3rd Grade

The Complete Guide to Reading Comprehension Classroom Transformations

If you’re looking for guidance and inspiration on implementing classroom transformations in your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade classroom, you’re in the right place! This comprehensive guide to incorporating reading comprehension into your upper-grade classroom through step-by-step transformations will help you create engaging and memorable learning experiences, allowing students to connect their reading skills with real-world contexts.

(This post contains affiliate links. By purchasing through this link, we get a small commission–at no additional cost to you. Rest assured – we only share links to products that we use and love!)

What Are Classroom Transformations?

Does the thought of using classroom transformations with your students completely overwhelm you? It shouldn’t!

A classroom transformation might sound complicated and time-consuming, but it is simply a temporary change in room decor and learning activities. These decorations and activities are designed to revolve around a certain theme or setting.

kids during a mini classroom transformation


3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade reading comprehension classroom transformations offer students the chance to apply challenging content standards to real-world scenarios in an exciting and immersive manner.

How Do Classroom Transformations Work with Reading Comprehension?


Some 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade teachers might be hesitant to use classroom transformations with their older students, thinking that it might lead to a disorderly classroom environment unsuitable for learning. However, students gain advantages from these engaging, hands-on learning activities, and they align seamlessly with grade-level content standards.

Do you need to see it to believe it? I’ll walk you through a typical classroom transformation for upper elementary:

Step One: Planning & Preparation

It might surprise you to hear that the most important preparations for a classroom transformation are NOT the classroom decorations. The first, and most necessary, preparations to make for a classroom transformation are actually to consider the following:

Theme and Activities – What is your theme and what activities will your students be completing? FYI: Later in this guide I’ll be sharing 40 classroom transformation ideas with activities that align with upper elementary reading standards.

Time Frame – Once you have chosen the theme and learning activities, you will want to set the time frame so that you can ensure the students have enough time to accomplish the learning tasks. Will this be an all-afternoon activity? Will they have one hour?

Method of Completion – Finally, take time to consider how your third, fourth, and fifth grade students will complete the activities. Will they work individually? With partners? In table groups? Have this plan in place before starting so that the expectations are clear from the beginning.

Transforming your classroom need not be a source of stress when you plan ahead. When it’s time to prepare your classroom for a transformation, allocate a reasonable amount of time to get everything ready, and stick to it! What you achieve within that designated timeframe is sufficient. There’s no need to spend extra hours outside of regular school hours setting up something that your class will enjoy for only a short duration.

FYI: The themes that you will find later in this guide have everything you need to quickly set up reading comprehension classroom transformations for grades 3-5!

Step Two: Activity Introduction

Your 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students will be thrilled when they first lay eyes on the transformed classroom. Before diving in, it’s essential to gather the class and provide clear explanations of the reading comprehension activities. Visual cues and examples work wonders for these older students, so make sure to demonstrate physically what they’ll be engaging in.

You will also want to discuss the expectations for how they should act and what will happen if they behave otherwise. This communicates to the students that just because the room has changed, your expectations of them have NOT changed.

Step Three: Activity Completion

Complete the 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade reading comprehension learning activities that you had prepared in step one. If you use one of my themes shared below, the activities are set up as stations that the students can visit. It’s advisable to have the students check in with you after each task to ensure they are making progress and meeting the learning objectives.

kid working on zoo challenges

Once students complete all of the challenges and mark them off on their individual recording sheets, they win!

Flexible learning activities such as this often means that some students will finish early. This is a great opportunity for students to learn more about the theme of the day!

Step Four: Clean Up

Next to preparation time, clean-up time is another major concern for teachers who are considering reading comprehension classroom transformations. When looking at pictures of transformed classrooms, it might look like they take a long time to clean up.

That’s not the case!

Remember that you are surrounded by over twenty helpers! Take the last few minutes of the day to clean up as a class. Review with the children what needs to be thrown away, what needs to be brought back to the teacher for reuse, and what needs to be put back in its regular place. Then let them get to work!

I think you’ll be surprised by how willing the students are to help AND how quickly the classroom transformation is cleaned up.

