Displays could be the best SEN resource in your classroom.

There is a common misconception around display boards. They hold a biased view when it comes to learning in the classroom. ‘Wallpaper’ and ‘sensory overload’ are only a few adjectives that have been flung around regarding boards. As much as these arguments have merit, I think we can sometimes overlook the true value that a display board could have. As a SENDCo in a primary school, I can see how positive a display board can be for SEN learner – when used correctly.

For starters, we should call them by what they are intended – learning journeys. By remembering that this is their true purpose, it takes the pressure off teachers to create them, encourages learners to contribute to them and ultimately documents the journey of the children’s learning.

Why are learning journeys good:

1.)    They are visual prompts for SEN children. Many SEN children benefit from visual learning.

2.)    Pupil input: children are allowed to feel empowered contributing to the layout of their classroom and learning.

3.)    Reduce barriers to learning such as anxiety and low working memory.

4.)    Interactive activities are good for sensory stimulation.

5.)    Provides opportunities to improve confidence in answering class questions.

How can we use learning journeys so that we achieve the above?

1.)    Start with a blank board.

Starting each term with a blank wall allows the work to be the focus throughout the term not the display. This has a higher chance of children actually using the board for what it is intended for.

2.)    Don’t put anything up if you do not have an audience

When children see you placing items on the board, they are making those connections between lessons learnt and what is on the learning journey. By seeing you put it up, they have learnt where to find a lifeline in future learning.

3.)    Build the board as the term progresses

Many SEN children generally work better with visuals. Physically seeing you place items throughout the term on the board allows children to see how new learning is based on previous learning. Anxiety and working memory are two barriers to learning and by applying this strategy you are breaking down those barriers as children now have a frame of reference. Children don’t inherently know to use the boards to help in their learning if you are not showing them how to. 

4.)    Multiple information sources to be used – so it is not just your artwork

By including drafts as well as the final products, children see that a final outcome materialised from previous lessons. Therefore, for example, the next time you mention an adventure story as the outcome, they will remember how they got here before.

5.)    Make it interactive

Your learning journey needs to be interactive so that it encourages children to use them. It is known that children love their work up on display and there is no better feeling than putting it up there for themselves. A wonderful example of this could be having an A3 laminated ‘number of the day’ (download here) or a ‘word of the day’ (download here) template up on your board as a 5 minute lesson starter. Select children to contribute to this and leave it up there as a frame of reference. 

Finally, learning journeys will only be successful when used correctly. Constantly provide opportunities for children to use the board. When you have managed this, you will see what a valuable resource you have had this whole time.