The Power of Displaying Student Work
We spent the better part of an afternoon this week entering items in our county fair. Both grandbabies’ art work, a quilt I made for them, art work by my daughter, yarn that she made by combing out her Angora bunnies then spinning into yarn then dying from plants in our garden, leather work by my son-in-law, and a variety of hand work pieces by all of us (embroidery, sewing, felting, etc). It took the better part of an afternoon because there was quite a wait in line to get our turn. If you’ve ever been to a county or state fair and taken a gander at the sections that display local food, crafts, art, construction, flowers, etc, etc, etc, then you know what I’m talking about. It’s a smorgasbord of local talent. I’ve entered items in a fair since I was a wee 4-H kid, and I passed the tradition on to my kids. It’s a blast, even if you don’t win anything. Standing in line this week in pouring rain, everyone was chatting about their handiwork, where they get supplies, how they learned their craft, and when you unveil your entry to the volunteers registering you, they appropriately ooh and ahh. In one building, there were tables lined up so that they could register about a dozen people at one time, and every time a volunteer exclaimed over an entry, everyone in the room would stop what they were doing, stand, crane their necks, anything to get a look at the work, then in unison, everyone would comment. Talk about an ego booster. It’s a room full of like-minded hobbyists who aren’t shy about giving each other kudos.
As educators, we’re always looking for ways to create an engaging and supportive classroom environment. One simple yet powerful strategy is to display student work on the walls of our classrooms. As evidenced by the county fair experience, it’s more than just decoration—displaying student work has a profound impact on student motivation, self-esteem, and the overall learning atmosphere.
When students see their work displayed in the classroom, it gives them a sense of pride and ownership over their learning. Imagine the joy a student feels when they walk into the room and see their carefully crafted project or essay hanging on the wall. It’s a moment of recognition, a signal that their hard work is valued and appreciated. This sense of pride encourages students to take greater ownership of their learning, knowing that their efforts are not only seen but celebrated.
Displaying student work can be a powerful motivator. When students know their work has the potential to be showcased, they’re more likely to put in the effort to produce high-quality work. It becomes a source of motivation to strive for excellence, knowing that their peers, teachers, and even visitors to the classroom will see their work. This motivation often leads to increased engagement in class activities and a higher level of participation in assignments and projects.
The process of displaying student work isn’t just about showcasing finished products; it’s also about celebrating progress and growth. By displaying a range of work—from initial drafts to final versions—students can visually see how far they’ve come. This reinforces the learning process and emphasizes that growth is just as important as the end result. It’s a way to celebrate the effort and improvement that students make, which can be incredibly empowering.
A classroom filled with student work is a classroom that feels alive, welcoming, and inclusive. It sends a message that the classroom belongs to the students as much as it does to the teacher. Teachers, keep a list of whose work has been posted and when it was displayed, making sure that every student gets their moment in the limelight during the course of the year (or semester). This sense of ownership fosters a positive classroom culture where students feel valued and respected. It also promotes a sense of community, as students see their work alongside their peers’, fostering an environment of mutual respect and admiration. And make sure that you display your own work every now and again. Let students celebrate in your inclusion of you, inviting oohs and ahhs but also critiques.
When student work is displayed, it serves as a learning resource for others in the class. Students can learn from each other by observing the different approaches and ideas that their classmates have taken. It encourages peer learning, where students can inspire and be inspired by each other’s work. Displaying group projects or collaborative work further emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collective effort, highlighting the benefits of working together to achieve common goals.
Displaying student work also creates opportunities for reflection. Students can revisit their displayed work, reflect on the feedback they received, and think about what they would do differently in the future. This reflective practice is an essential part of the learning process, helping students to develop critical thinking skills and a growth mindset. It encourages them to see learning as a journey, where each step—whether successful or challenging—contributes to their overall development.
Finally, displaying student work can help connect the classroom to the broader school community. Parents, other teachers, and visitors who come into the classroom can see the amazing work being done by students. This not only instills a sense of pride in the students but also builds stronger connections between the classroom and the wider school community. It opens the door for conversations about learning and achievement, reinforcing the idea that education is a collaborative effort that involves everyone.
As educators, we should embrace the power of showcasing student work, recognizing it as a vital tool for supporting our students’ growth and success. So the next time you’re thinking about how to decorate your classroom, remember—those walls are not just for posters and charts. They’re the perfect place to celebrate the incredible work your students do every day. This goes for classrooms located in alternative settings as well. Find a way to get work up and proudly displayed!
We’re heading to the fair today. I’ll keep you posted on any ribbon count that might happen. I mean, you never know, right? :)
Tallyho Sunday Morning Coffee-ites. May it be a gloriously happy day for you.
