Bulletin Boards: Themes and Tips
Page 1 of 2
Walk into most classrooms and you'll see one or more bulletin boards. Some will be creatively designed with eye-popping colors, dynamic illustrations, and three-dimensional letters. Others will simply be a hodge-podge of old, faded, and worn-out bulletins.
The difference is clear. Classrooms that are visually appealing and intellectually stimulating are those in which teachers have devoted considerable attention to their classroom bulletin boards. Your students will spend a significant portion of their waking hours in your classroom. It's important, therefore, that your classroom be one that excites, stimulates, and motivates students in a host of learning opportunities.
Elementary Bulletin Boards
Bulletin boards in elementary classrooms come in all shapes, sizes, and dimensions. Many teachers typically use these bulletin boards and bulletin board items:
| alphabet charts | handwriting chart | Pledge of Allegiance |
| attendance chart | letter charts | rules |
| birthdays | number chart | school calendar |
| classroom calendar | outstanding work | weather chart |
| classroom helpers | phonics chart | word wall |
| current events | photo gallery | writing guidelines |
Secondary Bulletin Boards
Middle school and high school bulletin boards are often reflective of specific subjects or topics and, thus, can vary widely. Here are some standard examples:
| assignments | motivational posters |
| bell or period schedule | newspaper clippings |
| calendar | periodic table (science class) |
| classroom rules | Pledge of Allegiance |
| current events | school news |
| famous people/sayings | student writing(s) |
| homework policy | team schedules |
2008 Summer Olympics
Celebrate this summer's Olympic Games in Beijing, China, with our resources, activities, and lessons.
Teaching about Natural Disasters
The world has suffered two natural disasters this May — Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar and the earthquake in China. These tragedies may have your students wondering why such large catastrophes occur. We have resources to help you explain earthquakes and cyclones, and for dealing with the subjects of death and crisis with your class.
July Events
Find educational activities for every day in July. Take a look at our Summer Activities Slideshow for our favorite summer-themed activities, lessons, and printables.
Sign up for our Great Stuff for Teachers newsletter to keep up-to-date on all of our seasonal lessons and printables.
New Customizable Printables
Easily create personalized hall and office passes or teacher stationary with our customizable classroom passes and notes. Prepare for substitute teachers, field trips, parent-teacher conferences, and more with our customizable charts and forms.
Drama Resources
Explore our drama resources – from Shakespearean plays to The Miracle Worker to Readers Theater – to widen your curricular focus. Students will enjoy the change of pace that putting on a classroom play will bring!
ADD/ADHD Resources
From frequently asked questions to assessment accommodations, these articles and resources will help you to deal with the special nature of students with ADD/ADHD.