Reading Comprehension Classroom Transformation Ideas

Are you ready to try reading comprehension classroom transformations in your 3rd, 4th, or 5th-grade class, but you’re feeling stuck when it comes to finding a theme with activities that align with Common Core standards? Or maybe you feel like classroom transformations are just too much work?

It doesn’t take a lot of time or money to create a classroom transformation that’s incredibly enjoyable for your 3rd, 4th, or 5th graders! To simplify the process of finding a reading comprehension classroom transformation that suits your class, I’ve organized 40 transformation theme ideas into various reading comprehension content areas (you can use the links below to navigate to your chosen section or simply browse through them all):

Fiction (Literature) Standards

Nonfiction (Informational) Standards

Seasonal and Holiday Review Room Transformations

Jump to Frequently Asked Questions

Fiction (Literature) Standards

Party Day

Transform your classroom into a lively party atmosphere while enhancing fiction text evidence skills with this engaging resource. Students will have a blast as they analyze fiction texts, making text evidence discovery a true celebration of learning.

Click here for more information about the party reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Artist Day

Unleash your students’ inner artists while honing their inferencing skills with this captivating classroom transformation. Through creative activities and immersive experiences, students will explore the world of art while making inferences!

Click here for more information about the artist reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Zoo Day

Take your students on a wild adventure through the animal kingdom with this captivating zoo-themed classroom transformation. As they explore the zoo setting, they’ll also develop their character trait skills, making learning a thrilling safari of personal growth and discovery.

Click here for more information about the zoo reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Camping Day

Immerse your students in the great outdoors with this captivating camping-themed classroom transformation. As they explore the wilderness setting, they’ll uncover the moral of the story!

Click here for more information about the camping reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Circus Day

Step into the magical world of the circus with this thrilling classroom transformation. As students become circus performers, they’ll also discover the moral of the story, turning their learning adventure into a spectacular ring of wisdom and life lessons.

Click here for more information about the circus reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Doctor Day

Transform your classroom into a bustling medical practice with this engaging doctor-themed transformation. Students will diagnose and prescribe solutions, making a context clues review fun in an immersive and fun surgical environment.

Click here for more information about the doctor reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Farmer Day

Embark on an agricultural adventure with this farmer-themed classroom transformation resource. Students will cultivate their context clues skills while tending to their farm animals!

Click here for more information about the farmer reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Royalty Day

Enter the enchanting world of royalty with this regal classroom transformation! As students step into the roles of kings and queens, they’ll explore various types of figurative language, turning their learning into a majestic journey through the realm of language and nobility.

Click here for more information about the royalty reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Restaurant Day

Explore the world of cooking with this chef-themed classroom transformation. As students take on the role of chefs, they’ll savor the flavors of nonliteral language!

Click here for more information about the restaurant reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Race Car Day

Rev up the excitement with this race car-themed classroom transformation. As students step into the driver’s seat, they’ll navigate the twists and turns of point of view.

Click here for more information about the race car reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Realtor Day

Step into the real estate world with this realtor-themed classroom transformation resource. As students become realtors, they’ll navigate the world of 1st and 3rd person point of view, turning their learning into a property hunt through the realm of perspectives and home sales.

Click here for more information about the realtor reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Safari Day

Explore the world of fiction illustrations with this captivating classroom transformation. As students become safari explorers, they’ll dive into the realm of storytelling and wildlife encounters.

Click here for more information about the safari reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Coffee Shop Day

Indulge in the cozy ambiance of a coffee shop with this classroom transformation. As students become baristas, they’ll immerse themselves in the world of poetry, savoring the rich flavors of language and creativity!

Click here for more information about the coffee shop reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Magician Day

Step into the enchanting world of magic with this classroom transformation resource. As students become magicians, they’ll master the art of comparing and contrasting, conjuring a spellbinding learning experience filled with wonder and discovery.

Click here for more information about the magician reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Candy Shop Day

Enter the sweet world of a candy shop with this classroom transformation resource. As students become confectionery wizards, they’ll embark on a delectable fiction review adventure.

Click here for more information about the candy shop reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Ice Cream Day

Scoop up the fun in an ice cream shop-themed classroom transformation resource. As students become “flavorologists,” they’ll embark on a delicious fiction review adventure, satisfying their literary cravings with a sprinkle of imagination.

