Let’s break it down!
If you’ve heard about Bump It Up Walls and wondered what they’re all about, you’re not alone! These walls are popping up in classrooms more and more, and for a good reason—they’re a game changer for both teachers and students. But what exactly is a Bump It Up Wall, and why should you use one in your classroom? Let’s break it down.
What is a Bump It Up Wall?
A Bump It Up Wall is a visual display in your classroom that showcases different levels of student work, helping students understand the journey from where they are to where they want to be. It’s like a road map for success, clearly showing the steps they need to take to “bump up” their work from a basic level to an excellent one. Typically, the wall displays examples of student work (or teacher-created samples) that range from lower-level achievement to high-quality pieces, aligned with a success criteria or learning goals.
Why Use a Bump It Up Wall?
Let’s dive into some of the key reasons why these walls are so effective:
1. Clarity for Students
One of the biggest advantages of a Bump It Up Wall is that it provides clarity. Students can actually see what different levels of success look like. Instead of vague statements like “do better” or “improve your work,” students have a visual guide. They can compare their current work with the examples and understand exactly what needs to change to reach the next level.
2. Self-Assessment and Reflection
Bump It Up Walls encourage students to reflect on their own work. They can look at the examples and compare them to their own, figuring out where they stand. It builds independence because they start to see the gap between their work and the higher-level examples and think critically about how to bridge it.
3. Growth Mindset in Action
By showing students that success is a journey, Bump It Up Walls reinforce a growth mindset. The wall demonstrates that everyone can improve with effort and focus. It takes the mystery out of success and replaces it with concrete, achievable steps. Students see that excellence isn’t something you either have or don’t have—it’s something you can work toward.
4. Promotes Goal-Setting
With the Bump It Up Wall, students can set their own learning goals. They might say, “I’m here, but I want to be there!” This motivates them to focus on specific criteria or elements of their work that they need to develop. It turns improvement into a tangible, step-by-step process rather than something abstract.
5. Visible Progress for All Learners
The beauty of the Bump It Up Wall is that it’s a tool for every student. It caters to different abilities and learning levels, allowing each student to see where they fit in and how they can improve. Whether a student is struggling or excelling, they can find their place on the wall and identify ways to take their work to the next level.
6. Reduces Anxiety Around Feedback
For some students, getting feedback can feel overwhelming or discouraging. But when feedback is paired with a clear example of what improvement looks like, it becomes less intimidating. Bump It Up Walls show students what success looks like without the pressure. They’re able to see improvement as a process rather than a judgment, making feedback feel constructive and achievable.
How to Set Up a Bump It Up Wall
Setting up your Bump It Up Wall is easier than you might think! Here’s a simple guide to get you started:
- Identify the Learning Goal: Start with a specific area of focus—writing, maths problems, artwork, etc.—and outline the success criteria for different levels of achievement.
- Collect Examples: Gather student work samples (or create them yourself) that show a clear progression from basic to advanced. Make sure the examples align with your success criteria and highlight what differentiates each level.
- Display Levels of Work: Organise the samples on the wall, labeling each one according to its achievement level (e.g., Beginning, Developing, Proficient, Exemplary). Use visual cues like arrows, colour-coding, or icons to show the progression from one level to the next.
- Incorporate Success Criteria: Clearly post the success criteria alongside the work samples so students know exactly what to focus on. This helps them see the connection between the work on the wall and the expectations for their own work.
- Keep It Interactive: Encourage students to use the wall as a reference when working on assignments, or even let them suggest updates to the wall as they create better work samples.
Final Thoughts: Why It Works
The reason a Bump It Up Wall is so powerful is that it puts ownership of learning into the hands of students. They no longer have to guess what “good” looks like—they can see it right in front of them and know exactly how to get there. It’s a simple yet effective way to inspire growth, build confidence, and create a more transparent learning environment.
Ready to give your classroom a “bump” in the right direction? Try adding a Bump It Up Wall and watch your students’ understanding and motivation soar! 💡📈
By using this wall, you’re not only helping students improve their work, but you’re also fostering a learning culture where growth is celebrated, and success is within reach for everyone. Happy bumping! 😊
