What do your walls say about your school? Are they filled with student work? Inspirational messages? Or rules and schedules? How does what is posted on your walls speak to your students and staff?
If we want our school culture to be that of a family shouldn't we make our school feel more homey?
Upon entering my home you immediately know that I'm a proud mom of two boys. With a bit more investigating you would notice that my boys love sports; I have three precious nephews; I am a believer. It is obvious. I don't need a poster or bulletin board to indicate these things. The photographs on the walls, the artwork, and the mess say it all!
Why should our schools be any different? Shouldn't they be a reflection of who we are as a campus? Who wants to be greeted by all of the "Do nots," and really, who is reading all of that anyway? How many mischievous students have stopped running because of the posted rules? How many boys go back into the restroom to wash their hands because of a sign? I'm not saying they shouldn't wash their hands or we shouldn't post a sign, I'm simply curious about the efficacy of the system.
Because of our life changing involvement in No Excuses University our school is full of college paraphernalia. Every classroom adopted a different university. Each university is represented with banners, pennants, flags, jerseys, bulletin boards, and photographs. We are sending a powerful message that, "After high school comes college," thanks to Damen Lopez. I love that this symbolism serves as a message of hope for many students. It opens their eyes to the many possibilities.
In addition to college proofing our campus we were also challenged by a leading Learning Walk consultant, Nancy Mullen, to post exemplary student work with rubrics. That has been a challenge our teachers have risen to and surpassed.
Academic vocabulary walls throughout the campus are another feature we've added. Our teams went above and beyond and we now have several science, language arts, and math word walls throughout the campus. The walls were strategically placed at waiting points, such as near the cafeteria and gym. As students wait for electives or lunch teachers can reiterate learning targets. These walls serve as reminders for older students, but primary teachers also preteach by utilizing academic word walls.
In addition to college proofing and academic word walls we also fill our walls with photographs of students playing, working, and learning. We show off all of the amazing learning that is taking place, both in photographs and student work samples.
What do your walls say about your office, classroom, or school? What can you add or eliminate to ensure that they reiterate the message you hope to send?
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