Using the Environment as a Teaching Tool

The purpose of a learning wall and learning environment is for students to gain access to the materials, examples, targeted skills, topics, and strategies that are the focus of learning. The learning walls should be neat, clear, and current. The teacher can assist students by modeling the use of the resources and tools during the teaching block.

Essentials for Language Arts

• Display graded essays with rubrics so students can see expectations and how their work measures up.
  
  

• Organize essays by class and attach rubric scores for easy comparison.
  
  

• Display strong thesis statement examples to help students understand what makes a strong argument.
  
  

• Show ACE (Answer, Cite, Explain) paragraph examples with clear explanations and rubrics to guide understanding.
  
  

• Post assignment details and rubrics alongside student work to clarify requirements.
  
  

• Encourage students to review these samples during class for inspiration or help with writing challenges.
  
  

• Foster peer learning and collaboration by allowing students to see examples and understand expectations.

• Current graded student work samples (Writing should have a rubric)

Essentials for Mathematics

• Targeted topic should be evident

• Math vocabulary should include visual representations

• Examples of mathematical models that demonstrate conceptual understanding

• Math manipulatives should be available for students to access

• Current graded student work samples

Room Environment Examples