Summer Series Classroom Transformations Bonus: 5 Books to Inspire

Just popping onto the blog today to share some of my favorite books for classroom transformations. If you are looking for more inspiration, check these out. 

The Wild Card by Hope and Wade King

So much inspiration. I will always think back fondly to seeing Hope King at work in her classroom in the middle of a Toy Story classroom transformation. LOVED it then. LOVE it now. This book gives lots of ideas for bringing that magic to your own classroom. 

Teach Like a Pirate by Dave Burgess

In his book, Dave shares a lot of innovative ideas for engaging your class. 

    Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire by Rafe Esquith

Another book filled with innovative ideas for the classroom. 

The End of Molasses Classes by Ron Clark

Ron Clark is one of my biggest heroes in teaching when it comes to classroom engagement. He has so many ideas that can be immediately put into practice. He sparked something with his magical school, The Ron Clark Academy.

Crash Course by Kim Bearden

Kim Bearden, the cofounder of the Ron Clark Academy, is another gem among teachers. Her innovative ideas and transformations bring engagement to every classroom. I have tried, and LOVE her ideas. Some have become a staple in my classroom. 

Summer Series Classroom Transformations Part 4: Set Up

Set up for classroom transformations can be as simple or elaborate as you want. A few little changes can pack a punch as far as engagement goes. You can get help from others, or set up on your own. I usually do set up for transformations on my own, but at times my own kids will help me, or even my husband. My dad sometimes helps me behind the scenes with taking my idea and constructing it. Here's a look at some simple, medium and higher level set-ups.

Easy Level Transformations

For a simple set up, this would involve minimal decoration and set up time could be done easily within just a few minutes the morning before or right after school the previous night. Here are a couple of examples of simple set ups and what it took to pull these off. 

Classroom Transformation Set up for Fraction Bakery

For my fraction bakery, the set up is simple. First I set up tables and laid out plastic table cloths. You can get these at Walmart for around one dollar. Next, I set out some disposable pans with activities inside. I put chef hats and aprons on each chair...these are something that I purchased a few years ago and keep to use from year-to-year. I put a little sign out that says Fraction Bakery to build excitement with my students. 

As far as decorating the space, that was it. I did also bring actual baking supplies and ingredients for this from home, but they are not laid out on the tables. During the day of this transformation, students are involved in fraction activities to create recipes using equivalent fractions and then they will make the recipes. Usually we do pizza.

Classroom Transformation Set up for Story Camp

For the Story Camp transformation (inspired by Kim Bearden of The Ron Clark Academy), I turn the classroom into a campsite. I have a lot of camping gear from our family trips and from an old classroom theme, so really the only think I purchase is a treat to share. I will explain that in a minute. 

I set a tent up in the background. Then I have these little log cushions that I place in a circle for student seating. I add a lantern, camp sign that says Welcome to our Campfire where everyone is welcome. I have one actual tree stump stool or camp chair that I sit in front of the tent. This is where whomever is sharing will sit. I place a felt campfire, that I made, in the middle of the circle and add some stuffed animals. This set up usually takes about 15-30 minutes. During story camp, students take turns sharing their original stories around the campfire. For a fun twist, I usually have s'mores pops at the end as a celebration. I make these with lollipop sticks stuck into giant marshmallows that are dipped 1/2 way in chocolate and rolled in graham cracker crumbs. 

  

 Another example of a glamping option...also, all things I already have.

Medium Level Classroom Transformation

A medium level takes a little more prep time, especially behind the scene to get ready for set-up day, but are still not that extreme.

Classroom Transformation set up for Mining

For this transformation we were learning about rocks, and I wanted the students to feel that they were underground in a mine. I created rocks from kraft paper and placed them around the door and in the windows. I made some dynamite sticks from pool noodles and electrical tape. I created a train track that was leading into my classroom. 

I purchased some geodes and brought in rock samples for the students to view. I scattered rocks and other rock memorabilia around the classroom. We covered the windows to create a dark (underground) feel. I set out hard hats with headlamps for each student. 

We had lots of different stations that we set up inside the "cave" and I had another teacher working with me to teach the stations and help students rotate. We joined her class with mine for this transformation. We examined the smallest rocks (dirt), made sedimentary rock, looked at rocks under a microscope, tested rocks for their properties, and looked at famous rocks like Mount Rushmore and Stonehenge.  

It was fun putting this together with another teacher and joining forces for the day. 

