Maintaining Bare Walls and Clutter-Free Classrooms: Strategic Approaches to Overcoming Challenges in the Elementary Schools of Balanga City

This study explores the lived experiences of elementary school teachers in implementing and maintaining bare walls and clutter-free classrooms in the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Balanga City during the 2024-2025 school year. It examines the challenges encountered, the benefits gained, and the coping strategies employed to sustain a minimalist classroom environment. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, data were gathered through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and classroom observations involving 21 teachers from Kindergarten to Grade 6 across 18 elementary schools. Findings reveal that while the program offers advantages, it also presents challenges that require strategic management to maintain instructional effectiveness. Teachers implemented various coping strategies to address these challenges and ensure an organized and engaging learning space.The study recommends that schools and administrators establish policies that balance minimalism with instructional needs, provide financial and material support, and conduct teacher training on effective classroom management and digital integration. Teachers are encouraged to adopt alternative teaching strategies, maintain decluttering routines, and collaborate with parents and the community to sustain the initiative. Policymakers should develop guidelines for maintaining functional yet minimalist classrooms, allocate funding for necessary resources, and implement monitoring mechanisms to assess the impact on student learning. Further research is suggested to explore the long-term effects of minimalist classrooms on student performance, engagement, and cognitive development.