Walls That Reflect Them: Creating a Classroom Where Students Truly Belong

This week, I'm continuing to share ideas on how you can use your classroom walls to help students feel at home and like they belong. It's important for students to feel the classroom is theirs, too.

Photos of their pets, 

It works pretty much the same way the family photos work. To an extent, and sometimes literally, their pets are like family. For some reason, kids feel really close to their pets and they love to talk about them. Having photos of them around the class will help students feel good and will definitely give them a sense of belonging.

Sometimes it is very sweet and heartbreaking at the same time. They might ask you to display a photo of a pet that has unfortunately passed away, but they miss them so much and love them so much that they still want to have it there. I think that’s beautiful.

Photos of their hobbies

Hobbies are a big part of their identity at these ages and where they put a great part of their attention. Displaying photos of them doing what they love makes them feel seen and valued. Besides, this is particularly good to open conversations and create bonds with them by engaging on topics they have shown interest in.

With some of my 5th graders this year, we have created a big rivalry in sports. They are big-time fans of tennis and support Sinner and Djokovic. I am Spanish, so of course I support Alcaraz. They also support Barcelona, and since I am a Real Madrid fan, we are always giving each other a hard time about these things. With this teasing going on, the games become even more fun.

These conversations, together with them feeling identified with their space in the classroom, will boost your relationship with them.

Photos of their favorite artists (actors, musicians, celebrities…)

Like their hobbies, their favorite artists are also part of their identity and where they see themselves reflected. And again, these photos provide huge material for conversations. This year, we had a very funny debate between the Taylor Swift fans and those who don’t appreciate her that much. I also discovered many artists I had never heard of before, which made me feel closer to them. This will help them feel that this is their classroom and also boost the relationship you have with them.

Displaying Their Work

I find this one quite useful for several reasons. You are giving them the opportunity to share work they feel proud of. They are not being forced to put up something the teacher has chosen, but instead they decide what they want others to see. This way, they feel recognised, they feel noticed, and they know their work matters. When they see their pieces around the classroom, it also gives them a sense of ownership over the space. Giving them that sense of agency and the chance to feel proud of their work will naturally strengthen your relationship with them.