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When you think of VIPKid, what is the first thing that comes into mind?
For me (an outsider), it’s the VIPKid background. I always remember VIPKid for the color orange and the bright and bubbly teachers in their online classroom.
They ace the teacher background and set an example for all the other online teaching companies. And there are easy ways of doing it too!
I recently wrote another post about setting up the best online teaching background ideas.
However, in this article, we will focus specifically on VIPKid, and we have top VIPKid teachers to help us along the way!
How do I get a VIPKid background?
Your VIPKid background can be versatile. There are a number of ways to set up your online teaching background. You can use flashcards, banners, maps, and more.
Your background will determine the kind of audience you attract; for example, if you have baby toys in your background, you could attract a younger age group.
Here are a number of ideas for VIPKid teachers, created by VIPKid teachers.
VIPKid Teacher Background #1: The Table Cloth
In this video, teacher Michael talks about how you can create your VIPKid teacher backdrop for less than $5.
$5?! You got that right.
This background is particularly suitable for traveling teachers, those who need a temporary background, or those who are just VIPKid applicants and are not quite ready to make a big investment just yet.
The upside to this teaching background is that it can be hung up anywhere in your room.
Items You Need:
- Table Cloth
- Utility Hooks
1. Table Cloth
Teacher Michael recommends using a table cloth, which costs less than $5.
The table cloth doesn’t have to be anything special, it can be plain but teacher Michael has a flowery pattern on his.
It’s also long enough to cover your VIPKid teacher background.
2. Utility Hooks
Using inexpensive utility hooks, we can hang this table cloth which only cost about $1.
We want to hang the table cloth behind us while we teach, so the table cloth is the only thing visible to the student.
Instructions:
- Add the hooks to the ceiling
- Cut six holes in the table cloth (about 1 foot apart)
- Hang the table cloth up and decorate it as you like
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The Logic Behind this Teaching Background:
Teacher Michael chose to have the holes one foot apart to match that of his shower curtain so he can alternate between the two.
Feel free to do this or adjust the spacing to your liking.
Teacher Michael also changes to an orange shirt, which adds a bit of contrast between himself and his blue-green background.
The Finished Result:
The table cloth hangs from the ceiling and can be placed anywhere in the room which allows the teacher to take a more flexible approach when creating their online classroom.
Other cut-outs, such as your name, the VIPKid logo or rewards systems can be added.
VIPKid Teacher Backdrop #2: The Pom Poms
There are plenty more ideas for teachers on creating their VIPKid teacher backdrop.
Here is also another teacher who shows us how to create a VIPKid teacher background for less than $5.
Teacher Marilyn bought her map from the Dollar Tree, a treasure trove for online teachers.
Teacher Marilyn wants to change up her current background to make it more appealing for the older students.
She also wants the option to stand or sit.
What you need:
- Solid-colored tablecloths (which can be found at the Dollar Tree)
- Hot Glue
- Gaffer tape or painter’s (masking) tape
- Pom poms
- Pom pom garland
You may also be interested in: The Best English Teaching Companies in 2022.
Instructions:
- Measure the length of your table cloth
- Apply four small strips of tape to the wall
- Put hot glue on each of the four strips
- Hang the table cloth to the four strips
- Repeat by adding strips and glue to each side of the table cloth
Add the tape to the wall, four strips of equal distance. It’s then time to apply hot glue to the four strips. This will allow the table cloth to easily adhere to the wall.
You will then want to do the same to the vertical sides of the table cloth to make sure it doesn’t fall down.
Teacher Marilyn decides to add pom pom decorations that are a contrasting color, to make the color pop. She adds the garland to design the top border of the table cloth.
The Finished Result:
Teacher Marilyn used large pom poms, a pom pom garland, a “hello” sign and her name to decorate the background. All for less than $5!
VIPKid Teacher Background #3: The Minimalist
Another teacher background created by teacher Kerry when designing her minimalist VIPKid classroom.
She advocates the minimalist approach, saying that you don’t need to put all your money into teaching props and backgrounds to be a successful VIPKid teacher.
What you need:
- A map
- Welcome sign
- VIPKid sign
- Teacher name
- Secondary reward systems, like stars
Instructions:
You can create the VIPKid logo without printing at all! You just need a black marker to write VIPKid and color in the logo with the iconic green and orange colors.
Color and cut out stars as a secondary reward system and add them to your background.
Teacher Kerry sticks them to the wall with some tape, but also recommends using a magnetic board so you can stick your rewards with magnets.
The Finished Result:
A simple yet effective background without all the bells and whistles. Everything is stuck to the wall with just some tape. This background appeals to both young and old students at VIPKid.
Where you can find the items mentioned:
The following can be purchased on Amazon.
Maps
An easy decoration that can be paired with your teaching name and some rewards!
Lighting
You can use your at-home lighting if it’s strong enough or even consider purchasing this light on Amazon, which grants you much greater control of your lighting conditions.
Utility Hooks
There are many types of hooks, so make sure you find ones that will work for your room!
Pom Pom Garland
Can act as a nice decoration.
Still haven’t made up your mind?
Other Ideas
When you hang up your teaching background, you could include:
4. VIPKid Logo
You can cut out the VIPKid logo and stick it to your background. This could be as simple as printing it out on an A4 page or writing out the letters on some colored card and cutting it out.
I would always aim for the company colors, so an orange and green logo would be suitable for VIPKid.
5. Dino
If you don’t want to put the company name in your background, consider the famous VIPKid ‘Dino’ who takes center stage in the child’s learning classroom.
Dino is another way to show that you represent VIPKid and this is something you could draw or print out.
6. Your Name
When you put your name in your teaching background, you are essentially branding yourself.
This is why including your name is so important.
Students will remember you and want to have future classes with you.
Your name can help you stand out and there is nothing like putting a name to a face!
Keeping your name in the background with a clear, eligible font can make it easier for students to read and remember you.
7. Apples
VIPKid rewards apples to students in their reward system so teachers can keep up with this theme by adding apples to their classroom background.
Apple cut-outs again are a fun, inexpensive way to design the classroom.
More: Best Teaching Backgrounds
There are many teaching background ideas to get inspiration from! Check out our other ideas and see if anything catches your eye for your VIPKid teacher background!
In Conclusion
The VIPKid teaching background can help teachers stand out and get more students. If you would like to learn more about VIPKid, check out our VIPKid review.
Interested in other online teaching companies that pay even more than VIPKid? Learn more here!
Useful Links:
- Secondary Reward Systems for online teaching
- ESL Games for students
- Feedback Panda for student feedback
- Online Teacher Resource Kit
Online Teacher Toolkit
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Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.
