As an educator you have the opportunity to harness the power of graphics to build a stronger community, guide students academically, and share something about yourself. Read more to discover five distinct items that you can show on the walls of your classroom. 

In a world where visual attention is sought after both in and out of the classroom it has never been more important to consider what you display in your room. What you choose to display in your class doesn’t only alter the visual aesthetic of the space but it directly impacts academic performance. <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2332858420901696?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Reading comprehension</a>¹, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1747938X24000484?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mathematical achievement</a>², <a href="https://facultyresourcenetwork.org/symposium/november-2019/importance-of-visuals-in-class-discussions/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">classroom discussions</a>³, and <a href="https://internationaljournalofresearch.com/2016/11/16/to-study-the-impact-of-visual-aids-on-academic-achievement-of-7th-grade-learners/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">engagement</a>⁴ are all greatly influenced by visuals shown in the classroom. As an educator you have the opportunity to harness the power of graphics to build a stronger community, guide students academically, and share something about yourself. In order to achieve these we have selected five distinct items that you can show on the walls.

 1. Something Personal - Before we dive into the academic side of things it’s crucial to use the classroom space to show a bit about yourself. This gives students the opportunity to get to know you which enhances rapport. Additionally, your vulnerability can help make students feel at ease to connect with you.


 2. Student Work - While this may seem like an obvious way to build students’ self esteem, showcasing student work serves multiple purposes. In addition to it being a visual version of praise, it can also serve as a reference point for later learning or even an example of expectations that are akin to that of a rubric. Be sure to vary which student’s work is displayed and as we have stated previously “<a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/community-building-eases-transition-back-into-the-classroom" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">before content comes community</a>⁵”.


 3. Objectives &amp; Standards - As we delve deeper into the academic side of class decor displaying objectives and standards is a must. These should serve as both the north star of your lessons and activities as well as the measuring stick of student success. It is important to note that these should be written in a digestible way for students to comprehend.&nbsp;


 4. Word Walls - Regardless of the subject matter you are teaching subject specific vocabulary can be challenging for all learners. Using part of your space for a word wall not only create “<a href="https://jurnal.unai.edu/index.php/acuity/article/view/3053?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">substantial improvements in vocabulary outcomes</a>⁶” but it can also support “<a href="https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/reading_horizons/vol49/iss4/5/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reading fluency</a>⁷” in early grades.&nbsp;


 5. Graphic Organizers &amp; Schedules - Also known as “thinking maps” graphic organizers can support students in outlining their writing, understanding complex math algorithms, historical events, and scientific processes. There is also evidence to suggest that they can specifically foster learning for <a href="https://search.library.wisc.edu/article/cdi_proquest_journals_305511756?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">students with disabilities</a>⁸ and English Language Learners. Additionally, visual organizers of time like schedules and calendars can also keep students organized, on task, and prepared for changes in their typical day.&nbsp;

The space in your classroom is precious. It will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the students you support. While there is an overabundance of classroom decoration content online we cannot emphasize the importance of selectively choosing what you display enough. In the end it should be done with purpose and intent keeping your students, their needs, and what you personally bring to your classroom at the heart of what is on the walls.&nbsp;
<h4>References:</h4>
Hwang, NaYoung, and Lora Cohen-Vogel. “The Role of School Environments in Teacher Retention: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.” AERA Open, vol. 6, no. 1, Jan. 2020, p. 233285842090169. SAGE Publications, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/2332858420901696" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://doi.org/10.1177/2332858420901696</a>.
Tsoi, Mun Chien, et al. “The Effects of Visual Representations in STEM Classrooms: A Systematic Review.” Thinking Skills and Creativity, vol. 52, 2024, p. 101349. Elsevier, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2024.101349" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2024.101349</a>.
Scott, Terri. “The Importance of Visuals in Class Discussions.” Faculty Resource Network National Symposium, Nov. 2019,<a href="https://facultyresourcenetwork.org/symposium/november-2019/importance-of-visuals-in-class-discussions/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://facultyresourcenetwork.org/symposium/november-2019/importance-of-visuals-in-class-discussions/</a>.
Rani, Manisha. “To Study the Impact of Visual Aids on Academic Achievement of 7th Grade Learners.” International Journal of Research, 16 Nov. 2016,<a href="https://internationaljournalofresearch.com/2016/11/16/to-study-the-impact-of-visual-aids-on-academic-achievement-of-7th-grade-learners/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://internationaljournalofresearch.com/2016/11/16/to-study-the-impact-of-visual-aids-on-academic-achievement-of-7th-grade-learners/</a>.
Cross Country Education. “Community Building Eases Transition Back into the Classroom.” Cross Country Education Blog, 21 Sept. 2022,<a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/community-building-eases-transition-back-into-the-classroom?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/community-building-eases-transition-back-into-the-classroom</a>.
Siregar, Siti Nurbaity. “The Effectiveness of Visual Media in Teaching Writing Narrative Text.” Acuity: Journal of English Language Pedagogy, Literature and Culture, vol. 5, no. 1, 2020, pp. 12–22. Universitas Advent Indonesia,<a href="https://jurnal.unai.edu/index.php/acuity/article/view/3053?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://jurnal.unai.edu/index.php/acuity/article/view/3053</a>.
Ness, Molly K. “Reading Comprehension Strategies in Secondary Content Area Classrooms.” Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts, vol. 49, no. 4, 2010, pp. 305–314. Western Michigan University,<a href="https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/reading_horizons/vol49/iss4/5/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/reading_horizons/vol49/iss4/5/</a>.
Dexter, Douglas D., et al. “Effectiveness of Graphic Organizers for Students with Learning Disabilities in Content Area Classes: A Systematic Review.” Remedial and Special Education, vol. 32, no. 6, 2011, pp. 437–449. Sage Journals,<a href="https://search.library.wisc.edu/article/cdi_proquest_journals_305511756?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://search.library.wisc.edu/article/cdi_proquest_journals_305511756</a>

5 Things Every Teacher Should Display in Their Classroom

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