Building Thinking Classrooms: Math on the Walls

Learning on our feet! Chargers use Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces to make their thinking visible, collaborate with peers, and build confidence in math.

At St. Victor, we embrace the best of both worlds: the stability of tried-and-true traditional learning, and the excitement of innovative new practices. This balance allows us to honor what works while also preparing students for the future.

That’s why our junior high math teachers are rolling out a new practice called Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces (VNPS) — large whiteboard spaces around the classroom where students work standing up, side by side. Instead of quietly solving problems at their desks, students are now up on their feet, engaged in active problem-solving, and collaborating with peers. Research shows that this method boosts engagement, gives teachers the ability to see everyone’s thinking at once, and allows for immediate feedback that corrects misconceptions in real time.

Why VNPS?

Teachers are adopting VNPS because it makes math learning visible. With every student’s work displayed on the walls, the classroom comes alive with conversation, problem-solving, and shared discovery. Teachers can step in quickly to guide thinking, encourage new strategies, or clear up confusion. Students gain confidence by taking risks in a collaborative environment, and even mistakes become celebrated as part of the learning journey.

What It Means to be a Charger?

At St. Victor, being a Charger means:

• Engagement: Jumping into challenges with energy and perseverance.

• Collaboration: Learning alongside classmates and building one another up.

• Confidence: Taking risks, knowing mistakes are stepping stones to growth.

• Leadership: Practicing critical thinking skills that prepare us for the future.

Because every child deserves a learning environment that fosters curiosity, courage, and community.

Math comes alive when students get on their feet! ✏️ Our Chargers are embracing Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces — making thinking visible, boosting collaboration, and building confidence one problem at a time.

Benefits for Students

The impact of VNPS can be felt right away and also builds over time. In the short term, students are more engaged, more accountable, and more confident in sharing their ideas. Teachers can respond immediately, offering feedback that sharpens understanding on the spot. Over the long term, students develop deeper conceptual knowledge of math, strengthen their problem-solving skills, and grow into learners who see challenges as opportunities. These habits prepare them not just for future math classes, but for the demands of STEM fields and the world beyond.

Because at St. Victor, we believe every child deserves a learning environment that fosters curiosity, courage, and community — and VNPS is just one of the ways we bring that to life.