Child psychologist: Bare classrooms may leave students understimulated

Amid Department of Education Order No. 21 series of 2023 decreeing  classrooms and school facilities to be free of “unnecessary artwork, decorations, tarpaulins, and posters," a child clinical psychologist said that a few displays and decorations in the classroom that were related to what students were studying would not be improper.

"Kung completely walang laman ang ating mga walls sa classroom, sobrang understimulated naman and, especially na public school setting, 'di ba? Parang it’s very important that kids are stimulated," said Dr. Anna Tuazon in Vonne Aquino's Sunday 24 Oras Weekend report.

Tuazon added that the rules on decor should be different between kindergarten, elementary, and high school classrooms.

She explained that based on studies, students would find it encouraging if their artwork and achievements were posted.

"Kailangan welcoming, lively, engaging, ang important related sa lesson. So kung nag-a-alphabet sila, bagay na bagay na may alphabet sa ating classrooms," said Tuazon.

"Puwede mo siyang itimpla, puwede mo syang i-change seasonally," she added.

Meanwhile, teachers and staff at the Jose P. Rizal Elementary School in Manila were busy preparing their school and classrooms for the opening of classes by taking down all displays and decorations as instructed by DepEd Order 21.

"Mas maging maaaliwalas ang silid aralan," said school teacher Djhoanna Sun. "Nasa tamang pagtuturo lang yun ng guro para ma-pickup ang lessons everyday."

"Naituturo din naman namin yun at ibinibigay sa mga bata pag may talakayan," chimed Master Teacher Paulette Balili. "Kung maluwag walang… maiiwasan din ang mga lamok pag konti lang nakalagay sa silid aralan." — DVM, GMA Integrated News