I’m not going to lie, creating a Gears classroom seemed a little overwhelming at first. I am naturally drawn to bright colors like hot pink and turquoise. This collection was quite different from my own personal taste and style. After a little brainstorming, I started to create a plan for this room. I found so many amazing things that would help me to create a room tailored towards learning, exploring, and problem solving. All of a sudden, I felt excited about the possibilities this theme has to offer and especially tackling a project that is so out of my comfort zone! In the end, I think this room turned out to be my favorite!
I started decorating the room by choosing a color scheme. I decided to go with a black background and use primary colors as my accent. I love how the black acts as a neutral and allows the colors to really POP! Create this look with the Gears Collection. 
I filled the room with math manipulatives and building blocks -this would serve as decor for the classroom! Next, I found colorful pinwheels that mimicked the shape of the gear cutouts. I used the pinwheels throughout the room to add a touch of fun and whimsy to the space! 
I found this awesome rug on the website. This tied my math theme together PERFECTLY! If you look to the right of the room, I also found foam pegboards that coordinated with my color scheme. I used Mavalus Tape to adhere them to the wall and ended up creating a purposeful, high impact, interactive space in the classroom! Your students can use these to create patterns and manipulate throughout the day! 
With such an emphasis on STEM, STEAM, and Makerspaces in schools, I wanted this room to incorporate an environment centered around exploration. I filled the room with activities and tools that would promote problem solving and cooperative learning. 
I love the idea of keeping the building blocks and manipulatives out at all times for the kids to get their hands on! 
The Gears classroom collection comes with bookmarks, erasers, stress balls, folders, notepads, pencils, and so much more! See my how to make my colorful DIY Gears banner HERE. 
I used gallery wall frames and mounted large foam blocks to fill an awkward space in the classroom. I love how the shape theme was repeated on the large classroom carpet. 
I used colorful book bins to line the walls of the classroom. The chalkboard jars can also be found on the website. 
I used a simple black and white polka dot fabric as curtains in the room. I like how the floor length panels bring in another fun pattern in the space. My favorite part about the curtains...a coordinating pinwheel/gear used as a tieback! How cute is that?!? 
I think what I love most about this theme is that not only is it really cute, but it's purposeful as well. Critical thinking, inquiry, problem solving, and exploration are encouraged in this environment. You can see that it's a room that promotes active learning and engagement. I recently showed my own students the pictures - this was a class favorite for sure! I could tell that my students just wanted to jump in and PLAY (learn)...and that's what it's all about, right?!? If you are looking for a classroom that's bright, fun, and ties into your existing curriculum, the GEARS classroom is for you! Happy Decorating!
