It’s a new school year and that means that it is time to start thinking about our school theme. A central theme across a school year enables teachers to meaningfully link different content areas so that students develop “big picture” ideas. This year our school has made a goal of strengthening vocabulary and vocabulary instruction. We are doing this by implementing suitcase words into all subject areas. This year we will be using a variety of products as we travel to various states and countries around the world. This is where our school theme of “The World Is at Your Fingertips” came into play.
Introducing Our School Theme
Effectively introducing a school theme is one of the most difficult parts. It is important to communicate with staff the overall concept of the school theme and to actively involve as many staff members as possible. This makes it easier to bounce ideas off one another and to seek insight whenever possible. After getting staff on board, the next part is planning the execution of the school theme. First, where will you be traveling? Second, how will you connect your school theme to all content areas? Lastly, how will you introduce the theme to the student body? After designing a custom travel logo, I created this video to get students excited about our school theme.
Hot Air Balloon Display Case
Using Oriental Trading products, I created a number of display cases and bulletin boards to align with our school theme: "The World Is at Your Fingertips." This eye-catching display case greets students and parents as they enter the school and shows one of the many forms of transportation - a hot air balloon! The Hot Air Balloon 3D Stand-Up is a perfect addition to the display case as parents are able to take their child's picture in it, or by it, as they arrive at school on the first day. 
This bright, whimsical display case will make a child's imagination soar with possibilities as they imagine where they may travel. The sunset background was created using white bulletin board paper and Oriental's Terrific Tempera Paint Set. The large sun was created using a mixture of construction paper and scrapbooking paper to make it stand out from the beautiful colors in the sky. My favorite part of the display case is the Hot Air Balloon Paper Lantern Set. There are a number of craft products that are perfect for making these decorative hot air balloons come to life. The Neon Ribbon Assortment is perfect for making a colorful arrangement of bows or use the Paint Chip Circles to create a polka dot pattern. The possibilities are endless! 
After decorating each hot air balloon, I added the final touches to the display case by hanging Up & Away Hanging Cutouts and You Are My Sunshine Tissue Balls and Clouds. Join us as our school travels to different destinations throughout the year! Stay tuned to engaging activities related to our school theme and decorative bulletin boards and display cases that will have your students eager to travel! Find out how our school is "preparing to travel" by clicking HERE. To learn more about how we are implementing our suitcase words into our school theme click HERE. Get ready for an exciting year. Safe travels!
