Classroom Transformation Themes for 5th 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 Best 5th Grade Room Transformations You Need to Try

classroom transformation themes for 5th grade

These are the top 10 best 5th grade classroom transformations! They are easy to implement, rigorous, and fun for fifth graders. All 5th grade classroom 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 that 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 5th grade classroom transformations are challenging, aligned to standards, and engaging for students. They are also easy to set up and simple to use. Check out the 10 most popular 5th grade classroom 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!)

Donut Shop Classroom Transformation

donut shop room transformation

It’s a donut shop! In this classroom transformation, students practice adding and subtracting mixed numbers with unlike denominators. Fifth-grade students get to use pictures to help them practice these skills and test their knowledge in a fun, engaging way. Every student gets the chance to have fun while doing math in Donut Day!

When students finish one of the challenges in the room, they are checked by the teacher, and the teacher signs off the matching challenge on the recording sheet. Once a student finishes all 10 challenges, they earn the reward of a donut or another donut-themed prize of your choosing.

donut shop recording sheet with donuts next to it

Not only does Donut Day let your kids have fun while doing work, but it is a great incentive for students to get all of their work done. It’s easier than ever to relate to real-life mathematics and gets students working hard for a cheap reward. Just hang up the donut-themed posters, banners, and challenges, and your room will be transformed into a fun donut shop experience your students will never forget!

Haunted House Classroom Transformation

classroom set up like a haunted house

Are you ready to enter the haunted house? Haunted House Classroom Transformation welcomes your students into a haunted house filled with 10 spooky characters in this fun 5th-grade classroom transformation! Students become guests at a Halloween party in this real-world activity and get to practice a variety of grade 5 math standards. When they complete all math challenges, they win! Print and digital versions are included.

  • Students practice a variety of skills in this Halloween classroom transformation.
  • 5.NBT.1: Recognize Digits’ Values
  • 5.NBT.2: Patterns in Numbers of Zeros
  • 5.NBT.3: Read, Write, and Compare Decimals
  • 5.NBT.4: Round Decimals
  • 5.NBT.5: Multiply Large Numbers
  • 5.NBT.6: Divide Large Numbers
  • 5.NBT.7: Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide Decimals
halloween trick or treat bags for game

Halloween is always a fun topic for students, and this classroom transformation makes it extra special for them to celebrate the festivities while still doing work. There is a large variety of the types of challenges that are included so students receive plenty of review on all their math skills. There is also a trick or trick element where kids get to put their hand in a bag and they either draw a “trick” or “treat” card that decides what they have to do next. Kids have a blast getting through all the twists and turns of this spooky day!

The Floor is Lava Classroom Transformation

the floor is lava classroom transformation

5th grade classroom transformations can be easy and fun! The floor has turned into lava! In The Floor is Lava Classroom Transformation, tell your students that the floor has turned into lava and it is their job to solve 10 lava-themed challenges around the room to get them through the day. Students can either work independently, in groups, or in pairs to solve the challenges, and they review grade 5 math skills they have learned over the course of the school year.

Students have to avoid the lava as they travel around the classroom. They must solve all 10 challenges in order to complete the day, and every time they solve a challenge, they have to go to the teacher for their recording sheet to be checked. Kids win once they have finished all the challenges, and you can reward them with a lava-themed prize as an incentive for them to work harder.

floor is lava classroom transformation

Because The Floor is Lava Classroom Transformation is an end-of-the-year activity, it is great for test prep and involves many different skills. Students practice fractions, operations and algebraic thinking, numbers in base ten, geometry, and measurement and data. It reviews all 5th grade standards so your students will be ready for testing, and gets them to practice their skills in a way that gets them to have fun without feeling like it’s a drill.

Pet Hospital Classroom Transformation

pet hospital classroom transformation

It’s a pet hospital! In Veterinarian Classroom Transformation, students practice their math skills while pretending they are working in an animal hospital. To make the classroom extra immersive, I like to hang up pet-themed posters and banners, and in the past, I have even given my kids gloves and hairnets so they look like a real vet. The best part about this transformation is that it is up to you how much you want to decorate the classroom! Pet-themed posters are already included for you to hang up, but you can also buy extras from places like Target or the Dollar Store for under $10!

  • Students practice a wide variety of skills in the challenges included in this transformation.
  • 4 digit by 2 digit division word problems
  • 3 digit by 2 digit division word problems
  • 4 digit by 1 digit division word problems
  • 3 digit by 1 digit division word problems
  • Division word problems without remainders
  • Dividing whole numbers by 2 digit divisors
  • Dividing whole numbers by 1 digit divisors
  • Division word problems with remainders
  • Division word problems: interpreting remainders
veterinarian classroom transformation

In Veterinarian Classroom Transformation, there are 10 animal challenges around the room, and each animal features a different division word problem. This makes it a great practice for long division all while letting your kids have fun. You are also able to edit any problems you’d like! All of my room transformations are 100% editable. At the end of the day, you can give your kids a pencil or dog balloon, but any small prize can work. These work as great incentives for your students to want to complete every challenge!

Candy Shop Classroom Transformation

candy shop classroom transformation

Get ready to eat some candy because it’s time to hit the candy shop in this fun 5th-grade classroom transformation! Fifth-grade students become candy shop owners in this real-world activity and get to practice rounding decimals. They also get to complete real-world estimation each time they complete a challenge. Once they finish a challenge, they get to walk over to candy jars and estimate how much is inside of one of the jars. They record their guess on a colored paper below the jar. At the end of the class period, the teacher reveals how much was in each jar, and whichever student guessed closest to the correct amount gets to take home that jar of candy!