Challenging Level Classroom Transformation:

Classroom Transformation for Wild Kratts

The simple and medium classroom transformations, while still just as powerful, take much less time. It's easy to use things you have or even borrow supplies for the day from a friend or student families. 

Now, let's look at a bigger and more complex transformation. This one took several hours. I had my family helping me, so that made set up a bit faster. I needed to craft some of the items before set up day.

Crafted Items: 

A tree: I made and painted a large tree from cardboard. 

Grass: I used butcher paper to cut out grass shapes. I glued two layers together with wire in between so I could bend the grass to make it more realistic.

Fireflies: I created fireflies with empty water bottles. I drew and colored fireflies large enough to cover the bottles. On the day of the transformation, I stuck glowsticks inside to give it that bioluminescence piece. 

Letters: I printed and cut out letters to create the Wild kratts Logo and then printed a banner that said Creature Powers

Power Discs: I made little discs for the animals we were going to study.

Paw Prints: I made paw prints in different colors for each group.

Shirts: I created Wild Kratt shirts like Chris and Martin Kratt wear. I took black t-shirts, cut off the sleeves to create a vest and shortened the bottom. I added felt embellishments to make them look more like the vests on the TV show.

 

On the actual day of set up, we hung background paper to create a sky and added mountains to give a nice nature feel. I used tree stumps and the grass and laid out a spider that I purchased and added a real turtle shell that I had collected.

I wanted to make a cave since we would be studying bats. I took a tent and we wrinkled up some kraft paper (I purchased at Dollar Tree) and we covered the tent to make it into a cave. I hung some bats up inside. 

I used clear fishing line to hang the fireflies. Right before we started our class, I inserted yellow glowsticks inside each one. We hung the tree with fishing lines as well and added an owl and opossum to it.

On the board, I hung the letters to spell Wild Kratts and the banner that said Creature Powers.

For each table, we covered them with a different color of table cloth (to match the paw prints on the shirts) and taped a large paw print to the supply bin. 

I hung any activities we needed up on the walls as well and we were all ready to begin. 

The next day (Monday) was the transformation. Students were involved in activities to learn about different creatures in North America. We learned about echolocation with bats and about bioluminescence with invisible ink and fireflies. We did lots of other animal activities as well. We had an amazing time.

While this transformation was definitely a lot more work, it is something I enjoy doing. Teaching, for me, is not just a job, it is also my hobby. 

Classroom transformations are definitely not a one-size-fits-all activity. You have wiggle room to tailor them to your comfort and time availability. I would say, if you have never done one of these, start small and work your way up as you gain more ideas and confidence. 

Be sure to check out the rest of my summer series posts by clicking on these links and learning more about Classroom Transformations. 

Summer Series: Classroom Transformations: What are They

Summer Series: Classroom Transformations Part 2: Inspiration

Summer Series: Classroom Transformations: Part 3: Linking the Standards

Summer Series Classroom Transformations Part 1: What are They?

Welcome to my summer series on classroom transformations. In this first part of the series, we will be looking at what classroom transformations are. For some of you, this may be a completely novel concept and you are wondering just what a classroom transformation is. By the end of this post, you will know, hopefully be inspired to stick around for the rest of the series, and even attempt one of your own this school year. 

What are Classroom Transformations?

Classroom Transformations are a way of teaching that fully engages your students in the content through environment and experience. Think about it this way, if I am learning about Paris, for example, how can I put my students in that environment without booking a red-eye to France? What are the sites, sounds, smells, tastes, and feels of that beautiful city? I will enhance my curriculum to bring in as many of those as possible. I want my students to feel as if they are in France for that day, from greeting them with a "bonjour" at the door in the morning and having French music playing (sounds), to having a photo, background, or even 3D model of the Eiffel Tower as they come into the classroom (sight), I want them to feel as if they have stepped into France. Maybe I have some French pastries to help encourage and reward them during their content learning (taste & smells). Hopefully you get the idea. 

Is there a Purpose to doing this?

Of course there is! It is all about engagement. You want students to learn and to be excited to learn. It makes it easier when they have the desire to learn, and it eliminates behavior problems when they are fully engaged. Transformations are one of the best ways I know to get students to buy-in to the learning they would have to do anyway. Sometimes I hear students beg to go in from recess because what we are doing in class is more fun and exciting than recess itself! That is a win, friends!

Do Classroom Transformations have to be Elaborate?

