The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast 255: Before You Decorate Your Classroom, Here's a Better Idea
Jul 30, 2025
Join Tom Rademacher, a former middle school English teacher and 2014 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, as he redefines classroom decor. He shares the innovative 'One Word Wall' and 'What You Bring' projects that empower students to showcase their identities through creativity. Discover how these activities foster a sense of ownership and belonging, transforming classroom walls into vibrant displays of student expression. Plus, Tom provides insights on the emotional challenges students face today and the importance of embracing their voices.
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Student Decor Builds Ownership
- Student-created decor signals classroom ownership and reflects students rather than the teacher.
- This approach builds belonging and encourages students to bring peers to view their work.
Create A One Word Wall
- Do run a One Word Wall where each student picks one word to represent themselves and decorates a paper with it.
- Display all words together to create a colorful, student-centered classroom wall quickly.
Model And Set Sharing Norms
- Do model the activity by sharing your own five-word bubble map and explain why you chose each word.
- Encourage students to share selectively and set norms that words are personal and not for judgment.