This room transformation practices math skills like rounding decimals to the nearest whole number, tenth, and hundredth. Kids become very motivated by candy, so it’s a good idea to have some as a prize as a fun incentive for them to win. You can give out candy as a reward or do a candy balloon for each student! Candy balloons are the perfect decoration to set up around the room that fit the theme for the day and make the students want to finish each challenge.

candy shop classroom transformation

Bowling Alley Classroom Transformation

bowling alley day instructions on a TV

It’s time to bowl! Who will win? In Bowling Day, kids practice a variety of math skills, all while getting the chance to experience bowling. As the kids walk into the classroom, they see directions on the board that explain what to do when they come in. Posters and challenges are set up around the room as well. Students get to bowl each time they correctly complete a challenge, and there are 10 challenges for them to work on, which means they get to bowl 10 times!

Bowling Day reviews a wide variety of 5th-grade math skills, such as practicing adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals. If you have only worked on one of these skills in your classroom so far, that’s no problem! My classroom transformations are editable so you can edit the questions that need changing, and your students can get the practice they need.

bowling alley card to record score on in front of blow up bowling pins

Another fun addition to bowling day is a score sheet! Score sheets are a great way for kids to keep track of points as they bowl after each challenge. It is fun mental math for them to work on, and if they have correctly added up all their points at the end, I like to reward them with a small prize. As for the bowling sets in this transformation, they are cheap and easy to find at places like Amazon or Target. You can purchase them for only a few dollars!

Race Car Driver Classroom Transformation

classroom set up for race car day

Start your engines because it’s time to race! Race Car Driver Classroom Transformation has students practice adding and subtracting decimals in each challenge. There are 10 challenges around the room, and kids race around town to all 10 places to complete the math problems at each one. Each time a student completes a challenge, they go to the teacher and their recording sheet is checked off. Students race against each other to complete all the challenges before the end of the day!

There are several extra enrichment activities included. If your students finish early, that’s no problem! You can hang up the included QR codes around the room for kids to scan and record fun facts about race car driving. Or, you can simply hang up the fun facts around the room and have them copy them down on a sheet of paper. This has them practice both their math and reading skills! The third option is for students to use Google Slides. Students click on the race car characters to hunt down each fun fact. There are plenty of options for every classroom! 5th grade classroom transformations can be lots of fun!

race car enrichment activites on paper, ipad, QR code

Beach Day Classroom Transformation

hawaiian beach day classroom transformation

Grab your suitcase because we’re going to Hawaii on summer vacation! Students “go on vacation” in this fun 5th-grade end-of-year classroom transformation! Hawaiian Day, or Beach Day, is an engaging activity where you can pull your students on a wild beach adventure while reviewing math skills. It is a great test prep activity where kids get to have fun without being drilled for their knowledge.

Beach Day is an end-of-year classroom transformation so I always like to use it for test prep with my kids. It involves many different skills like fractions, operations and algebraic thinking, numbers in base ten, geometry, measurement and data, and many more 5th grade standards.

Kids love Beach Day for its festive decorations and vacation-themed setting! You can decorate the classroom with the included beach-themed posters and banners, or buy your own accessories as well. You can also let your kids bring in a bring towel for them to use that day, or they can even wear beach clothes and sunglasses to school. It lets students have a lot of fun while staying on topic!

classroom set up for beach day

Doctor Classroom Transformation

doctor day instructions on the TV

Doctor, grab your stethoscope because it’s time to perform simple expression math surgery in this fun 5th-grade classroom transformation! Tell your students that they are doctors and they must perform 10 life-saving operations through 10 challenges around the room. Kids practice math skills while learning more about organs in the body and getting the chance to act like doctors. They must complete all 10 challenges in order to win!

Students practice writing simple expressions using their knowledge of the order of operations in this room transformation. If you need to edit the challenges to be different, that’s no problem! My transformations are 100% editable and you can change whatever problems you like.

doctor day set up on a desk with gloves, a mask, and a syringe highlighter

Rewards are a great incentive to get your kids to want to finish all 10 challenges. I let my kids take home a highlighter syringe at the end of the day as a reward. You can also let students use the highlighter syringe as they complete the challenges to highlight keywords! If you don’t want to use the highlighters as a prize, you can pick another small reward for students to work towards.

Party Classroom Transformation

party day classroom transformation in action with kids in their seats and cupcakes on the table

Are you ready to party?! Grab your party hat because we’re going to have tons of fun in this party planner classroom transformation! Students travel around the room to find all 10 challenges and solve the problems at each one. They pretend that they are party planners, and they must complete all 10 challenges in order to win.

Students practice adding and subtracting fractions. Two versions are included. One of the versions focuses on mixed numbers and one focuses on improper fractions. The students work on how to:

  • Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators
  • Add and subtract mixed numbers
  • Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions referring to the same whole, including cases of unlike denominators, e.g., by using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem.
  • Use benchmark fractions and number sense of fractions to estimate mentally and assess the reasonableness of answers.
  • 4 digit by 1 digit division word problems
  • Word problems involving interpreting remainders
party classroom transformation day in classroom with party hats on desks and party blowers

I like to give out a reward at the end to help motivate students to complete all challenges. I give out a cookie or cupcake. If you don’t want to use food rewards in your classroom, there’s also a certificate of completion included which is just as exciting for students to receive. You can make this transformation as fun as you like!

I hope you liked reading about these 10 5th grade classroom transformations! There are plenty of options for any classroom to try, and the best part is that you can edit any challenge you want. Which transformation are you thinking about trying?

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.

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?