Click here for more information about the ice cream reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Detective Day

Uncover clues and mysteries in a detective-themed classroom transformation resource. As students step into the shoes of sleuths, they’ll dive into an engaging ELA review adventure and solve a mystery!

Click here for more information about the detective reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Nonfiction (Informational) Standards

Weather Day

Step into the fascinating world of weather with this classroom transformation. As students become meteorologists, they’ll immerse themselves in nonfiction text evidence, forecasting and reporting on weather conditions!

Click here for more information about the weather reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Donut Shop Day

Enter the delightful world of a donut shop with this classroom transformation resource. As students become donut shop owners, they’ll devour the main ideas of texts, extracting the core concepts and sweet takeaways from their reading materials in a fun and engaging donut-themed setting.

Click here for more information about the donut shop reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Under the Sea Day

Dive into the enchanting depths of the sea with this classroom transformation. As students become marine explorers, they’ll navigate through nonfiction texts using nonfiction context clues to uncover the hidden treasures of information!

Click here for more information about the under the sea reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Construction Day

Gear up for a construction-themed classroom transformation. As students become builders, they’ll construct their understanding of nonfiction texts using context clues.

Click here for more information about the construction reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Grocery Store Day

Embark on a grocery store adventure with this classroom transformation. As students take on the roles of shoppers, they’ll navigate through the sequence of events in several different stories.

Click here for more information about the grocery store reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Space Day

Blast off into the cosmic unknown with this classroom transformation resource. As students become astronauts, they’ll explore the realms of firsthand and secondhand accounts.

Click here for more information about the space reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Veterinarian Day

Join the ranks of compassionate animal doctors with this classroom transformation. As students step into the shoes of veterinarians, they’ll also explore the diverse text structures in nonfiction text.

Click here for more information about the veterinarian reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Scientist Day

Embark on a scientific expedition with this classroom transformation resource. As students become scientists, they’ll delve into the world of text features!

Click here for more information about the scientist reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Pilot Day

Prepare for takeoff on a pilot-themed classroom transformation adventure. As students become aviators, they’ll navigate the skies of nonfiction text structures!

Click here for more information about the pilot reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Boot Camp Day

Gear up for a boot camp-themed classroom transformation. As students enlist in this literary “boot camp,” they’ll drill down into the author’s purpose, honing their skills in identifying and understanding the intentions behind various texts!

Click here for more information about the boot camp reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Athlete Day

Step onto the athletic field with this classroom transformation resource. As students become athletes, they’ll sprint through nonfiction texts, honing their skills in comparing and contrasting information from different sources.

Click here for more information about the athlete reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Firefighter Day

Prepare for a heroic day as firefighters with this classroom transformation. While taking on the roles of brave first responders, students will distinguish between facts and opinions.

Click here for more information about the firefighter reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Bowling Day

Roll into the world of bowling with this classroom transformation. As students become avid bowlers, they’ll engage in a nonfiction reading review!

Click here for more information about the bowling reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Pirate Day

Set sail on a pirate-themed classroom transformation adventure. As students embrace their inner pirates, they’ll dive into a nonfiction reading review, exploring and plundering the treasures of informational texts while navigating the high seas of comprehension in a swashbuckling setting!

Click here for more information about the pirate reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Seasonal and Holiday Review Room Transformations

Fall Day

Welcome to the fall-themed classroom transformation! As students embrace the autumn spirit, they’ll engage in a reading review, diving into a pile of literary materials to enhance their comprehension and knowledge during this cozy season of learning.

Click here for more information about the fall reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Halloween Haunted House Day

Explore the mysteries of a Halloween haunted house with this classroom transformation. As students venture through the eerie setting, they’ll engage in a Halloween-themed reading review!

Click here for more information about the Halloween reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Thanksgiving Parade Day

Join the excitement of a Thanksgiving Parade with this classroom transformation. As students become parade organizers, they’ll engage in a Thanksgiving-themed reading review.

Click here for more information about the Thanksgiving reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Santa’s Workshop

Enter the enchanting world of Santa’s Workshop with this classroom transformation. As students become Santa’s little helpers, they’ll engage in a holiday-themed reading review, unwrapping the treasures of texts in a festive and imaginative learning experience.

