Our Celebrate Second Grade Classroom Decor

Our  Celebrate Second Grade Classroom Decor 

Well, I didn't get to paint my classroom the first summer, but my dear sweet hubby helped me this past summer.  We painted late at night because he has a business and I help him in my spare time.  It took several long nights and lots of country songs later, but we managed to get it taken care of the week before the kiddos arrived.  I chose to go with 2 colors and they make me happy when I walk in the room, so maybe I did something right.

2 Tone Classroom Paint with Pom Poms

 The pom poms were an addition as well.  I made them myself thanks to a Pinterest tutorial!

 Picture Before Leaderhip Words

Display Bookcase for Beginning of Year

I used the book shelf to display camping gear...picnic basket, fake food, fishing basket, flashlight, and of course by beginning of the year favorite books to read.  The kiddos loved it.  They were especially questioning of the fake bread! :) 

Picture After Leadership Words

Leadership Inspiration Words

 I wanted something on the wall that showcased inspiring words.  My goal...leader in me style...I guess it has taken hold of my brain....is to display quotes throughout my classroom.  I have a Cricut and I use sticky vinyl to print so that I can paste on the wall easily.  I have printed a ton for our school.  My room has taken a back burner until now.  There's just not enough hours in the day.  I guess I need to set an action plan!

Reader Leaders Bulletin Board

Reader Leader Bulletin Board
for our challenge words that we use during writing time.

I had a Reader Leaders Bulletin Board last year for my students' reading goals, but I decided to change it up this year to display challenge words under the alphabet letters this year.  Thanks goes to my wonderful mom!  She helped me keep these circles straight.  I created the circles and letters on my Cricut with scrapbooking paper.

Texting Thursday - Reader Leaders - 7 Habits

Texting Thursday - Reader Leaders - 7 Habits

What is a Reader Leader?

In my classroom a Reader Leader are students who read their Accelerated Reader books on them, test and make 100.  I want students reading as much as possible at their independent reading level.  I also want them comprehending what they read.  So, after students read picture books 3 times, take an accelerated reader test, and make a 100, they get to place a sticker on their Reader Leader chart.  Each time they get a line filled, they get a piece of candy from the candy jar.  Each time they fill the entire chart, they get to go to the treasure box. This has been a big reading motivation for my students.  Students who are reading chapter books get 2 stickers if they make a 100.  As students gain more charts, I just place the new one on top of the old and at the end of the year, they get to take their charts  home. I also give awards for those charts.  

The big chart int the middle is used to record weekly class points, and reading levels.  I purchased it from the Accelerated Reader company several years ago.

Why 7 Habits?

At my school this year, we began The Leader in Me program.  So, I tied in my title: Reader Leaders to our school theme with the 7 habits in mind.  If students are leaders in reading, they can be leaders in all other subjects as well.  Miles on their tongue will take them places throughout their lives!

Great Idea from Kinder Craze:

Kinder Craze uses Scholastic

I read some fantastic tips at Kinder Craze on getting more books in your classroom through Scholastic.  Click on the button above to read more about how Maria uses Scholastic book orders and Storia.

What do you do to promote reading in your classroom?