Walls That Teach

We know that the classroom environment affects learning. Many times we discuss providing flexible seating or creating inviting spaces as a way to encourage student learning and engagement. Teachers also use their walls to reinforce important concepts and help establish key understandings. Posting key concepts and points around the room will facilitate learning for students and remind students and support students in making connections between concepts. 

In some classes, walls display reference materials (such as the periodic table pictured above) and key vocabulary terms (pictured below in a math and Spanish class). 

Graphic organizers and anchor charts can be posted and incorporated into instruction as well. "Walls that teach" are interactive and evolve as learning concepts change. The displays in the classroom communicate importance to students, with the most relevant information organized and vibrantly colored. An effective print environment portrays meaning and is used instructional to reinforce key concepts to students.