Click here for more information about the Christmas reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Leprechaun Reunion Day

Welcome to the Leprechaun Family Reunion! As students join this festive gathering, they’ll embark on a St. Patrick’s Day-themed reading review.

Click here for more information about the Leprechaun reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Rock Star Day

Rock out with this end-of-year classroom transformation that turns students into rock stars! As they take the stage and perform like musical legends, they’ll also engage in a reading review.

Click here for more information about the rock star reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Floor is Lava Day

Get ready for a sizzling end-of-year reading review with the “Floor Is Lava” classroom transformation! As students navigate the imaginary world filled with lava hazards, they’ll engage in a thrilling reading review, leaping from one literary challenge to the next in a dynamic and unforgettable learning experience.

Click here for more information about the floor is lava reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Hawaiian Beach Day

Take a tropical journey to a Hawaiian beach with this end-of-year classroom transformation resource. As students soak in the island vibes, they’ll also dive into a reading review!

Click here for more information about the Hawaiian beach reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Dinosaur Day

Embark on a prehistoric adventure with a dinosaur-themed classroom transformation. As students become dinosaur explorers, they’ll dig into a reading review, uncovering fascinating facts and enhancing their reading skills in a Jurassic learning experience.

Click here for more information about the dinosaur reading comprehension room transformation for grades 3-5.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Can/Should I Do Classroom Transformations?

The frequency of reading comprehension classroom transformations is completely up to you! Since I use the ready-made classroom transformation themes listed above, I am able to easily do one classroom transformation each week! I call my transformation days Monday Funday because it gives my students and I something to look forward to when we’re coming back to school after the weekend. If the idea of a WEEKLY classroom transformation seems unrealistic, you’ll definitely want to check out this post, where I show you how I’m able to do it!

Are Classroom Transformations Expensive?

Reading comprehension classroom transformations don’t have to be expensive! There are many ways to reduce the out-of-pocket cost for classroom transformations, including reusing certain items. I have an entire blog post devoted to cost-saving tips for classroom transformations!

Can Students Do Classroom Transformation Activities Independently?

Any new learning activity requires scaffolding and support as the children learn how to work independently. Reading comprehension classroom transformations are no different. If your students are able to complete center activities independently, they should have no problem completing classroom transformation activity rotations. However, they can easily be adapted for partners and small groups.

divider
divider

Additional Resources for Reading Classroom Transformations

Are you ready to get started with reading comprehension classroom transformations? I’m here to help! Be sure to check out my additional posts with classroom transformation tips and follow me on Instagram where I share even more resources and tips for teachers.

I know that you and your students will love learning through the engaging activities of classroom transformations!

Want to add some fun decorations to your next room transformation? I’ve got you covered right here with my Classroom Transformation Decoration Lists!

Looking to try out a room transformation but not sure where to start? Come join us in the Classroom Transformations with the Lifetime Learner Facebook Group to grab a free video game-themed room transformation for K-5!

The Complete Guide to Third Grade Classroom Transformations

If you are looking for tips and ideas for using classroom transformations in your third grade classroom, this is the guide for you! With this step-by-step guide to third grade classroom transformations, you can make math memorable and meaningful as students learn to relate math to the real world! 

(This post contains affiliate links. By purchasing through this link, we get a small commission–at no additional cost to you. Rest assured – we only share links to products that we use and love!)

3rd grade classroom transformations

What Are Classroom Transformations?

Does the thought of using classroom transformations with your class completely overwhelm you? It shouldn’t!

A classroom transformation might sound complicated and time consuming, but it is simply a temporary change in room decor and learning activities. These decorations and activities are designed to revolve around a certain theme or setting.

classroom transformation for camping

Classroom transformations provide third graders with the opportunity to apply rigorous content standards to real-world situations in a fun and engaging way.

How Do Classroom Transformations Work in Third Grade?

Some teachers might be hesitant to use classroom transformations, thinking that it might make for a chaotic day that negatively impacts learning. However, classroom transformations are beneficial for ANY grade level and can align to any content standard!

A typical classroom transformation for third grade might look something like this:

Step One: Preparation

The first, and most necessary, preparations to make for a classroom transformation are actually NOT the decorations. Instead, it’s essential to consider the following in preparation for a classroom transformation:

Theme and Activities – What is your theme and what activities will your students be completing? Spoiler Alert: Later in this guide I’ll be sharing 40 classroom transformation ideas with activities that align with third grade standards.

Time Frame – Once you have chosen the activities, set the time frame so that you can ensure the students have enough time to accomplish the learning tasks. Will this be an all-afternoon activity? Will they have one hour?

Method of Completion – Finally, take time to consider how your third grade students will complete the activities. Will they work individually? With partners? In table groups? Have this plan in place before starting so that the expectations are clear from the beginning.

Classroom transformations don’t have to be stressful if you’re prepared ahead of time. When it’s time to prepare your classroom for a transformation, give yourself a set period of time (preferably a short period of time) to get the room ready and stick to it! There is no need to spend hours outside of school hours to set up something that your class is going to enjoy for such a short period of time.

Spoiler Alert: The themes I share later in this guide have everything you need to quickly set up third grade classroom transformations!

Step Two: Introduction

I speak from experience that the students will be excited to see the transformed classroom and will be itching to get started! However, before starting the activity, sit down with the class and explain the learning activities.

Also discuss the expectations for how they should act and what will happen if they behave otherwise. This communicates to the students that just because the room has changed, your expectations of them have NOT changed.

Step Three: Activity

The next phase of a classroom transformation is to complete the learning activities that you had prepared in step one. If you use one of my themes shared below, the activities are set up as stations that the students can visit. It is a good idea to have the third graders check in with you after each task to make sure they are staying on track.

kids holding up recording sheets during scientist day

Once students complete all of the challenges and mark them off on their individual recording sheets, they win!

Activities such as this will often have early finishers. This is a great opportunity for students to learn more about the theme of the day!

Step Four: Clean Up

Next to preparation time and classroom management, clean-up is another major concern for teachers who are considering classroom transformations.

Don’t forget that you are surrounded by a classroom full of helpers! Take the last few minutes of the day to clean up as a class. Review with the children what needs to be thrown away, what needs to be brought back to the teacher for storage and reuse, and what needs to be put back in its regular place. Then let the clean-up begin!

I think you’ll be surprised by the speed and ease of the clean-up process.

Third Grade Classroom Transformation Ideas

Are you ready to try classroom transformations in your third grade class, but you’re feeling stuck when it comes to finding a theme? Are you worried that your activities won’t align with Common Core standards? Or maybe you feel like third grade classroom transformations are just too much work?

It doesn’t take a lot of time or money to make a classroom transformation SO MUCH FUN for your students! To make it easy for you to find a classroom transformation that works for your class, I have divided 40 transformation theme ideas into the different third grade math content areas (use the links below to jump to your desired section, or just scroll through them all):

Number & Operations in Base Ten

Operations & Algebraic Thinking

Measurement & Data

Fractions

Geometry

Seasonal & Review

Jump to Frequently Asked Questions

Number & Operations in Base Ten

Candy Shop Day

Get ready to eat some candy because it’s time to hit the candy shop! Students become candy shop owners in this engaging transformation and get to practice rounding to the nearest 10 and 100.

Click here for more information about the candy shop third grade classroom transformation.

Bowling Day

Put on your bowling shoes because it’s time to hit the bowling alley! Students become bowlers for this classroom transformation and will practice multi-digit addition within 1,000

Click here for more information about the bowling third grade classroom transformation.

Weather Day

Your students will have the chance to put on their raincoats and become meteorologists!  Students will become newscasters and practice multi-digit subtraction within 1,000.

Click here for more information about the weather third grade classroom transformation.

Space Day

This classroom transformation is out of this world! Students become astronauts as they practice solving addition and subtraction word problems within 1,000. 

Click here for more information about the space third grade classroom transformation.

Firefighter Day

Welcome to firefighter trainingStudents become firefighters as they to practice multiplying by ten.

Click here for more information about the firefighter third grade classroom transformation.

Operations & Algebraic Thinking

Circus Day

This activity will make your students feel like they’ve been transported to a true circusStudents become performers in this activity and get to practice multiplication strategies

Click here for more information about the circus third grade classroom transformation.

Camping Day

It’s time to grab a sleeping bag and go camping! Students become campers in this transformation and will practice using division strategies.

