We’ve all been there: moving into an empty classroom and having to stare at the dreary off-white walls and tattered displays that haven’t been replaced in over a year. Research suggests that classrooms with engaging resources stimulate children’s minds and enable them to learn more. However, putting up displays can be daunting work. It always looks easy and straightforward, but takes much longer than expected and sometimes doesn’t appear how you imagined. We’ve put together some quick hacks that will help you have a bright and beautiful classroom quickly and easily.
Why Classroom Displays Matter
Classroom displays are an essential part of creating an engaging and interactive learning environment. They play a crucial role in capturing students’ attention, promoting learning, and fostering a sense of community. Effective classroom displays can improve student engagement, motivation, and academic achievement. They can also help to create a sense of calm and well-being in the classroom, which is essential for students’ emotional and social development.
Imagine walking into a classroom where the walls are adorned with vibrant posters, student artwork, and interactive displays. Such an environment not only makes learning more enjoyable but also helps students feel more connected to their classroom. When students see their work displayed, it instills a sense of pride and ownership, motivating them to put in their best effort. Moreover, well-designed displays can serve as visual aids, reinforcing key concepts and making learning more accessible.
Use students’ work
Firstly, once students are told that their work has a chance to go on the wall, many jump at the opportunity to create an artistic masterpiece. It’s also an easy way to fill space and is personal to you and your teaching groups. If some pupils finish early, have them neatly draw out headings or summarise what the work is about, so all that’s left for you to do is pop them on the wall.
Use wrapping paper
Using dusty coloured sugar papers and giant rolls of display paper are a thing of the past; why settle for one block colour, when you can have a beautiful pattern? Using wrapping paper as classroom decorations can transform the learning environment and make it more engaging for students. Wrapping paper is a cheap and easy alternative. Head to your local card shop, or even look online. You may even be able to find themed paper. We recently tracked down some Roald Dahl paper for a Matilda display.
Creating Interactive Classroom Displays
Creating interactive classroom displays is an excellent way to encourage student participation and engagement. Interactive displays can be created using a variety of materials, including digital tools, paper, and fabric. Some ideas for interactive displays include:
- Word Walls: Create a word wall with vocabulary words and definitions. This can be a dynamic display where students can add new words they learn throughout the year.
- Math Problem-Solving Displays: Develop a math display with interactive puzzles and games. This can include problem-solving challenges that students can work on during free time.
- Science Experiments: Design a science display with hands-on experiments and activities. This can be a rotating display where students can showcase their science projects.
- Reading Displays: Create a reading display with book reviews and recommendations. Encourage students to write reviews of books they’ve read and share their recommendations with classmates.
Interactive displays can be updated regularly to keep the classroom fresh and engaging. They can also be used to showcase student work and projects, which can help to promote a sense of pride and ownership among students.
Ask for help
Don’t try and put up displays on your own. Teachers can collaborate and share ideas to create beautiful and effective classroom displays. You’ll end up with back ache, a twisted ankle and a ripped piece of paper. Each day, you’re surrounded by students who are often eager to help. This can act as a great reward system for students who work hard. Reward them with helping you put up a beautiful display, and then offer them a small token to say thank you. You’d be surprised how excited students get using a staple gun (supervised, of course!)
Making the Most of Your Classroom Space
Making the most of your classroom space is essential for creating an effective learning environment. Here are some tips for maximizing your classroom space:
- Use Vertical Space: Make the most of your classroom walls by using display posters, display lettering, and other visual aids to create an engaging and interactive learning environment. Vertical space is often underutilized, but it can be a great way to display important information and student work.
- Create Zones: Divide your classroom into different zones or areas, each with its own specific purpose. For example, you could have a reading zone, a math zone, and a science zone. This helps to organize the classroom and makes it easier for students to find the resources they need.
- Use Color: Use color to create a visually appealing and engaging learning environment. Choose colors that are calming and stimulating, such as blue and green. Color can also be used to differentiate between different zones or areas in the classroom.
- Minimize Clutter: Keep your classroom clutter-free by storing resources and materials in labeled bins and baskets. A clutter-free classroom is not only more visually appealing but also makes it easier for students to focus and find what they need.
3D interactive classroom displays
Don’t restrict yourself and presume that displays have to be flat and against the wall. There are countless display ideas that can be used to make the classroom more interactive and engaging. Some of the most innovative displays we’ve seen involve attaching models to the boards or ceilings. This works great for maths, where you can teach about the nets of a shape, decorate them and hang them up. They immediately grab your attention when you walk in and look stunning.
Tips for Maintaining a Great Classroom Display
Maintaining a great classroom display requires regular updating and maintenance. Here are some tips for keeping your classroom display fresh and engaging:
- Update Regularly: Update your classroom display regularly to keep it fresh and engaging. This can be done by adding new resources, changing the layout, or creating new displays. Regular updates ensure that the display remains relevant and interesting for students.
- Involve Students: Involve students in the process of creating and maintaining the classroom display. This can help to promote a sense of ownership and responsibility among students. When students are involved, they are more likely to take pride in the display and help keep it looking great.
- Use Display Resources: Use display resources, such as display posters and display lettering, to create a visually appealing and engaging learning environment. These resources can help to make the display more professional and polished.
- Keep It Simple: Keep your classroom display simple and easy to navigate. Avoid clutter and too much information, and focus on creating a clear and concise message. A well-organized display is more effective and easier for students to understand.
By following these tips, you can create and maintain beautiful and easy classroom displays that enhance the learning environment and engage your students.
