for my classroom. This can be found at my Teachers Pay Teachers Store. 
This Classroom Theme Decoration Set Includes:
-Welcome Banner
-Traveling Through ___ Grade Pennant Banner (Customizable for the Grade)
-Classroom Posters (Transportation, Baggage Claim, Check in)
-PASSPORT folder for homework and management
-Meet the Teacher/First Day of school Table tents
-Team Signs
-Team Supply Bin labels
-Word Wall Headings
-Important School Documents Notes
-"Flight Crew" Job Cards
-Name Tags for Desks
-Suitcase full of Compliments

This has been the Classroom Theme in my class for the past 2 years. I have stuck with it because I love it and the kids love it. 


Here are some things I have in my classroom to go along with the theme:
T-25009 Let learning take you around the world. Quotable Expressions® Banner–10 Feet
Trend Enterprises Banner Click HERE for the Online Store       
My Student of the Week takes home a suitcase (a vintage looking suitcase from HomeGoods) home. Inside the Suitcase is a stuffed Paddington Bear, a few Paddington books, and a journal. Students write from Paddington's perspective on a "trip" to the student's home, the mall, soccer practice, etc. The kids take pictures and glue them in the journal. They share on Monday morning. We pass the suitcase on to the next kiddo on Friday. They LOVE it!

Click Here to get your own Paddington Bear from Barnes and Noble
 
Click on the Following Classroom Decorations to purchase them online. 


T-8296 Passport to Learning Bulletin Board Set
T-10980 Passports Classic Accents® Variety Pack 
T-8259 Continents & Countries Bulletin Board Set 
 
 I enjoy crafting during the summer. The following are some travel themed crafts I've done for my classroom. It's amazing what wandering around Joann Fabrics will inspire you to do.
 







 Check out the various Pinterest Boards created for Travel Themed Classrooms

Enjoy the rest of your summer, your time off, and your travels. I know we'll enjoy ours. Happy Traveling!