Math teachers, a question (other teachers welcome too!)

Torani

I am a first year teacher, and I need advise on decorating my new classroom. I am in a run-down portable with peeling walls. The tears in the walls are prominent in two places, about waist length and lower and I want to cover them up. For one I am going to build a "Gee, I'm a Tree" bulletin board for my geometry classes, but I need another idea for algebra. A regular bulletin board won't work, as the space is too low. It is pretty much in the center of the wall and at knee height. Any ideas on what to put there?

MamaAllison

Some kind of word wall maybe? Is the tear too big to be covered by a poster? You could get a roll of paper and have the kids sign their names that makes it "their" space. Just make sure nothing inappropriate is written!

Smgrochowski

Congratulations on your new job!  I have this poster on my door, it is quite tall so may do the trick, but I teach middle school; it may be too juvenile for high school.

 https://www.amazon.com/Colossal-Poster-Math-Symbols-MC-V1629/dp/B000FA3ROQ

Netty_3

I'm not a teacher...but married to and related to a bunch...what about pictures of fractals?  They may not be algebra...but the kids think they're cool.

Dacey

I'm a teacher, too.  Two years ago, I was in a run-down, almost unliveable portable.  The kids really pick up on those things, and I think it makes them feel devalued when their school is falling apart around them.  You're so right in wanting to cover the tears!  See if your office has the big rolls of colored paper.  If not, even Dollar Tree wrapping paper could work!  You could really cover the entire wall in paper, then use borders to section off smaller bulletin boards.  Or cut out huge numbers/symbols to kind of decorate.

northtamarack

I would cover it with colored paper to start the year.  They I would make it "their wall".  Perhaps for an assessment activity, I would have the students come up with equations based on their birthdate, last day of school, first day of school, the time on the clock for third hour, etc (it can be what ever!)  I would have them put it on cordinating colored paper.  Another option would be to put up exceptionally good work, even if it was just one problem - sorta like a wall of fame.  I've found that kids, especially those that struggle love to be recognized for their achievements.