Click here for more information about the camping third grade classroom transformation.

Zoo Day

Students become zookeepers for the day! Kindergartners will take care of zoo animals in this activity as they practice multiplication and division story problems.

Click here for more information about the zoo third grade classroom transformation.

Magician Day

Students become magicians in this fun and engaging activity where they can practice solving for multiplication and division missing factors

Click here for more information about the magician third grade classroom transformation.

Ice Cream Day

Get ready to scoop some ice cream! Students become ice cream shop owners and will practice using multiplication and division strategies to solve equations. 

Click here for more information about the ice cream shop third grade classroom transformation.

Grocery Store Day

Are you ready to go grocery shopping?! Students become shoppers in this real-world activity as they practice multiplication properties including the distributive property, associative property, zero property, commutative property, and identity property

Click here for more information about the grocery store third grade classroom transformation.

Boot Camp Day

Hup-2-3-4! Students become recruits in this activity as they practice multiplication facts.

Click here for more information about the boot camp third grade classroom transformation.

Veterinarian Day

Your students will need to put on their scrub caps as they become veterinarians in a pet hospital! As students help sick animals, they will practice solving 2-step word problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Click here for more information about the veterinarian third grade classroom transformation.

Party Planner Day

Your students will plan the ultimate party and make sure it’s perfect! Students become party planners in this real-world activity and will solve multi-step word problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Click here for more information about the party planner third grade classroom transformation.

Coffee Shop Day

 Students become coffee shop owners in this fun and engaging activity that will help them practice identifying rules and next numbers in pattern sequences.

Click here for more information about the coffee shop third grade classroom transformation.

Measurement & Data

Royalty Day

Third graders become royal palace members in this fun transformation! In this activity, students will practice telling time to the minute interval.

Click here for more information about the royalty day third grade classroom transformation.

Pilot Day

Get ready for takeoff! Students become pilots in this real-world activity and get to practice elapsed time. 

Click here for more information about the pilot day third grade classroom transformation.

Scientist Day

Put on your safety goggles because it’s time for some experiments! Third graders become scientists in this real-world activity and will practice finding the capacity or mass in metric and customary measurements.

Click here for more information about the scientist third grade classroom transformation.

Donut Day

You donut have to stress with this fun transformation! Students become donut shop owners as they practice bar graphs and pictographs.

Click here for more information about the donut third grade classroom transformation.

Construction Day

Your students will put on their hard hats and get to work in this classroom transformation!  Students become construction workers and practice measuring with rulers.

Click here for more information about the construction third grade classroom transformation.

Sports Day

 This is the perfect classroom transformation for your students who love sports! Students become athletes and will practice with line plots

Click here for more information about the sports day third grade classroom transformation.

Realtor Day

The whole neighborhood is for sale! Students become real estate agents in this real-world activity and will practice finding the area and perimeter of different houses.

Click here for more information about the realtor third grade classroom transformation.

Safari Day

Students will embark on an African Safari in this fun classroom transformation! Students will practice finding area, perimeter, and missing side lengths.

Click here for more information about the safari third grade classroom transformation.

Doctor Day

Your third graders should grab their stethoscopes because it’s time for math surgery! Students become doctors in this engaging activity as they practice finding the rectilinear area of rectangles.

Click here for more information about the doctor third grade classroom transformation.

Fractions

Farm Day

It’s time to get to work on the farmStudents become farmers in this real-world activity as they practice partitioning shapes and identifying fractions.

Click here for more information about the farm third grade classroom transformation.

Race Car Day

It’s time to hit the race track! Students become race car drivers in this real-world activity as they practice fractions on number lines

Click here for more information about the race car third grade classroom transformation.

Chef Day

Heat up the oven because it’s time to hit the kitchen! Students become chefs in this restaurant-themed transformation that helps them practice finding equivalent fractions.

Click here for more information about the chef third grade classroom transformation.

Pirate Day

Arggggh! Ahoy, mates! Students become pirates in this activity that allows them to practice comparing fractions using number lines, rectangles, fraction strips, and pictures.

Click here for more information about the pirate third grade classroom transformation.

Detective Day

Do you have your magnifying glass ready? In this transformation, students become detectives and will review a variety of fraction concepts.

