Since I spend much of my summer tracking down theme related decorations for the office and common areas... here's what I have learned about finding "stuff" for this year's theme:- There is a map and country flag border at Schools Aids on St. Johns Bluff as well as some great continent posters.
- World Market has a great "old world" map poster and some neat knickknacks (it might be fun to buy some of their candy from your country if you like having that kind of thing for Orientation or Open House).
- When searching for clip art images I usually go to Google images and find something there.
- The easiest way to make a unique decoration for your classroom is to find an image that doesn't have a lot of detail and project it (using your laptop hooked up to your projector) and trace it on bulletin board paper to be colored in with watercolor, marker or tempera paint.
When you're stumped for an idea of what to do for a decoration - go ask someone who has a style you admire. I bug Christina Walag all the time when I need a fresh eye or new idea. That girl knows how to put heart in her details!
3 comments:
I buy a lot of fabric at Joannes for things like curtains, tablecloths, bulletin boards, etc. They have some great printed fabric. There is always a 40% off coupon in the mail - and sometimes they will let you use a teacher discount on top of that. (Curtains and tablecloths really help to make your room feel cozy and welcoming.)
Another great resource is a party decoration store. Often they have less expensive decorations you can put around the room. Plates, napkins, and tablecloths that coordinate with the theme add the finishing touches to orientation and open house. I always set a budget though, it is easy to get carried away when there are so many cute decorations out there. I'm still thinking about the giraffe I walked away from at Pier 1.
-Cheryl
One of the places I shop at is the Humane Society Thrift store, on Beach Boulevard, every year. I browse through all of their stuff and look for items that will go along with the theme of my classroom. At the end of the year, I either donate the items back to the Humane Society Thrift Store, trash-to-treasure room or KK's wardrobe closet. Just a few weeks back I scored a multitude of things such as pottery, art work, and even a mosquito canopy that I have already hung up, for less than $15.00 (yes, I do mention that I am a school teacher and the staff at the store are very accommodating). Stop by and check out my recycled items whenever you wish.
~Toni
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