Bulletin Boards on a Budget

Is it possible to set up your classroom with construction paper, markers, crayons, tape, glue, and a few paper clips?  The answer is absolutely YES! I am so excited to share ideas that I have observed by a dedicated teacher at my school. I am always amazed by her creativity and how she uses very limited supplies to make her classroom come alive. 

Check out the word wall below. It was created by using different colored construction paper and a black marker. The letters and papers were laminated and will be used for several years. The word wall was taped onto the closet doors with easy access to add new words. Such a simple, yet smart idea!

Word Wall

View the simple and efficient way to display writing resources. These resources help students become better writers.  Synonyms for basic words are written on construction paper tombstones with a black marker.  Transitional words are also included to provide students with a variety of ideas to use in their writings.  These resources are taped onto the cabinet doors.  So easy to create and so helpful to the students!

Writing Resources 

Take a look at this bulletin board.  The background paper is recycled articles from Time for Kids.  The border is simply created by linking pieces of construction paper together.  Student work is mounted on black, red, and yellow paper which coordinates with the border.  Small pieces of construction paper are added to enhance the board.  What a wonderful and creative way to display the graphic organizers about the Seminole Wars.

Bulletin Board

Notice the student work that is displayed throughout the classroom.  It is all hand drawn which enables the students to have complete ownership over their work.  Below are samples of work that focus on figurative language.  It will definitely leave you tickled pink!

It's Raining Figurative Language!

Awesome and Amazing Alliteration!

Observe the use of sticky notes below.  What a great way for students to gather and display information.  Students can easily compare and contrast information by writing their text evidence on sticky notes.   By viewing the Venn Diagram, the teacher can easily assess which students have successfully mastered the reading skill of comparing and contrasting characters from The Last Egret and The Sign of the Beaver.

Comparing and Contrasting Using Sticky Notes

Analyze the student work below to see that there are a variety of ways to multiply including area models, regrouping, and partial products. Student work is written on construction paper and hung on the window blinds with paper clips.  This display can be used as a resource for students to review the different methods of multiplying two digit numbers.  What an excellent use of simple materials to display student work!

Math Display of the Different Methods of Multiplying

Notice how much information has been learned about the American Revolution and the Civil War.  Students enjoyed learning important historical events by created illustrations of the various topics being studied.  These detailed drawings demonstrate how students have taken ownership of their learning and have mastered the standards addressed. 

Understanding of American Revolution through Illustrations

Understanding the Civil War through Illustrations

View another use of a graphic organizer to practice a variety of reading skills.  This hand drawn organizer enables students to explain the author's point of view, identify text evidence, search for key details, identify the topic, and explain the key points.  Students also practice the important skill of summarizing.  I especially love the hand drawn illustrations that make the student work come alive.  

Graphic Organizer for Point of View, Text Evidence, Key Details, Topic, and Summarizing

Graphic Organizer with Hand Drawn Illustrations

As you can see from these photographs, teachers can decorate their classrooms with student work that will not cost an arm and a leg (great use of figurative language).  With just a few supplies, classrooms can become inviting places where students are actively involved in the learning process.