Is it better to change classroom displays each year_or stay with the tried and tested?

One of the best things about Christmas time for me is to see the school hall and classrooms decorated with the children’s displays.

I don’t think there’s anything better to get you in the Christmas spirit than to walk into the hall every day to see the pupils’ work on display.

When it comes to decorating classrooms and halls for Christmas, there are two schools of thought.

One says that it is a good idea to put up the same (or at least a similar) display each year, so that children become familiar with and feel at ease with the decorations that each room will have.

The alternative view says that this is a perfect opportunity for children to be challenged and excited through an exploration of different ways of decorating each area every year. One can also use the changes to stretch the children’s memories and help them compare and contrast one year’s efforts with those of the previous year.

Of course it can be argued that while some children like familiarity and may spend the weeks leading up to Christmas looking forward to making certain displays, others may prefer a challenge and will want to produce something new and exciting. In other words, it might all just be a matter of personal choice.

But nevertheless, if you do indeed fancy exploring a new approach then I think it is fair to say you will be knocked over by some of the designs and projects shown and described in Step by Step Art 5 - Christmas in the Classroom.

It contains 64 pages of ideas and full colour illustrations covering everything from stars and candles, to plastic spoon angels, the Nativity and stained glass windows to corrugated paper trees. Optional themes and suggested colour schemes are also included to help enhance the impact.

It’s easy to follow and can be used with primary school children of all ages.
Sample pages are available from www.topical-resources.co.uk/art