# @edutopia on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CR9nL_sDA1U
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/20303742-edutopia-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/fc48c4e3d1.jpg
- **Posted:** 2021-07-30T19:15:19.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Edutopia (@edutopia) — https://gondola.cc/edutopia

## Caption

Heavily decorated classrooms can feel overwhelming for students, bombarding them with too much visual information and interfering with their memory and ability to focus, research shows. ⁣
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This doesn’t mean your walls need to be entirely empty—there are still plenty of opportunities to create a warm, welcoming classroom. A good rule of thumb, say a team of U.K. researchers who analyzed 153 classrooms, is to keep 20 to 50% of available wall space clear, and decorate the rest with an uncluttered assortment of meaningful items. ⁣
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Here are a few guiding principles we gathered from the research:⁣
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🎨 Display student work: This will help kids feel a greater sense of responsibility for their learning—and prompt them to remember the material. ⁣
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⭐ Feature inspiring role models: Putting up images, stories, or quotes that feature heroes and leaders can help students feel a greater sense of belonging and aspiration, especially when their own backgrounds and interests are represented. Avoid token or stereotypical representations though, they can damage students’ self-esteem. ⁣
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📊 Use visual aids: Anchor charts, maps, and diagrams that reinforce lessons can boost student learning, but remember to remove ones that are no longer relevant. ⁣
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📌 Avoid displays of student scores or grades: These types of data walls can backfire for struggling students, causing them to feel ashamed or demoralized. ⁣
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☀️ Let in natural light: Research shows that exposure to natural light in classrooms can boost performance, so keep windows clear of decorations—unless there’s a problem with glare or outside distractions. ⁣
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🖌️ Balance wall colors: No need to stick with four white walls. Try painting a single feature wall in a bright color, keeping the rest muted. ⁣
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Link in bio.⁣

#TeacherTips #BackToSchool #TeacherTip #TeacherClassroom #ClassroomDecor

## Stats

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- **Likes:** 2,948
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## Tags

teachertips, classroomdecor, teacherclassroom, backtoschool, teachertip

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