Are you looking for a fun-filled back to school bulletin board idea? We have two for early learning classrooms.
It is best practice to use bulletin boards to teach or emphasize learning in the classroom. Bulletin boards are an element of intentional learning design, not decoration.
According to author/educator Michael Gravois, quoted inÂ
Education World: " ...a bulletin board can be both educational and decorative."
Here are two ideas, to help start your school year.
Pre-K or Kindergarten
- Create a scene on your bulletin board of a tree trunk and bare branches.
- As the children enter on the first day of school, have them trace their hand on construction paper and cut these out. Use the colors of fall leaves.
- Each child will write his or her name on the handprint using their spelling.
- Place the handprints on the tree to represent the leaves.
- Place this heading on the board: "Together We Learn and Grow".
- If you use a paper background, the children can add to the scene using crayons or makers to make it their own.
- When you remove the display, save the handprints to each child's portfolio; the first work sample of the school year.
- In May, repeat this exercise, placing your saved tree trunk on a new, clean, background. Various shades of green can represent spring.  Children will, again, trace, cut and write their names.
- When you remove the leaves in June, place them next to the fall leaves in the portfolio, with each leaf dated. The comparison demonstrates the progress made in following directions, tracing (ability to hold a pencil or crayon and use it), cutting (using scissors, another small motor skill), and writing their names (knowledge of letter recognition, and fine motor control).
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="567"]
Image found on blog[/caption]
First or Second Grades
- In a twist on the age-old, "What I did this Summer" essay, create the following learning center on your classroom bulletin board.
- On the top half of the board--where it may be difficult for the children to reach safely-- write, What I Did This Summer on the light blue background paper. Add a few fluffy clouds to finish.
- Section the bottom half of the bulletin board into squares or rectangles, one for each child. Pencil markings provide guidelines for the children without distracting from the overall look.
- Allow students time to write a few words and draw a picture of their favorite summer activity. Encourage invented spelling.
- Set out supplies-- crayons, chalk, markers, pastels, paints-- for use in creating their art and practice in self-selecting tools.
- When every child's work is complete, invite parents and administrators to stop by and admire the children's work.
- Add these to their portfolios. Cut apart each section when the bulletin board comes down and store each piece in the appropriate portfolio. Or, take pictures of each child's contribution. Use the photos for collected documentation in each portfolio.
- To document learning and skills you can include information about gross and fine motor skills used in the art production; self-directed learning through choices of art media; writing and spelling skills exhibited; and understanding of spatial concepts in adhering to the boundaries.
Let your imagination run wild as you come up with other, interactive, learning opportunities. Use bulletin boards intentionally for your classroom learning plans.
For various styles and types of bulletin boards for active learning, display, and documentation, visit our website or contact us today.
