Bulletin boards are focal points of any elementary classroom. They display student work and add decorative touches to the space. Some have information about procedures and schedules. Others are interactive, changing to show student progress with math facts or literature books.
Why are bulletin boards important in the elementary classroom?
Bulletin boards are part of the elementary classroom landscape. They serve two purposes: decoration and function. With several boards in most classrooms, what makes a bulletin board worth a glance from students?
How do you make an engaging bulletin board?
Elementary bulletin boards that capture students' attention often use vibrant colors and images. Borders and headings spell out the purpose, while 3D elements add an extra layer of interest. Paper isn’t the only option. Fabric works well because it doesn’t fade or tear over time. The fabric also hides holes from staples, making it possible to leave them for a longer time. Borders aren’t limited to paper, either. Ribbons are an excellent substitute for premade borders.
Engaging elementary bulletin board ideas
Start with lettering that’s easy to read from any spot in the classroom. Remember to avoid clutter by limiting content to one skill or topic at a time, but add some flair! Let the bulletin boards reflect your style.
Take these bulletin board ideas for elementary teachers featuring ExploreLearning’s research-based math and science solutions and make them your own.
Track student progress
Is your classroom full of soccer players? Do you have enough football fans to fill a team with just your students? What about future astronauts? Use student interests to track progress. Have students design soccer balls or football helmets to travel down the field as students learn math facts with Reflex or design astronauts in spacesuits to move as students complete Frax missions.
Reflex soccer-themed board
Incite student exploration
Including student work on bulletin boards can be used as talking points for class discussions and future activities. Student notebook entries in Science4Us are a great way to create bulletin boards of student work! Add some module vocabulary to make the wall relevant to your current instruction.
Science4Us student notebook sample
Reinforce student learning
Gizmos simulations offer a seamless literature connection by providing book titles, complete with comprehension questions and activities that tie to STEM concepts. Make cross-curricular connections on a bulletin board that features student work from the Gizmo and literacy activities.
Distance-Time Graphs Gizmos and Literacy Connection
Discover more ideas in our virtual learning communities
Are you looking for a way to gather and share bulletin board ideas and much more? Join our virtual learning communities, which are led by a specialist among our ExploreLearning Professional Development Team. Elementary Explorers is just for K-5 educators using Science4Us and/or Gizmos. Reflex & Frax: Teachers' Clubhouse brings math solutions and ideas to one spot for elementary math teachers!