The simple answer is no. A transformation can be super elaborate, or simple. It can incorporate many of the senses, or just a few. A transformation can take over your entire classroom and day, or be a simple set up in one area or for part of the day. You decide how much you want to put into it. 

Are Classroom Transformations Expensive?

It depends. You can go all out and spend an endless amount of money, if you want to, but that doesn't have to be the case (and for most teachers it shouldn't be). You can easily spend little to no money on them as well. To save money, think about who you could borrow items from. Could you have parents sign up to bring consumable items, such as food? Other teachers, your family, even student families are a great resource for borrowing decor items. You can use cardboard and paint, a cheaper option, to design elements for a classroom transformation. But remember, you can keep it small and not have to put in much work at all. It is amazing what a few one dollar table cloths can do to help you change your tables or desks into a mini transformation. 

Classroom Transformation Examples

Let's look at a few examples right now. You will see that some transformations take little or minimal effort and others can take a lot more time. The great thing is, you decide how much to do or not do. You decide how much to spend or if you are going to spend even one dime. It is totally up to your preference. 

Indiana Jones Archeology Transformation:

When I taught 6th Grade, social studies for the year was all about ancient civilizations. How do we know so much about those civilizations? Through artifacts. How do we find artifacts? Through archeology. So, it was a natural conclusion that we needed to have some hands-on experience with archeology and who better to bring it than Indiana Jones.

This transformation was super simple, but the students were no less excited than if I had gone all out. I put some Indiana Jones music on, borrowed a coat from a friend, used some clay pots and shells and other pieces I already had, and purchased some sand (less than $10), and  a few magazines (Cannot remember the cost, but minimal). I used a container that I already had and filled it with sand. I created a grid like archeologists use and buried one artifact in each section. We used brushes and other art tools to uncover the artifacts. I prepped students to think like archaeologists by telling them things like how artifacts can be fragile. We talked about how artifacts can be hundreds or thousands of years old and could crumble or break easily and discussed ways to keep artifacts from being damaged. Then students took turns becoming archeologists and unearthing artifacts. They were super careful as they uncovered pots and shells and other items from the "past". We looked at all the artifacts and, just like real archeologists, figured out what we could understand about the people that left these things behind. Students were 100% engaged from start to finish with this simple transformation. 

Glow Day Transformation

For Glow day, it was a little more work. First, I purchased some black lights. I got a set of three for probably around $65, but I kept in mind that I would use these repeatedly, and I have used them for probably five years already. This is a transformation I do every year, so I wasn't too worried about the investment. Plus I could use these for other transformations such as space or caving (study on rocks). I also got black plastic to cover the windows to make the classroom pitch black. I purchased a set of class neon spy hats at Dollar Tree and have had them for years as well. We also use glow sticks for games and highlighters to write with.

Usually, I use this transformation to kick off our multiplication unit. Students jump into a full morning of times tables games and activities that all glow and engage them. This is not too hard to set up, but does take more time than the archeology activity. 

Space Transformation

My space transformation was a lot of work to set up and used a lot of supplies. Thankfully, I have a friend who loaned me about 90% of the decor and supplies I needed. I just added in a few space themed activities and the supplies for those, which were minimal. I had to purchase or have on hand things such as yarn, straws, etc. 

This one involved decorating the front of the room, covering the windows to create a dark room, like space, and also putting the black lights up again. This one was of course a hit. I used this near the end of the year to continue learning and bring engagement in a time when engagement is hard to come by. 

Classroom Transformation Wrap up:

This gives you an idea of what classroom transformations are with some pictures to help you visualize how it all comes together. We are going to continue to explore through this summer series on classroom transformations. My hope is that you will find inspiration and ideas to help you set the stage in your own classrooms!

What's next? Here's a quick look at what we will be learning during this series:

Part 2: Inspiration (Where do you get ideas?)

Part 3: Linking the Standards (This is not just for fun)

Part 4: Set Up (The hows of transforming your classroom into something magical)

Part 5: Transformation Day (What does this look like...think a day in the life of a classroom transformation) 

Learning the Multiplication Facts

Getting math facts to stick in little minds can be a definite challenge for any teacher, yet is so important that students learn their facts, especially multiplication. Beginning in second grade, students begin to learn the ins and outs of multiplication and build an understanding using pictures and manipulatives. Once third grade hits, multiplication gets even deeper with bigger numbers and the dreaded task of committing all those facts to memory. So, how can you make it a little more fun? How can you get students to want to practice? I have found several ways throughout the years. Here are five fun ways you can make memorizing the times tables a little bit easier.

