How to Decorate a Math Classroom

Students of all ages love a cheerful and brightly decorated classroom. The decorations will vary according to age and grade level, but the goal in decorating any math classroom should be to create an atmosphere that encourages and nurtures the learning of mathematics. Many children find the study of mathematics to be difficult, and decorations that inspire or help facilitate learning can help alleviate some of the anxiety encountered. Here are some tips on how to successfully decorate a math classroom.

Things You'll Need

• Bulletin board paper
• Bulletin board trim border
• Things to display on bulletin board and walls
• Stapler and staples or tape for securing display items

Instructions

1. Start with the bulletin board. Most math classrooms are equipped with at least one bulletin board and sometimes more. Cover the board with colored paper, then add a pretty border. There are math-themed borders available that are printed with numbers, formulas and other math symbols. The school may supply bulletin board items for teachers to use, or you may have to purchase them yourself.

2. Add the display of your choice to the covered bulletin board. Let your imagination run wild here. For a geometry classroom some figures such as squares, rectangles, parallelograms and trapezoids could be displayed. An algebra classroom might have axioms and properties displayed. It's also a good idea to devote a portion of the bulletin board space to important announcements of upcoming events and approaching deadlines.

3. Scatter posters with math formulas or important facts around the room. These can serve as reference and study aids and can be changed or added to as new topics are presented throughout the year.

4. Make a display showing examples of different vocations and careers that use mathematics. Students always want to know “when are we ever going to use this?” and having posters, and magazine and newspaper articles on display that show how math is useful can be motivating.

5. Find or make biographical posters of famous mathematicians and display them on walls around the classroom. Include a picture of the mathematician, if possible. Being able to put a face and story to the development of a particular topic being studied can be stimulating for students.

6. Find bulletin board and display items designed specifically for math classrooms in specialty catalogs. There are several available and are usually mailed directly to schools. Ask the principal or other math and science teachers for information on how you can obtain a copy. Many items can also be found at teacher supply stores and at some discount stores.

Tips & Warnings

• Creative students enjoy helping with classroom decorations. Let them suggest ideas and create displays that are appropriate.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish