Classroom Transformation Themes for 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.

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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 Top 3rd Grade Room Transformations You Need to Try

classroom transformation themes for 3rd grade

These are the top 10 best 3rd grade room transformations. They are easy to implement, rigorous, and fun for third graders. All 3rd grade room transformations focus on a different skill set so you can use one each week or at the end of each unit. The best part about my room transformations is they’re 100% editable! If you haven’t taught a specific skill yet, or need to modify the content to meet your students’ needs, you can change any of the questions. All 3rd grade room transformations are challenging, aligned to standards, and engaging for students. Additionally, they are also easy to set up and simple to use. Check out the 10 most popular 3rd grade room transformations below.

(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!)

Detective Classroom Transformation

Mystery and math collide in the Detective Classroom Transformation. When you put up a few detective banners and posters, your classroom becomes a detective agency where third graders are tasked with solving a crime: who stole the cookie jar? One of the teenagers on the provided posters stole the cookies and third-graders are trying to figure out which one is guilty. Students solve 10 detective-themed math worksheets that bring them closer to solving the mystery.

Accordingly, your third-grade detectives practice the following math standards:

  • All Challenges are Error Analysis!
  • Identify Fractions (3.NF.1)
  • Fractions on Number Lines (3.NF.2)
  • Equivalent Fractions (3.NF.3)
  • Comparing Fractions (3.NF.3)
  • Fractions as Whole Numbers (3.NF.3)

Doctor Classroom Transformation

You need the Doctor Classroom Transformation, stat! Third-graders become surgeons for the day as they solve 10 doctor-themed math challenges. There are doctor banners and posters provided for you to decorate the classroom with, and you can also use common items like gloves and masks to further enhance the transformation as well.

The Doctor Classroom Transformation practices a variety of math standards, such as:

  • Rectilinear Area without Finding Missing Sides
  • Finding Rectilinear Area with Finding Missing Sides
  • Rectilinear Area with Tiles
  • Finding the Area of Composite Figures
  • Rectilinear Area without Tiles
  • 3 Step Rectilinear Area Problem

There are so many extra decorations provided in the Doctor Classroom Transformation. In addition to hospital posters and signs, you are provided with doctor hats and name tags for each student. These are totally customizable! For early finishers, look no further than the QR Code Writing Activity. There are a variety of QR code doctor posters included for you to hang around the classroom. Early finishers can scan these after completing the regular challenges and learn fun facts about doctors. This is a great way to keep your students engaged in the transformation without distracting other students.

Donut Shop Classroom Transformation

Next up is the most delicious classroom transformation–Donut Shop Classroom Transformation. Third-graders spend the day solving 10 donut-themed math worksheets around the classroom, which has been transformed into a donut shop. Decorate your room with donut banners and signs, or even splurge on bakery hats and giant blow-up donuts to truly enhance the classroom transformation experience.

Accordingly, third-graders will practice the following math standards:

  • answering questions about bar graphs
  • answering questions about pictographs
  • taking data and making a bar graph
  • taking data and making a pictograph
  • asking fellow students questions to collect data
  • answering multi-step questions about bar graphs
  • answering multi-step questions about pictographs

Sometimes, students can struggle to fully grasp new math concepts. Classroom transformations are also perfect for reinforcing your third-graders’ math skills. Additonally, changing the classroom environment into something as fun as a donut shop can do the trick in motivating your students to learn and retain information. In addition, it can provide an enriching experience for everyone as well.

The Floor is Lava Classroom Transformation

Watch your step during this classroom transformation, because the floor has turned to lava! The Floor Is Lava Classroom Transformation is perfect for end-of-year review. Third-graders enter the newly-transformation classroom to discover lava has overrun the ground, and they must solve 10 lava-themed math challenges as well to avoid getting “burned.” All the while, they can’t step on certain spots on the floor with lava, which makes the day even more interesting.

Third graders will practice reviewing the following math standards:

  • Measurement (measure with Rulers, Capacity and Mass, Time, Graphs, Area and Perimeter)
  • Fractions (Identify Fractions, Equivalent Fractions, Comparing Fractions, Whole Numbers)
  • Numbers in Base Ten (Rounding, Addition, Subtraction, Multiply by Tens)
  • Operations and Algebraic Thinking (Multiplication and Division)
  • Geometry and Partitioning Shapes

Chef Classroom Transformation

Bon appétit! Third-graders will become chefs for the day during the Chef Classroom Transformation as they solve 10 restaurant-themed math challenges during the activity. There are chef posters provided for you to decorate the room, but I would also encourage setting out chef hats and plates to make your classroom truly feel like a restaurant. No matter how much effort you put into the transformation, your students are guaranteed to love it.

The Chef Classroom Transformation practices the following third-grade math standards:

  • Finding Equivalent Fractions on Number Lines
  • Equivalent Fractions Using Fraction Strips
  • Finding Equivalent Fractions Using Pictures
  • Error Analysis with Equivalent Fractions

Pet Hospital Classroom Transformation

Another one of the best 3rd grade room transformations is veterinarian day! Calling all veterinarians! Your classroom transforms into a pet hospital during the Veterinarian Classroom Transformation. This transformation provides you with colorful banners and signs to decorate your classroom to make it truly feel like a pet hospital. You can even buy extra decorations like pet balloons or erasers to make the experience as enriching as possible. Third-graders will spend the day solving 10 veterinarian-themed math challenges in order to “save” all the pets.