1.  Sing your facts. Really, find songs that help the students memorize the facts.  I recently purchased a set of songs that are to the tune of popular songs on the radio. The students beg to hear these songs during their lunch time (we eat lunch in the classroom).

2. Do speed drills. Sure, this will not please every kid in class, but what will? The goal is to reach as many as you can. I loved drills as a kid. Lots of kids love it because it feels like a race. We do a one minute drill sheet that focuses on the fact set that we are learning that week. We drill once a week. Students have one minute to write all the answers they can. After that, they write each fact and write those they missed three times. With this model, you see improvement daily. Students get so excited when they tell me that they beat their score from the day before.

3.  Make flashcards. My students have their own set of flashcards that they practice with each day. The way to make it more fun is to have them quiz a partner. Add a timer to the mix and you just ramped up the enjoyment by about 90%. I use sand timers. The students flash the cards to their partner over and over until the one minute is up. While timing their partner, they have to play close attention. If their partner misses a problem, they will tell the answer. Then the other partner will repeat the fact and answer three times before moving on to the next card.

4.  Play games. There are so many games that are so easy to play.

Class Games:  We love to play whole class games such as Around the World, The Stand Up Game, and Multiplication Relay.  

Around the World: Two students stand together at a time. I flash a card and the first student to say the correct answer moves on to the next student. The student that misses, sits down. Continue around the class until every child has had a chance to play. This is a quick and easy one.

The Stand Up Game: Everyone stands up. I use flashcards or just shout out a fact and call on a student. If they answer correctly, they stay standing. If they miss, they sit down. Last one standing wins, or whoever is still standing when the time is up will be proclaimed a winner.

Multiplication. On one side of the field, form two lines. One is team A, the other team B. Halfway down the field is bucket of fact cards for each team. The teacher stands on the other side of the field. When the teacher says go, one student from each team runs to the bucket, grabs a fact, runs to the teacher and says the answer. If a student does not know the answer, he or she must return to their team to get help. Once they know the correct answer, they run to the teacher and tell the answer. The team that answers all their cards first wins.                                                                    

Table Games: I invested in a few times tables games. My students love the game Speed. Another one I use is called………………………………

Computer Games: There are sites on the computer that also have games to practice times tables. One that I have used a lot with my class is multiplication.com. Students can focus on one fact set at a time.

Partner Games: I also love making quick and easy partner games for my class to use during math rotations. Whenever I introduce a new game, students are so excited and ready to practice their facts

5. Host a Multiplication Mania week. Why not kick off your learning of the times tables with a super-focused week of multiplication fun? Spend extra time playing games, singing songs, doing multiplication activities (such as arrays with food or multiplication crafts)? It is fun to do and will be sure to get your kids excited about multiplication.

Find this game here: Search and Rescue: An I-Spy Game

I hope these tips and tricks help you in your own journey into getting your class to learn the times tables. Below are some links to some of the games mentioned above. Simply click the picture and you will be taken to the site where you can find the resource.

Five Engaging Ways to Practice Multiplication Math Facts

Do you ever imagine how life would be different if students actually WANTED to practice their math skills? What would motivate a student to learn their times tables? Mastering multiplication facts does not have to be a chore. It does not have to be boring! I am about to show you my favorite tips for getting those math facts stuck in your students' heads without coercion, threats, or begging. 

Gamify your Multiplication Facts

Nothing gets students more excited in class than actually getting to play. Sometimes students don't even realize they are learning or practicing when they are having fun doing it. Bring in the games. Let your students play with numbers. Play takes the heat off of them. It allows students to explore numbers in an engaging way. Games bring in competition and motivate students to get better so they can do better in whatever game they are playing. Playing multiplication games, or any academic game, allows students to build relationships with other students in the classroom as well. It's like the old adage, the family that plays together, stays together. Well, the same can be true for the classroom. Students will look forward to spending that time together, even if they are learning. They are interacting and having a great time learning all their facts. 

I always get a chuckle out of my students when I hear them say, today was so fun, all we did was play. Well, it may have felt like all they did was play, but it was very real and important work. Play, after all, is the work of childhood. 

Practice your Multiplication Facts

There's no getting away from it, a student who wants to learn his or her multiplication tables needs to put in the practice. Practice can look different, but students will need consistent practice.  Practice can take many forms, even as mentioned above, in the form of games. Here are some ways I love to have my students practice.

