Classroom transformations can be such a powerful tool when trying to engage your students and get them excited about rigorous content. A few years ago, the Superbowl was being hosted right in our hometown. So, I decided to set up a fun football-themed day for my students. Now hear me out – classroom transformations don’t have to be an over-the-top, spend-your-entire-salary-on-materials kind of thing. In fact, you can set up a themed day in your classroom using what you already have! This football classroom transformation was a hit amongst all my students. Even my non-athletic kiddos were into it! Here’s a peak inside our football-themed day.
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What is a Classroom Transformation?
On classroom transformation day, students are walking into a space that looks different from what they’re used to. Using decor, music, and themed activities, I transform our classroom into a new and exciting space for students to spend the day learning. Students are always thrilled to walk in and see what awaits them as the day progresses.
Here are some of my best tips for Planning a Classroom Transformation without breaking the bank!
How to Set Up a Football Classroom Transformation
Students are greeted by their teacher wearing a football jersey and the sound of ESPN game day music playing in the background. A football game is projected on the Smartboard and there’s a football field made out of butcher paper stretched across the middle of the classroom. *Poof! instant student engagement*
I set up four stations around the room and added some green tablecloths to each group table. This set of six football-themed tablecloths would be perfect! If you don’t want to spend any money, you can just add green butcher paper to the tables.
Each group was given a popcorn bucket filled with popcorn. Let’s be honest– everyone loves snacks while working! Additionally, students were surprised with black eye patches to put under their eyes to bring out that football player energy hidden inside them.
Football-Themed Materials for a Classroom Transformation
Football Classroom Transformation Activities
To begin, I split my students into four teams. Teams work at different stations, just like they would during literacy or math centers. Each station has a different football-themed activity for students to complete. Teams rotate to each station or ‘quarter’ to complete the game. Each team is given a game piece with their team name written on it. (It’s a cut-out of a football, see freebie below!)
As students finish their stations, I check their work. If it’s completed correctly, they move their game piece 25 yards down the field.
Now here’s the best part: After each rotation, students choose one member of their group to attempt a field goal for 3 additional points. To do this, the student tosses a football across the field into a basket. Get ready for lots of cheering and commotion— this is always a big hit!
PS: This inflatable football challenge would be such a fun prop for the field goal target!
In addition, teams are given the opportunity to earn points by working well with their teammates and transitioning smoothly from one rotation to the next.
FREE Table Numbers
Write team names on these football table numbers and allow students to move them down the field to score as they complete each station.
Football Transformation Stations
My third grade students were really struggling with understanding root words and using context clues. Therefore, I created these football-themed vocabulary task cards to help my students review root word style questions. They were perfect for one of our stations! These task cards helped students identify the meaning of new words through the use of root words. . Students recorded their answers on the answer sheet and I quickly checked them at the end of the ‘quarter’. This resource can also be used for test prep season, centers, or a fun review day!
Root Word Task Cards
Add a fun touch to your literacy centers or football classroom transformation by allowing students to practice identifying root words using context clues.
Some of the other activities that I used for our football classroom transformation stations were:
Football comprehension passages
Depending on the skills you want to practice, there are other resources out there too!
The football transformation was one of our most simple, yet engaging themed days up to date! If you’re looking for other fun classroom transformation ideas, check out some of my favorites below:
Fractions Classroom Transformation
Boot Camp Classroom Transformation
Writing Construction Classroom Transformation
Text Feature Surgery Classroom Transformation
Finally, whether you introduce it during football season in the fall, in preparation for the Super Bowl, or any other time throughout the school year, your students will love making field goals and watching as their classroom transforms into a football field! Comment below and let me know if you try out this football classroom transformation with your students!
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