New Teacher Training Series Part Two: Choosing an Inclusive and Beautiful Classroom Theme

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Show Notes:

Even though the school year is coming to a close, I know many new teachers are already thinking about changes they want to make for next year. Additionally, if you’ve just graduated from college and are teaching in your own classroom, one of the main things you’re likely already thinking about is setting up your classroom. But more specifically, you're thinking about how it will look, the decor you'll choose, and your classroom theme.

While we get excited about the vision we have in our heads and want to bring it to life, there’s actually more to choosing a classroom theme than just pretty colors. In reality, the purpose of our classroom and the decor we put up on the walls and around the room are educational and serve as a function to make the space more efficient and streamlined. 

In today’s episode, I’m sharing seven common mistakes new teachers make when choosing a classroom theme. These mistakes range from building a classroom exclusively around your interests to choosing fonts that are models for your students, why you should include visuals with texts and many more. Additionally, I provide you with a framework through which you can take and view any theme to ensure that you are making smart and informed decisions about how you want your classroom to look and feel.

Setting up your classroom is a big investment in time, effort, and finances, which is why I want to help you think smart and purposefully when choosing a theme and decor for your classroom.

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

• The 7 mistakes new teachers make when choosing a classroom theme and examples of what to do instead
• Why choosing a theme with your interests in mind may not help kids feel inclusive and what you can do instead
• A framework for how to look at different classroom themes to ensure you’re making smart and informed decisions
• The true purpose of having classroom decor

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode: 

• Succulents Theme Classroom Decor
• Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card by leaving a review for Beginning Teacher Talk on Apple Podcasts!
• Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram
• Follow Dr. Lori on Facebook
• Follow Beginning Teacher Talk on TikTok

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast Beginning Teacher Talk and author of Dear New Teacher, Here’s Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.

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Related episodes you might enjoy:

• New Teacher Training Series Part One: 3 Questions to Ask Yourself When Setting up (Or Re-Organizing) Your Classroom
• How to Organize All Those Ideas for Your First Classroom
• What to Buy (and What Not to) When Setting Up Your First Classroom
• 6 Things to Do This Summer to Ensure You are Ready for Your First Year: The New Teacher Guide

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