Holy Heat Wave, Back to School Already???

An apple for the teacher... or how about a classroom design that is so engaging that your students let you breathe for a minute and eat that apple without feeling the need to rip your hair out?

We've all seen the utilitarian classroom - desks all lined up in a row; alphabet above the chalk board; cubbies and coat racks; maybe a few tables or easels for arts and crafts... but what about a classroom that is all about sensory stimulation and student engagement to keep your students interested and engaged enough that you have a moment to inhale... and another to exhale?

We love this bright and inviting deskless classroom idea:

What student wouldn't want to be part of a reading circle or activity when they get to curl up contently in the comfort of a beanbag chair in their favorite hue? You could even turn it into a reward for good behavior, on time homework, attendance or participation in those activities that might be required but not so much fun.

And how about a spot for your "littles" to express their endless creativity? Check out this chalkboard paper. With this and a box or two of colored chalk, your students can express their artsy side without breaking the bank - AND without destroying the walls, desks, or their clothes! Not to mention, you can just add more and decorate your walls top to bottom with their unique creations!



Need some more colorful classroom inspiration?This dyed pasta is GREAT for crafts and sensory play! And when the kids get involved in the dying of the pasta, they may even be excited about using it when learning their numbers and some basic math too. 

While there are a lot of recipes out there, this Kool-Aid Dyed Pasta recipe seems pretty safe to use with the kiddos, and a bit less "messy" too.



And of course there are the basics - bulletin board "bling", bright wall calendars and charts & decorations, journals, safety scissors, crayons, colored pencils, scented markers and more to round it all out for you.

Need some help pulling it all together before you hit the classroom - and the ground - running? Give us a call at 1-800-566-5546, email us at sales@vipoffice.com, or come on into one of our two locations - Hinesville or Garden City - and meet with one of our back to school specialists.

And don't forget to enjoy the rest of your summer! It'll be over before we know it!