United StatesBulletin Boards: Themes and Tips
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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 |
Excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Success as a Teacher © 2005 by Anthony D. Fredericks. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