Click here for more information about the detective third grade classroom transformation.

Geometry

Artist Day

Grab your apron! Students will become artists in this engaging activity as they draw, identify, and categorize geometric shapes.

Click here for more information about the artist third grade classroom transformation.

Under the Sea Day

Grab your scuba gear because it’s time to go under the sea! Students become scuba divers in this real-world activity and will practice identifying and categorizing geometric shapes.

Click here for more information about the under the sea third grade classroom transformation.

Seasonal & Review

Fall Themed Day

Fall is in the air during this classroom transformation! In this engaging activity, students become squirrels and will practice multiple third grade math skills.

Click here for more information about the fall third grade classroom transformation.

Halloween Haunted House Day

This activity will welcome your students into a haunted house filled with 10 spooky characters in this fun third grade classroom transformation! As they become guests at a Halloween party they will practice a variety of 3rd grade math standards.

Click here for more information about the Halloween third grade classroom transformation.

Thanksgiving Parade

Get ready for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Rigorous third grade Thanksgiving math activities like this are sure to keep everyone engaged during the holidays. This transformation is filled with Thanksgiving math activities!

Click here for more information about the Thanksgiving third grade classroom transformation.

Santa’s Workshop

It’s time to help Santa prepare for Christmas Eve in this fun Christmas classroom transformation! Students become elves and will practice multiple third grade math standards.

Click here for more information about the Christmas third grade classroom transformation.

St. Patrick’s Day

This St. Patrick’s Day math activity is a leprechaun family reunion! Your students will meet all of their “relatives” as they practice many third grade math standards.

Click here for more information about the St. Patrick’s Day third grade classroom transformation.

Dinosaur Day

Beware of dinosaurs!! Students become paleontologists for a day as they collect fossils and practice a variety of third grade math standards. Perfect for an end-of-the-year review!

Click here for more information about the dinosaur third grade classroom transformation.

Hawaiian Vacation

Grab your suitcase for summer vacation! Students become vacationers and “go to Hawaii” as they practice a variety of math skills. This is a perfect year-end review!

Click here for more information about the Hawaii third grade classroom transformation.

Rock Star Day

Get ready to ROCK! Students will become rock stars as they practice a variety of third grade math skills. This is a great classroom transformation for year-end review!

Click here for more information about the rock star third grade classroom transformation.

The Floor is Lava

Oh no!! The floor is lava! SERIOUSLY! Students will become explorers and pretend that the floor is lava! They cannot touch the floor as they practice a variety of third grade math standards.

Click here for more information about the floor is lava third grade classroom transformation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Can/Should I Do Classroom Transformations?

It is completely up to you! Since I use the ready-made classroom transformation themes listed above, I am able to easily do one classroom transformation each week! I call my transformation days Monday Funday because it gives my students and I something to look forward to when we’re coming back to school after the weekend. If the goal of a WEEKLY classroom transformation seems out of reach to you, you’ll definitely want to check out this post, where I show you how I’m able to do it!

Are Classroom Transformations Expensive?

They don’t have to be! There are many ways to reduce the out-of-pocket cost for classroom transformations, including reusing certain items. I have an entire blog post devoted to cost-saving tips for classroom transformations!

Should Classroom Transformation Activities Be Done Independently or in Groups?

That’s totally up to you and your students! Any new learning activity requires scaffolding and support as the children learn how to work independently. Classroom transformations are no different. After you’ve tried a few with your class and they get the hang of the activity rotations, I think you’ll find that it’s easy for your class to complete the activity rotations independently. However, you can easily adapt the activities above for partnerships or small groups.

divider
divider

Additional Resources for Third Grade Classroom Transformations

Are you ready to get started with third grade classroom transformations? I’m here to help! Be sure to check out my additional posts with classroom transformation tips and follow me on Instagram where I share even more resources and tips for teachers.

I know that you and your third graders will love learning through the engaging activities of classroom transformations!

Want to add some fun decorations to your next room transformation? I’ve got you covered right here with my Classroom Transformation Decoration Lists!

Looking to try out a room transformation but not sure where to start? Come join us in the Classroom Transformations with the Lifetime Learner Facebook Group to grab a free video game-themed room transformation for K-5!

Looking for room transformations that are already made for you?