Ready to deck the (school) halls and welcome everyone to your classroom? These back-to-school bulletin board ideas are exactly what you need, including displays created by teachers on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE Facebook group. There’s something here to match every teacher personality, and lots of them are easy enough for anyone to do. Plus, check out this free app from from Creative Teaching Press that helps you create, organize, and share your bulletin board layouts. Make this your best back to school ever!
(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)
1. Peek-a-Boo!
Post a pic of each student under a flap with their name on it to help students learn their classmates’ names and faces. This is geared toward younger kids but could be tweaked for older students too.
Source: @playtolearnps
2. Un-BEE-Lievable Work
This playful bulletin board puts your students’ hard work on display. Here’s where you can get the adorable bee cutouts, 3D butterflies (fee download), and the 3D sun.
Source: Creative Teaching Press
3. Sprinkled With Possibilities
This sweet donut-themed bulletin board would work well with cupcakes too. Find the donut cutouts here.
Source: @teachingoncloud9
4. Racing Into a Good Year
This racing theme works for any elementary grade. Grab those fun car cutouts here.
Source: @kinder_with_rainbows
5. We R-2 Excited
Star Wars has timeless appeal! Kids will really love this one.
Source: @miss.medellin
6. Bright Bunch
Those 3-D crayons are actually really easy to make using the free template you can get here.
Source: @teach.play.grow
7. Be Hamilton Inspired
Hamilton fan? This back-to-school bulletin board is for you! Print out some of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s inspirational tweets for an easy display.
Source: lock9livin
8. Dive Into Learning
If you’d rather be under the sea, try this board and invite students to dive into learning.
Source: @clutterfreeclassroom
9. Parent Board
Teacher Tip: “I grabbed some of the dry-erase pockets off of Amazon, making it easy to swap in and out materials throughout the year. Another added bonus is that we are able to store multiple flyers in one pocket, making it easily accessible for our families who speak a home language other than English to read and explore our bilingual materials. The pockets also help viewers to easily see the information, and avoids staples, crumpled papers, and is easily readable.”
Source: @twopeasinaprimarypod – Parent Board
10. Pieces of Us
Build a puzzle that shows how your classroom fits together. Find out more about this activity at the link.
Source: Kirsten’s Kaboodle
11. Spark joy
Such a simple concept—spell out a word in large letters and have students fill it with their thoughts on that word.
Source: Macy Dawn on Pinterest
12. This Is Your Year To …
Simple, colorful, and easy to do, this back-to-school bulletin board makes a big impression right off the bat.
Source: @rise.over.run
13. Magical Work Coming Soon
Placeholders for now, but soon they’ll be filled! Glue tacks to the backs of clothespins to make the paper holders.
Source: @teachkidsdrinkcoffee
14. Clipboard Coming Soon
Here’s another version of the “coming soon” board from Samantha M. This one uses inexpensive clipboards to hold the work—so clever!
15. This Is Where the Fun Happens
You can buy kits to make those large paper flowers, or just simplify things and cut 2D floral shapes out of colorful paper.
Source: @kc_teacher
16. Class Family Is Everything
Love this simple black-and-white theme, and choosing a different font for each student’s name is so effective!
Source: @headoverheelsforteaching
17. Superheroes in Training
If you can see it, you can be it. Invite kids to visualize themselves as superheroes with these cute caped cutouts.
Source: @kaiti_robinson
18. Welcome to the Flock!
This board is easy to do when you buy all the pre-cut pieces from Creative Teaching Press on Amazon.
Source: @simply_sprout
19. Meet the Person …
This is an easy way to spread the message of responsibility. Find inexpensive mirrors at the dollar store or thrift store, and paint the frames in bright colors.
Source: @undercoverclassroom
20. Showcase the Rules
Make your rules board fun with a faux wood background and lots of bright colors.
Source: @sandys.schoolhouse.style
21. #firstday
Ready for some artwork or selfies for the first day of school!
Source: @teachingandwhatknott
22. Kindergarten Is Cool
And so is this bulletin board! We love the shades.
Source: @thebeachclassroom
23. 180 Opportunities
Set the stage for all the incredible experiences to come in the days ahead. Grab this customizable kit on TpT.
Source: @headoverheelsforteaching
Even if kids aren’t on social media themselves, they can see the page update in real life!
Source: @heartandwitsbymissritz
25. Like Boom!
Give them something to believe in right from the start.
Source: @bubblyblondeteacher
26. Wanted Posters
Saddle up for a year of rootin’-tootin’ fun with this clever idea.
Source: Welcome to the Uni-Corner
27. Cactus Goals
All the kids get involved in this one, writing on and coloring their individual cactus pots. Good idea, Amy M.!
28. Fill a Bucket
This is such a sweet way to promote kindness in the classroom. You can make your own buckets out of foam, or buy inexpensive metal buckets instead. (Find more bucket filler activities here.)
Source: @mymeanj
29. When You Enter This Classroom …
Let kids know that they’ve found a place where they are celebrated, they are accepted, and they are important.
Source: @kirstenskaboodle
30. You Are …
Find a round mirror at the thrift store, then use it to emphasize that each and every kid is special and belongs in your classroom.
Source: @mrskiswardysclass
31. Guess Who?
Have kids draw a self-portrait and share some facts about themselves on the first day of school. Then post them for an easy back-to-school bulletin board!
