This classroom transformation was designed for a 5th grade Science / Math classroom. The school wide theme this year is superheroes. So in keeping with the theme I decided to design a room around it. This room belongs to one of my best friends, she loves teaching 5th grade but doesn't have as much time as she would like to create and decorate her room. I wanted to show her some easy items that would instantly change the dynamics of her room and create an engaging space that 5th graders are sure to love. 
The first area we tackled was storage, before the school supplies arrive in eager little hands it is best to create a system for easy storage. I used the colorful Superhero Place cards, some ribbon, a few small crates and colorful storage containers to organize supplies that need to be readily available for daily use. 
By hole punching the tags and adding some ribbon you can easily create your own tags for your school supplies. I recommend laminating the tags then adding vinyl lettering for durability. If you change your mind just take off the vinyl and add some new letters. 
These tags are a great way to organize student work as well. Identify where to turn in papers, extra work, homework return etc. 
Organize your front board with magnetic trays to hold markers, erasers and whatever else you need on hand. The SuperheroDry Erase magnets work great for quick labels for your schedule or activity needs. 
A fun DIY project for any classroom are these fun canvas prints. Create your own custom artwork to match your theme. 
Start with blank 12X12 canvases. I used Mod Podge to adhere some scrapbook paper onto each one. Then using vinyl letters cut out on a silhouette I created a unique set of wall art for the class rules. Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Super. Pretty awesome rules to live by! 
The bulletin boards were our next project, I wanted to keep them unified by using the same color scheme ( red, yellow, blue and black). I used fabric as a backdrop, I love working with fabric, it doesn't fade and keeps from showing ugly staple holes. You can also use it for a few years without replacing it. Using colorful borders from the Dots on chalkboard border trim collection, I layered the trim creating a triple border effect. Using assorted paper fans in red and black and white designs I created corners for my boards. Hot gluing the left over magnetic inserts from the Superhero Magnetic Photo Frames helped add that extra superhero touch. 
The superhero letters combined with some ribbon make great banners for labeling your bulletin board. 
To add that wow factor that all the kids will get excited by a few Skyscraper Standups are on each side of the front and back boards. They add some extra flair and fun to the classroom. 
Some of those forgotten and neglected spaces in your room are just begging to be decorated, we added some bright blue paper to the area underneath the windows. We then took some of the boxes our items were shipped in and wrapped them with black paper. Just add some bright yellow paper squares for windows and you have instant buildings. They look great on shelves or on top of counters. 
Forgotten spaces under your board can also provide for some WOW! factor. Refresh this unused space by using black poster board and some yellow foam cutouts for windows. Finish off with the superhero wall cling. They are repositionable and can be used again and again. 
Don't forget your space as well. Teachers are the biggest superheroes! Create your own banner using fabric strips and paper tassels. 
These Superhero Magnetic Photo Frames are super! They are a great way to decorate a dry erase board. You can move them around easily and even add them to your favorite metal door or file cabinet. I added some washi tape covered clothespins so I could add student work to them. 
The back board took on quite the transformation. I divided it up visually using washi tape as a border and border trim to segment off the different areas. This planner area is organized and easy for students to read for daily assignments. 
Last but certainly not least I added some finishing touches to the ceiling to bring some color to the top of the room. 
Each table represents a superhero's city, from Gotham to Metropolis. I added some colorful signs to the paper fans and tissue poms to designate each city or team. 
Colorful Superhero library dividers are easily used to label computers or segment off books in the class library. 
On each of the desks colorful superhero pencils and science journals are just waiting for some super scientists to fly through the door. 
I hope some of these ideas bring out the superhero teacher in you! Here's the final reveal....drum roll please..... BEFORE: 
AFTER: 
This transformation was easier to achieve than you might think. There are several products that make classroom decorating a breeze. Just choose a color scheme or theme and get started. I can't wait to see what you will create!
