Should Classrooms Ditch The Decor? Parents, Teachers, And An Education Expert Weigh In

On August 3, 2023, the Department of Education (DepEd) released DepEd Order 21 series of 2023, also called the “2023 Brigada Eskwela Implementing Guidelines” which includes an order to keep schools clean. It created a buzz among parents and educators as it instructed that: “Schools shall ensure that school grounds, classrooms and all its walls, and other school facilities are clean and free from unnecessary artwork, decorations, tarpaulin, and posters at all times,” the order states. 

It continues, “Oversized signages with commercial advertisements, words or sponsorships, and/or endorsements of any kind or nature shall be taken down in compliance with DO 27, series of 2010 titled Prohibition on Use and/or Display of School Signages Showing Commercial Advertisements, Sponsorships, and/or decorations or other posted materials. Classrooms shall not be used to stockpile materials and should be clear of other unused items or items for disposal.”

Since the Department Order was released, several photos of teachers tearing down the decorations in their respective classrooms have spread in social media. 

Clutter-free, but also a missed opportunity

Smart Parenting asked Thumby Server-Veloso, Early Childhood Educator, School Director and a member of Smart Parenting Board of Experts her thoughts the recent guideline from DepEd. 

She said, “Many teachers love the process of decorating because it personalizes their classrooms, and they enjoy the look of awe when students first step into the room.”

“For a lot of students, the posters or info can help them whether it’s learning their ABC’s, counting, getting help from the multiplication table, or learning names of the planets or constellations. Sometimes it’s a inspiring quote or Bible verse that teachers post on the walls, as their way of encouraging students,” Teacher Thumby continued. 

“When done well, classroom decorations add that dash of creativity to liven up the room and inspire. There are some studies that would say over-decorated rooms can overwhelm students or be distracting, so that’s something teachers should remember. How I wish the DepEd would include in their budget a reasonable amount for teachers to spruce up their rooms,” she added. 

RELATED: SPED Teacher Uses Own Money To Transform A Storage Room Into A Classroom For His Students

Teacher Thumby explained, “While it may be nice to remove clutter--such as posters of politicians hanging in the classrooms, if we wanted to encourage teachers to clean up their rooms, then maybe we could look into providing them with materials that can help in classroom organization instead.”

“Allowing teachers to hang students artworks or other projects, is also a great way for teachers to give recognition to students who have put in the effort. It could serve as a good motivator for the students, too,” she said. 

Teacher Thumby also recognized the importance of removing things that are really unnecessary, “I agree with some of the things to be removed. Such as unnecessary tarps, oversized signages/advertising, unused modules and notebooks, projects from last year, unnecessary frames of presidents.”

However, she said, “But things like: Artworks, decorations, ceiling hanging decor, plastic plants (if moderate), quotations, posters, alphabet, garbage bins and hand washing facilities--are things teachers and school administrators should be able to decide on for themselves.”

What parents think

We also asked the netizens through Smart Parenting’s Facebook page whether or not they are in favor of the order.

Most answered yes and are in favor of removing unnecessary artworks and designs in the school premises and classrooms. 

“Big YES. I know many teachers who are spending extra from their own pockets to decorate their classrooms. At least now, they can focus on educating the kids,” Ching Uberas-Cielo said. 

Rose B. LA said, “Yes, para malinis ang classroom at maaliwalas tingnan, pero hindi rin nila itatapon ang mga nakadikit sa pader ng classroom kase magagamit rin iyan ng mga teacher bilang visual aid.”

On the other hand, others mentioned considering age and grade levels for consideration. Roma Mina Javier shared, “Sa nursery hanggang grade 1, sana meron pa din.” Because younger kids are quite visual learners, alphabet and numbers on the classroom walls are helpful for them. Shierah Mae Mutya Suganob also agreed and said, “Okay sana kung sa higher grades, pwede na bare ang classroom.”

A senior high school teacher from Nasugbu, Batangas, Robert Samonte agrees. "Sa Senior High School na kagaya namin, applicable ito. Pero 'yung elementary parang hindi dapat tanggalin."

Pearl Villanueva Noynay, a teacher and parent, said, “I would like to have the essentials inside the classroom knowing that my pupils (and my own child) are audiovisual learners and that will contribute to continuous and enduring educative process.”

Share with us what you think!