Best Practices for Classroom Decorations: Does Classroom Decor Impact Student Learning?

I can't tell you how many hours and how much money I have spent at the teacher supply store. Back in the days before Amazon and on-line delivery, every summer I would make my precious pilgrimage to the closest teacher supply store (three towns over) and then try and hide how much I had actually spent from my family. I always loved setting up my classroom "theme".  But does the theme of your classroom really matter? Does it impact your students' learning, and is it worth the time and money you invest to create that Pinterest-worthy, Instagram-ready classroom?

So, Does Classroom Decor Impact Student Learning?

You might wonder if the theme you choose for your classroom decor has any significant impact on your students' learning. While it might bring you joy to create a beautiful, cohesive environment, the real question is whether it benefits your students. The evidence suggests that while a pleasing environment can enhance your comfort and enthusiasm, it doesn’t necessarily translate into better learning outcomes for students.

Best Practices for the Ideal Classroom Set-Up

Research shows that certain environmental factors in the classroom do affect student learning, but these factors are often beyond our control as teachers. For instance, a study by Barrett, P., & Zhang, Y. (2015) found that optimal environmental conditions like temperature, natural light, noise insulation, and air quality can significantly enhance concentration, engagement, and overall learning outcomes. However, many of these factors, such as temperature control and air quality, are typically managed at the district level and not something individual teachers can influence. We can't help if our walls are too thin, and back up to a noisy playground, music room or even just a regular classroom blaring Bill Nye the Science Guy. We can bring in all the "mood lighting" that we want, but we can't punch out extra windows to let preferred natural light in.

Prioritize Practical Classroom Layout Tips

Despite these limitations, there are still several aspects of classroom design you can control to create an effective learning environment:

1. Classroom Layout: Ensure your classroom layout promotes safety and flexibility. Desks should be arranged to allow for easy movement and collaboration while also providing spaces for individual work.
2. Calming Colors: Opt for neutral or calming colors like blues and greens rather than overly bright or stimulating colors. Research indicates that calmer colors can improve students’ mood and cognitive function.
3. Wall Coverage: Limit the amount of visual clutter on your walls. The optimal amount of wall coverage is between 20-50%. Too many decorations can be distracting and overwhelming for students.

Classroom Decorations That Do Make a Difference

1. Anchor Charts: These are educational charts that can help reinforce learning concepts and should be relevant to the current lesson or unit.
2. Student Work: Displaying students’ work gives them a sense of ownership and pride in their classroom. This can be particularly effective at the beginning of the school year to help students feel like they belong.
3. Inspirational Posters: Having role models and positive messages on the walls can motivate students and create an inclusive environment.

Avoid Over-Stimulation and Clutter with Your Classroom Decor

Keeping your classroom organized and minimizing clutter is essential. Clutter can create a chaotic environment that can stress both you and your students. An organized classroom with clear traffic patterns and accessible materials helps facilitate effective learning.

The Downside of Investing Time and Energy in Creating Perfect Classroom Decor

Honestly, I don't regret the time, money and love that I spent creating a themed, fun classroom aesthetic. I recognize that much of it was for optics, especially as I taught students in the lower grades who were more apt to be excited by my treasure island, jungle and galaxy themes.

Even though I never posted my classroom on social media, I know that many parents often equate (incorrectly) an organized, theme classroom with a more dedicated, competent teacher.

As teachers, we spend so much time in our classrooms that there is nothing wrong with creating aesthetics that are pleasing to us. However, we need to recognize that your "theme" and that crazy long Amazon wish list for matching decor do not directly affect student learning. And one major downside is that the more of your own time, love and money you invest in your beautiful flexible seating, calming corner and perfectly curated theme the more difficult it will be to remain professional and detached when a dysregulated student trashes it all.

In conclusion, while it’s understandable to want a beautifully decorated classroom, it’s essential to recognize that the most critical factors influencing student learning are often out of our control. Focus on creating a functional, organized, and calming environment that supports effective learning. Remember, your energy and how you show up every day matter more to your students than any classroom decoration. If creating a beautiful classroom is important to you, go for it. But don't feel pressured by perfect and unrealistic pictures on social media. And ask yourself, could some of that money be better spent on books, learning games and manipulatives that could more directly impact student learning outcomes?

References

• Barrett, P., & Zhang, Y. (2015). The impact of classroom design on pupils' learning: Final results of a holistic, multi-level analysis. Building and Environment, 89, 118-133.