Are you looking for innovative ways to display materials in your classroom? Word cards, teaching standards, and student work can quickly clutter your space. These classroom display ideas will help you organize effectively and creatively.
Classroom Displays Idea #1: Pocket Charts
Turn everyday materials into learning tools! Pocket charts are versatile, easy to create, and can be made from simple items around the house, such as wrapping paper and cardboard. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also craft a customized learning tool that fits perfectly in your classroom. These charts are incredibly adaptable—whether you’re organizing parts of speech, sorting vocabulary, or displaying student achievements, they add a personal touch to your decor. You can make individual pocket charts for students, a bulletin board series, or a large wall display.
Below are step-by-step instructions for making a small pocket chart for twelve index cards.
Materials Needed:
- Wrapping paper
- Cardboard (e.g., a department store shirt box)
- Tape
- Ribbon
- Stapler
Instructions for Making the Pocket Charts:
Cut the Wrapping Paper:
Cut the wrapping paper to be twice as long as the cardboard and slightly wider. For an 11 ½ x 15-inch box, cut the wrapping paper to 30 x 15 inches.
Draw Folding Lines:
On the back of the wrapping paper, draw horizontal lines at intervals of 1 inch and 3 inches, starting about 4 inches from the top. This will create the pockets.
Accordion Fold the Paper:
Fold the paper along the lines to create the pockets.
Wrap the Cardboard:
Center the folded wrapping paper on the cardboard. Wrap the paper around to the back and secure it with tape, like wrapping a present.
Add a Ribbon for Hanging:
To hang it up, staple a ribbon to the top of the pocket chart.
Sorting Activities Using the Pocket Chart
Parts of Speech Sorting:
Create eight matching pocket charts labeled with the parts of speech. Write words on index cards and have students sort them into the correct pocket chart.
Vocabulary Sorting:
Use the pocket charts to sort vocabulary words by chapter when reading a book. Assign each student a word to define, and allow early finishers to match words to definitions.
Classroom Displays Idea #2: Displaying Standards
Make your learning goals shine! Displaying standards in your classroom doesn’t have to be dull. With a few easy-to-find materials, you can create a display that keeps students aware of what they’re learning. This creative and organized method also makes updating standards throughout the year easy, ensuring that your classroom remains focused and aligned with your teaching objectives.
Here’s a quick method:
Materials Needed:
- display boards (like those used for science fairs)
- curtain hooks
- page protectors
Instructions:
- Punch the curtain hooks through the board, ensuring the sharp end is hidden within the layers of the corrugated cardboard.
- Slide page protectors onto the hooks.
- Easily change the pages inside the protectors for each unit you teach.
Tip: Download the board labels [here].
Classroom Displays Idea #3: Displaying Student Work
Celebrate student success in style! Displaying student work is a fantastic way to build confidence and foster a sense of pride in your students. You can create a display on their desks using fun, themed wooden shapes and magnets. This personalized approach brightens the classroom and encourages students to take ownership of their work and celebrate their achievements.
Materials Needed:
- Wooden shapes (available at craft stores like Michaels)
- Sharpie markers
- Magnets
- Glue
Personalize Wooden Shapes
Purchase wooden shapes that match your classroom theme. Using a Sharpie marker, write each student’s name on a shape.
Attach Magnets
Glue magnets to the backs of the wooden shapes. These magnetic shapes can cling to metal desks, making it easy to rearrange them when students move to new seats.
Display Student Work
Students can use the magnetic shapes to choose one page of their work to display on their desks. Encourage them to change the displayed work weekly, though they may update it as often as they like.
These classroom display ideas help organize your space and engage students by showcasing their work and creating interactive learning opportunities. Implementing these creative solutions will give your classroom a fresh, functional look, making it a more inviting and organized place for teaching and learning.