• Multiplication Games: This has already been stated, but it is worth saying again...students love games. If a child can practice in an engaging and fun way, DO IT! I have made tons of games over the year from War to Connect 4, from different themed games for every month, to my Spy Academy Games...I can easily keep my students engaged and set up with games. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Times Tables Partner Fluency Practice: Practicing with a partner always makes it more fun. In this practice, I like to allow one student to be the teacher, and the other becomes the student. Everyone likes to play the role of teacher and this activity capitalizes on that! I give the "student" a list of facts, without the answers, to a certain set. The "teacher" has the same list, except it has answers also listed. The student begins with a one minute timer, reading off his/her facts, one at a time and telling the answer. The teacher watches the answer key. If the student gets an answer wrong or doesn't know it, the teacher will tell them the whole fact, including the answer. The student must then stop, read the fact and answer three times, and then continue on through the list. The student will continue reading and rereading the list as many times as possible before they run out of time on the one-minute timer. 
  
  
  
• Kinesthetic Fact Practice: Kids were not made to sit still, and fact practice does not have to be another seat-bound time of the day. Using simple decks of multiplication facts, here are a couple of suggestions to bring the movement into your math class. First, try the game around the world. All students stand. Two students stand side-by-side. One fact is read by the teacher. The first two student try be the fist to answer the question. The first to answer, moves on to stand by the next student. The other student is out and must sit back down.  Play continues until one player, the winner, is left. Second, try this fun game. Students are divided into two groups. Have both groups line up on one side of a play area or gym. The other side of the play area or gym has math fact cards. The teacher will stand in the middle. On "Go!" one student from each team will race to the other side of the play area, grab a fact card and go to the middle to read and answer it. If he/she gets it correct, he/she keeps the card and tags the next person in line, who runs after a fact card. If the student answers incorrectly or doesn't know the answer, he/she goes back to his/her team and consults with them. Once he/she has the answer, he/she will go back to the teacher to share the correct answer before tagging the next player on the team. The team who answers all their cards first wins. 
  
  
  
• Speed Drills for Math Facts: I know what you are thinking....not every kid likes speed drills. You would be 100% correct in saying that, but as a teacher, I want to bring a variety of methods for practicing math facts, and speed drills can pack a powerful punch. I do not leave them out. Many students do love the thrill of trying to beat that one minute timer. They like tracking their progress from day to day. They like completing different levels. It feels like a game to many students. This is a powerful way to help students learn automaticity, which they will need to have when moving into higher math levels. Don't skip these. They still have value. 
  
  
  
• Fact Card Practice for Multiplication: Admittedly, I do not use these as frequently as some of the other options, but I do love fact cards for sending home. Many times, parents do not have the training to come up with fun games and activities, yet they need a way to practice with their children. Fact cards are an easy answer to what you can send home for student practice. Fact cards can be basic, like a flash card that you simply drill someone with. Fact cards can be more fun like when using the kinesthetic pat-down cards. These cards have students tapping and crossing the midline. The movement helps to stimulate another area in the brain for higher engagement and retention of facts. There is definitely a place for fact cards in your plans for memorizing the times tables.
  
  
  

Make Time for Committing your Multiplication Facts to Memory

It will take some time and effort, but students do have the ability to master their facts. It will take a bit of time. I usually allow a few minutes (maybe 5) at the start of class to practice the facts in some way. I always do a speed drill, but if time allows, another quick activity is nice to use as well. While I am working in small groups, I also like to use my math centers to rotate students through games and other activities that will force them to practice their times tables. I do 3 rotations for math, when I am meeting with another group, students have certain things they are required to do. Practicing math facts for multiplication is one of them.   I have many different games for students to choose from. Students can also work on other activities as well. Some days I may assign a certain activity. Other days  I let students have complete autonomy. 

In conclusion:

Students need practice to learn their times tables, and lots of it. Make it enjoyable whenever possible. Allow students to work with friends. Set up game choices. Make it a team effort between school and home. Give students options so they feel that they have some say over their learning. Stick with it, your students will learn their facts if you are consistent and allow them the time they need to practice.

 

I have spent many years creating all sorts of math games specifically for multiplication. I even created a Spy Academy Multiplication themed bundle that has everything you need to help your students practice. 

There are lots of ideas you can use up above, but if you need help with games or activities, I can help you out with that. These games and bundles can save you a lot of time. They are pre-done for you. It makes it so easy to get set up and started. Check out some of these links below to  purchase.