How to use the walls to support learning?

The most important use is to celebrate student work. Meaningful student work should be displayed prominently in the room. Spelling lists, copied work, identical colored pictures, mathematical calculations, etc. are not meaningful to other students and visitors. Choose instead writing, mathematical explanations, drawings, diagrams, maps, etc. that show what a student understands and can do. Keep the work on display only as long as the topic is being discussed. In this way, the student work supports current learning.

A second important use for wall space is word walls. A word wall is one of the most powerful and easy tools that you can use to help students learn large numbers of words. When used regularly as a teaching tool, students internalize both the meaning and the visual representation of the word or concept. Using a word wall promotes independence as students work with new concepts. It provides a visual map to help students remember connections between the visual representations and the characteristics that help them form categories (Wagstaff, J.M., 1999).

Other uses are as follows:

• Display maps so that students can use them when discussing specific locations
• Rules and procedures that the class has agreed upon
• Calendar appropriate for grade level
• Student responsibilities
• Daily schedule showing important activities

Lighting & Classroom Management

Many studies have found that lighting is a major factor in the emotional and intellectual well being in the classroom. Poor lighting can cause eye strain and fatigue and elicit feelings of sadness and depression. Researchers agree that fluorescent lights are best at reducing glare and increasing productivity, but it can also cause hyperactivity. Ideal classroom lighting should reduce glare, prevent shadows in workspaces and be teacher controlled (Nuhfer, 2006). Therefore, the use of lamps and window coverings can be very helpful in addition to the standard ceiling lighting.

First Day of School

Planning for the beginning of a school year is an important step. Consider the processes you have used and how you used them. What works well for you? What would you do differently?

Please, share with me your ideas of how can we go from this:

 to this:

Please, watch this movie for some tips on classroom management

Best Regards,

Fahad Al-Jarah