The “Hang It Up” Method: A Game-Changer for Student Motivation
Student motivation—how do you get art students motivated, interested, creating, and confident? It can be a real challenge, especially in today’s fast-paced, distraction-filled world. From cell phones to TikTok and Instagram, not to mention bathroom breaks and post-pandemic apathy, the battle for student engagement is tough.
But don’t worry—I have a solution that works, and I promise it will bring noticeable results in your classroom.
What is the “Hang It Up” Method?
The key to improving student motivation is visibility. And I’m not just talking about students seeing their own work, but seeing it displayed where others can appreciate it too. This is where the “Hang It Up” method comes into play.
Years ago, I stumbled upon this simple yet effective classroom strategy. After a chaotic day where we ran out of time to store artwork properly, I asked students to pin their work on the whiteboard on their way out. The next class came in, and something magical happened: they started admiring the work that was already on display. Comments like, “Wow, look at this one!” and “I know this person!” filled the room, and suddenly, the students were inspired to create better art.
Why Displaying Student Work Boosts Motivation
Displaying student work at the end of each class has an immediate impact on student motivation. It’s one thing to tuck your art away in a folder and quite another to pin it up for the whole class to see.
By the second class, students were asking, “Do WE get to put OUR work up at the end of class?” That’s when I knew I was onto something.
This simple change in routine fosters a sense of pride and responsibility. Students know their work is going to be on display—not just for their peers, but for administrators, parents, and anyone else who walks by. And trust me, when students know their art will be showcased, they automatically “step it up.”
Benefits of the “Hang It Up” Method
- Increased Accountability: When students know their work will be on display, they’re more motivated to put in extra effort. They want their piece to look good in front of their peers.
- Easy Attendance Tracking: Simply glance at the board to see who hasn’t posted their work. It’s a quick and easy way to keep tabs on absent students.
- Engaging Administrators: When admin drops by unexpectedly, you don’t have to scramble to show them what your students are working on. Just direct them to the display board, and they’ll be impressed with the variety and quality of student work.
- Program Building: Students in beginner classes are exposed to the more advanced work of upper-level students. It piques their interest, and you’ll start hearing questions like, “Do we get to do this in Drawing 2?”
For more classroom management and motivation strategies, visit Mrs. T Fox’s Resource Store on TPT.
Fostering a Supportive Art Community
A key element of the “Hang It Up” method is that it turns your classroom into a supportive art community. From day one, students understand that they’re part of a team with a shared goal of fabulousness. This foundation, established during the syllabus presentation, lets students know that everyone’s work is valued, and everyone’s progress matters.
Students are kind to each other, giving positive feedback and encouragement as they see each other’s work evolve on the board. This daily exposure to each other’s art fosters an environment of mutual respect and constructive critique.
Display Ideas for Every Classroom
- Magnetic Whiteboard: Use bulldog magnets to hold the artwork.
- Foam Core Walls: Attach foam core to walls and use clear push pins.
- Bulletin Boards: A large cork bulletin board is perfect for hanging work.
- Cinder Block Walls: Use peel-and-stick cork boards for easy display in tricky spaces.
Looking for tools to set up your classroom for success? Check out Mrs. T Fox’s Online Courses for expert advice and strategies.
Continuous Display = Continuous Motivation
Displaying student work continuously encourages them to stay engaged and motivated. Whether it’s an in-progress piece or a finished product, students are more likely to work diligently if they know their art will be on display at the end of each class.
This also eliminates the dreaded “I lost my work!” scenario since the art is always up on the board.
Bonus: This method even improves classroom management. With the daily routine of pinning their work up, students start class by retrieving their art and getting to work right away—no more chaotic searching through folders or wrinkling other students’ pieces.
Explore More Resources and Stay Connected
1. Shop Mrs. T Fox’s Resource Store on TPT
Explore classroom-tested resources to enhance student motivation, including scaffolded lesson plans and classroom management tools. Visit Mrs. T Fox’s Resource Store on TPT to get started.
2. Learn with Mrs. T Fox’s Online Courses
Want actionable strategies for motivating your students and keeping them engaged? Check out Mrs. T Fox’s Online Courses for step-by-step guidance tailored to art educators.
3. Follow Mrs. T Fox on Social Media
Stay inspired and discover new teaching ideas by following @mrs_tfoxresources on Instagram. It’s the perfect place to connect with other educators and showcase student creativity.
Join the Art Teacher Community
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Wrapping It Up
The “Hang It Up” method is a simple yet powerful tool to boost student motivation and foster a supportive art classroom community. By making artwork visible, students feel a sense of pride and accountability, which translates to higher engagement and better behavior.
Try implementing this strategy in your classroom, and watch your students rise to the challenge with creativity and confidence!
Tiff 🙂
