Inspire and Motivate: Quotes as Classroom Decor

Yes! 5 reasons to use quotes as classroom decor: not only will teachers provide decor, they can implement SEL services and encouragement. Use famous or student quotes for classroom decoration. Quotes for the classroom wall can inspire, serve as writing prompts, and encourage discussion.

Quotes as classroom decor make inexpensive yet meaningful displays. Quotes for classroom decoration can also be easily rotated. 

Classroom decor is tricky for older students. Secondary students do not want to see the same classroom posters they saw a few years ago. Plus, “fads” that appeal to older classes change frequently.

My first year teaching, I was low on money, but I wanted to decorate my classroom. I made quote sheets on my PC (with word art!) and printed them on standard paper. Inspirational quotes and motivational posters lined my walls. I figured that I would ditch the quotes as I acquired better classroom decor.

Instead, I still use quotes as classroom decor in any classroom I’ve ever had. Below, I’ve explained why.

How can quotes as classroom decor enhance the learning environment?

Quotes as classroom decor can enhance the learning environment by providing inspiration, motivation, and positive reinforcement for students. They serve as visual reminders of important concepts and values, creating a positive and engaging atmosphere that promotes learning, creativity, and critical thinking.

Yes! 5 reasons to use quotes as classroom decor: not only will teachers provide decor, they can implement SEL services and encouragement. Use famous or student quotes for classroom decoration. Quotes for the classroom wall can inspire, serve as writing prompts, and encourage discussion.

Inspiration.

Hopefully the motivational quotes mean something. I know that Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value by Albert Einstein inspires me. Countless students have said that they found meaning in it too.

Plus, if students are wondering why you stress independent reading, show them the massive amounts of research about the benefits of reading. (I normally show parents that information, but my high school students have studied the same material in our health and childcare classes.)

Quotes for classroom decoration provide inspiration for reading, writing, and thinking. Plus, you don’t even need to mention them to students! They are subtle ways of communicating important values to your classroom community.

Reinforcement.

Snippets and ideas from literature, speeches, and primary sources are powerful tools to reinforce the content. The good news? These quotes are easy to find:

√ Pull quotes from literature that you study.

√ Add purposeful insight from your students to your wall.

√ Use content from a similar theme or specific time period from your content.

And? Secondary classes can create these posters. Have them add their creations to a bulletin board or classroom door.

Analysis.

Quotes (as classroom decor or not) provide an opportunity for quick and easy modeling of analysis. Tie in psychology, justice, economics—any “big picture” idea into a quote. Another student favorite —Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans —provides amply opportunity for analysis. Why would John Lennon say that? Is it true – or are the best events planned?

Interest in new people.

Who said the quote? A quick Internet search can provide background. Another option is to change quotes dependent upon the current unit. Whatever time period or novel you are covering should have plenty of quotes from speeches, plays, movies, and such. As a quick extension activity, you can ask students what color of paper reflects the story’s quote.

Quotes for the classroom wall can serve many purposes. For one, I want to introduce students to authors that they might not normally notice. Second, I want to provide historical background to what we are reading, and quotes from non-literary people provides that.

Relationships with students.

Without saying anything, you are showing students what you believe. Quotes allow you to address “elephants in the room” such as bullying, body images, and equality.

Provide quotes that emphasize important life lessons you want students to leave your classroom with. Additionally, you can add posters that will appeal to students you specifically need to reach. Quotes can help to build relationships. Having trouble with an athlete? Find a meaningful quote by a coach or star. My favorite: I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying. (Michael Jordan)

Decoration.

Yes, quotes can be inexpensive classroom decor. Backgrounds, fun prints, multiple colors, and fun fonts are easy ways to make quotes classroom decorations. I like that quotes are easy to print and find. Plus, I can switch them throughout the year without having to change my entire classroom. Finally, their diversity is abundant.

Quotes give many opportunities to chat with students and to enhance lessons. Quotes for the classroom wall can inspire, serve as writing prompts, and encourage discussion. Many teachers design in Powerpoint, Canva, or Illustrator.

Genres: literature quotes.

Never underestimate the power of reviewing genres with classes. Some young readers might know of every genre and their crossovers. Others might struggle to remember the differences between fiction and nonfiction.

To encourage an understanding of genres and to celebrate young adult literature, my classes color and design quotes for their “suggestions.” After decorated, we hang the colored quotes, full of fun literature quotes.

Final Ideas

Every educator decorates a classroom differently. The implementation of quotes is my go-to, and I hope these ideas inspired you.

Are you a ‘famous quotes’ or ‘book quote’ type of teacher? (Would you rather showcase funny student quotes?) I’d love to read the benefits you see with your students.

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