There are so many ideas floating around about the best way to transform your classroom. Some teachers say a beach transformation is the most exciting, while others argue that you can’t go bigger than transforming your room into a candy shop. While there’s really no “best” transformation, there are a few uniquely engaging classroom transformations that can be great to try out. Below are the top 10 most engaging classroom transformations. I can guarantee your students will love all of these ideas and will be begging you to do another room transformation as soon as possible!
Donut Shop Day
First up, the Donut Shop Classroom Transformation is a delicious way to spice up learning. This transformation is easy to set up while also highly engaging for your students. All you need to do is buy donuts! This will quickly become your students’ favorite day of the year! If you’re looking for extra decorations, donut blow-up floats are super cheap at Walmart and Five Below. Not only is this engaging classroom transformation one of the most popular; but the donut theme easily incorporates real-world examples into your math and reading lessons.
Floor is Lava Day
Everyone has played the excitingly dangerous game that is “the floor is lava.” And what better game is there to incorporate into a classroom transformation? During The Floor is Lava Day, students must avoid touching the “lava” on the floor as they complete academic challenges around the room. Of course, behavior expecations must be put in place and your day must be strategically planned. But I promise, the floor can turn into lava in your classroom without total chaos occurring (read more details below). Letting your students play a game as they work is one of the most effective ways to engage them, especially during end-of-year test prep.
Bowling Day
With hands-on games and easy set-up, the Bowling Classroom Transformations “bowls over” most other transformations. During this transformation, your students actually get to bowl after they complete academic challenges. It is also incredibly easy to prepare for this engaging classroom transformation. You can find cheap blow-up bowling sets at Walmart, Five Below, and even on Amazon. Don’t want to buy a bowling set for the day? Reach out to parents and inquire if they have one they’d let you borrow for the day. It’s incredible how much a bowling set can motivate your students to learn, making this one of the most engaging transformations.
Haunted House Day
The Haunted House Classroom Transformation is both a trick and a treat for your classroom! During the Halloween season, pull out this transformation and watch your kids light up. The special activities, such as the trick-or-treat chance cards, are amazing for motivating your students to complete challenges. During the chance card activity, students either receive a “trick” or a “treat” card. The “treat” card means they get candy, but the “trick” card means they have to reach into one of the trick bags.
These bags are filled with common objects like toilet paper and carrots, but are labeled as things like “Spider Web” and “Monster Toes.” The kids can’t look at what’s really inside the bag they’re reaching inside, and they love getting grossed out. It is also super easy to transform your classroom into a haunted house. Pull out Halloween decorations from your attic, or purchase some cheap ones from the Dollar Tree, and you’re done. Holiday classroom transformations are always some of the most captivating transformations.
Space Day
The mysteries of the galaxy reach your classroom during the Space Classroom Transformation. Decorate for Space Day by buying some space-themed decorations on Amazon and throwing some black tablecloths or construction paper over the windows and desks. Students become astronauts for the day as they solve academic challenges. Students can wear the included printable astronaut helmets as they work. This transformation is one of the most popular among students because of how different your room feels in the darkness of space, keeping everyone completely engaged in their work.
Circus Day
There’s something undeniably special about the circus. Whether it be the exciting games or fried food, everyone loves when the circus finally comes to town. Bring the same kind of thrill to your classroom with the Circus Classroom Transformation! Use cheap crepe paper to set the scene and give out popcorn as an end-of-day reward. Your students will be invested in this transformation from start to finish.
Candy Shop or Ice Cream Day
These two tied for one of the most engaging classroom transformations! This is because Candy Shop Day and Ice Cream Shop Day are so similar in the amount of excitement they cause to occur! Both the Candy Shop Transformation and the Ice Cream Shop Transformation are perfect for drawing your students in while getting them to complete their academic work. Hand out candy or ice cream cups as your kids complete challenges. This motivates them to finish their work and retain what they learned. You can even let parents donate the sweets so you only have to worry about overseeing the transformation.
Veterinarian Day
Animals and pets are a common topic amongst kids, making the Veterinarian Classroom Transformation a great match for your classroom. Everything about this room transformation is a hit, from the challenges to the decorations. Animal balloons are especially beloved by students. During this pet hospital transformation, you could let your kids bring in a stuffed animal to carry around throughout the day, offering a little extra excitement as learning ensues. As a special treat, I love to give out animal balloons at the end. My class always says this is one of their favorite room transformations we do throughout the year. Students will be enthralled throughout the entire course of the day.
Camping Day
A camping trip is a fun way to spend time outdoors. However, you don’t need to go out into the wilderness to experience the entertainment of the Camping Classroom Transformation. When decorating for this transformation, encourage kids to bring camping stuff from home to set the scene. You can even bring in beach towels and make fake fires out of crepe paper. These small details pull your students into the transformation, making them oblivious to the academic nature of the day.
Detective Day
There’s nothing more enticing than the chance to solve a mystery. The Detective Classroom Transformation allows every student to become their own Sherlock Holmes for the day. What’s special about this transformation is that with each academic challenge your students solve, they receive a clue that leads them closer to the answer of which character stole the cookie jar–the intertwining mystery in this transformation. Students use invisible ink pens to read clues, wear fake mustaches, and receive prizes for solving the mystery. This is definitely one of the best and most engaging classroom transformations! Your class will love it!
With a unique twist to every classroom transformation, each one is more engaging than the last. I hope the engaging classroom transformations on this list inspire you to try out your own transformation, which is sure to keep your kids invested in the lesson while having a blast.
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!
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