Furthermore, the following third-grade math standards are practiced in the Veterinarian Classroom Transformation:

  • multi-digit addition and subtraction multi-step word problems
  • multi-step multiplication and division word problems
  • multi-step word problems

In addition to all the cute veterinarian posters in this transformation, there are other extras provided for you as well. Students can complete a coloring page as morning work to prepare for the Veterinarian Classroom Transformation and also organize all their challenges inside a special veterinarian folder. For early finishers, there are QR code posters included in the transformation for third-graders to scan and learn about veterinarians. If you ever want to customize a certain feature of this transformation as well, everything is editable and easy to adjust to your classroom needs.

Haunted House Classroom Transformation

Looking for a fun, but still educational way to celebrate Halloween in your classroom? Look no further! The Halloween Classroom Transformation turns your classroom into a haunted house for the day, where your third-graders solve 10 Halloween-themed math challenges. Additionally, there are spooky posters and fun extra activities all included for you in this transformation.

Accordingly, third-graders will practice spooky math standards, such as:

  • multi-digit addition
  • multi-digit subtraction
  • rounding to the nearest 10 within 1000
  • rounding to the nearest hundred
  • addition and subtraction word problems
  • multiplication word problems
  • missing factors
  • multiplication equations
  • multiply by tens

Once you complete the Halloween Classroom Transformation, you have the option to complete a special extra activity afterward. The Trick-or-Treat game is a fun way to motivate your third-graders to complete all the challenges. Cut out a bunch of the provided cards labeled “trick” and “treat” and mix them in a bowl together. Have your students reach inside and pull out one of the cards.

If they pull out a “treat,” they earn a piece of Halloween candy or similar. If they pull out a “trick,” have them reach in one of the “trick bags” you’ve created (trick bag labels are provided, as well as a list of ideas for the bag). These can be easily made by filling up paper bags with different-textured items (such as carrots, tissue paper, etc.) and labeling them with Halloween-themed descriptors. Carrots become “mummy toes” and fishing line becomes “spider web.” Kids love getting grossed out by touching all the items, and this is a great way to reward your students during the day.

Candy Shop Classroom Transformation

Make math delicious by treating your third-graders to the Candy Shop Classroom Transformation! Transform your classroom into a candy shop by hanging up candy banners and signs. You also even buy candy balloons, posters, and more to enhance the experience. In this transformation, third-graders will solve 10-candy themed math challenges and end the day with a hands-on candy activity to practice rounding.

Accordingly, third-graders will practice the following sweet math standards:

  • rounding to the nearest 10 within 100
  • rounding to the nearest 10 within 1000
  • estimating sums
  • rounding to the nearest 100 within 1000
  • estimation of real-world materials
  • 3 versions: “easy”, “medium”, and “hard”

With the Candy Shop Classroom Transformation, there are so many extra ideas to incorporate. My favorite is the candy jar rounding activity. First, fill up different jars with candy and have your students record their guesses for the amount of candy inside. The closest guesser gets to take the candy home! Not only is this a fun reward at the end of the day, but it practices your students’ rounding skills, which sweetly fits with the theme of the day.

Beach Classroom Transformation

Can you go on vacation without leaving your classroom? The answer is yes with the Beach Classroom Transformation. Third-graders travel to Hawaii when your classroom is transformed into a beach with provided decorations such as signs, posters, and colorful leis. For a few extra dollars, you can buy even more beachy decorations to hang around. Throughout the day, your students are tasked with solving 10 beach-themed math challenges all while experiencing a day in the sun.

This beach-themed room transformation reviews many different standards. Each test-prep room transformation comes with 20 questions (2 per challenge). The questions are written in a multiple-choice format to allow students appropriate test prep practice that they will encounter on a real end-of-grade test. For example, the included skills are:

  • Operations and Algebraic Thinking Questions (Multiplication and Division)
  • Fractions
  • Measurement (Area, Perimeter, Time, Graphs, Rulers, Line Plots)
  • Numbers in Base Ten (Multiply by Tens, Add and Subtract, Rounding)
  • Geometry (Geometry, Partitioning Shapes)

Want to make your Hawaiian-themed day even more special? Give students a coloring page during arrival and put on some beach music in the background. The Dollar Store is full of beach-themed decorations during the summer months. For less than $10, you can grab tablecloths and posters to hang around the room to make students feel right at home. A final idea is to let students bring in a beach towel to lay on throughout the day. And, if you have any early finishers, simply let them complete a fast-finishers activity where they learn fun facts about Hawaii.

Ice Cream Classroom Transformation

It’s time for our final room transformation! Are you ready for some ice cream? In this exciting ice cream-themed classroom transformation, students work hard to earn a special treat! The best part is–learning is happening at the same time! Third graders practice solving multiplication and division challenges around the room. Each time they complete a challenge, they come to the teacher to be checked. When they have completed all ten challenges, they earn an ice cream treat. This could be an ice cream cup, an ice cream sandwich, or even an ice cream sundae bar if you want to go all out! Not interested in giving out a food reward? No problem! Alternatively, simply give out ice-cream-themed stickers, bookmarks, or erasers.

This third-grade classroom transformation reviews several multiplication and division standards. It’s perfect for the end of any multiplication and division unit too. Therefore, the included skills are:

  • multiplication and division equations
  • strategies for multiplication and division
  • fact families for multiplication and division
  • word problems for multiplication and division
  • multiplication and division error analysis

In conclusion, I hope this gave you some ideas of the best 3rd grade room transformations! Which one are you going to try? With so many easy themes to try in your classroom, you may want to try more than one!

Are you new to this idea and ready to try a classroom transformation? 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 too.

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?