Source: @2ndgradeinthecity
32. Reading Adventures
This is a reading theme, but you could actually use maps throughout the classroom for an easy theme. Need old maps? Hit your local used-book store, thrift store, or just ask friends online.
Source: @reallygoodstuff
33. Rainbow of Possibilities
If you are an art teacher looking for back-to-school bulletin board ideas, this is such a creative but surprisingly easy bulletin board. Plus, you can switch out the message throughout the year.
Source: @katieplus4
34. Away We Go
Try this adorable design from Kings River-Hardwick Preschool. Kids can make the balloons as a back-to-school first-day project.
35. Reading Is a Superpower
Deirdre T. shared this attention-grabbing 3D back-to-school bulletin board idea. Use a red tablecloth for the cape, and grab the superhero word cards here.
36. Wonder Wall
Speaking of superheroes, how about this wonderful board?
Source: Jessica W. on Pinterest
37. Paint Sample Popsicles
Yes, this back-to-school bulletin board is made of paint samples. So clever!
Source: @cactiandsunshinecreation
38. Chicka Chicka Awesome Room
Hollie B. took everyone’s favorite alphabet book and turned it into a bulletin board!
39. The Power of Yet
This bulletin board shows students it’s OK to be a work in progress. Thanks, Teresa J.
40. Seek and Find
Have students (and teachers) draw themselves. Then each week post a new person to find!
Source: Art at Three Creeks
41. Summer Travels
Amanda Y. tells us, “Teachers and students can fill out a paper telling what travels they did this summer. Then I add it to the board and put a piece of yarn from their paper to where they visited.”
42. Adventure Begins Here
Nicholas S. is ready for an adventure with his design. It’s perfect for a camping-themed classroom!
43. Blooming Board
Colorful 3-D flowers and a welcoming message in a lovely font make this board a pleasure to look at. Learn how to make the flowers at the link.
Source: Art, Craft, & Bulletin Board Ideas by Manisha
44. Sudoku Interactive Board
If you’re a teacher who likes to dive right in with curriculum, this is the board for you.
Source: @activityaftermath
45. Soar to New Heights
What a gorgeous bulletin board! Students will love taking selfies in front of these beautiful wings. It’ll get them started off to have a great year.
Source: @twopeasinaprimarypod – Watch Us Soar!
46. Scrabble Names
Anastasia E. knows she broke some Scrabble rules, but she’s fine with it!
47. Fire It Up
Looking for a back-to-school bulletin board for your camping-themed classroom? Get fired up with this example from Jessica C.!
48. Hunger Games Board
This board was originally created for a dorm, but wouldn’t it be great in an English classroom?
Source: Celia F. on Pinterest
49. Marvelous and Magnifico
“This was my board from last year, showing all my students. M&M stands for marvelous and magnifico here.” —Ana M.
50. A Llama Welcome
Llamas are just as trendy as ever, and cute to boot!
Source: @evasresourcecorner
51. Ready for a Selfie
“This selfie frame is ready to document the important events of this year.” —Stella F.
52. Practically Perfect
That Mary Poppins silhouette makes this board as sweet as a spoonful of sugar.
Source: Creativity to the Core
53. Throw Kindness Like Confetti
“Students helped us create the confetti, and we’ve had so many comments about the good message.” —Jeannie W.
54. Be a Bookworm
“Students fill out a paper telling about their favorite book they read this summer and give it a star rating. I’ll be adding to the board as suggestions come in.” —Amanda Y.
55. Chew It Over
You may not allow gum in the classroom, but you’ll want to make an exception for this charming board!
Source: Doodle Bugs Teaching
56. What Makes You Special?
“For this bulletin board, students created a personality assessment and then a name tag with a list of their I AM statements. It gives students ownership of the room right away.” —Candace R.
57. Ladybug Love
Seeing spots can be a good thing, as this adorable ladybug board proves!
Source: Melissa W. on Pinterest
58. In the Genes
“We are doing a cross-curricular project about DNA. Here’s the board the teachers I work with did to welcome our students. Each of our students wrote their first name within the DNA strands.” —Kyle S.
59. Shoot for the Moon
Erin S. sends a simple message with this brilliant back-to-school bulletin board design.
60. A Board With a Twist
This playful board was part of a board-game classroom theme, but it could stand on its own just fine. Find paper handprints and footprints here.
Source: Mrs. Shininger’s Blog
61. Classroom Hotspot
Abbie L. turned her unused chalkboard into a big bulletin board that also serves as a central location for all the classroom news.
62. Welcome to Starbooks
“This isn’t done yet, but my students will decorate their own book spine from their favorite book to put on the shelves of this board.” —Kelly N.
63. The Places You’ll Go
Stephanie N. made her entire wall leading into her classroom a bulletin board. (Can you find Thing 1 and Thing 2?)
64. Butterfly Dreams
Julie A. used a quote from Neil Gaiman for inspiration on this reading bulletin board.
65. Rainbow of Possibilities
This bulletin board from Jolene O. sends a great message. Make the 3D paintbrush with rolls of tissue paper.
66. Lift Us Up
A good AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) message from Jen D., with a callback to a beloved movie.
67. Celebrate the Scientific Method
Looking for science back-to-school bulletin board ideas? A++ for creativity, Suzie G.! Get students ready to be scientists in the year ahead.
68. Gearing Up for Success
When you’re in gear for a good year, try this idea from Bridget P. So simple and so effective! Use these gear cutouts if you don’t have time to make your own.
69. Time To Get Messy
Louise J. shared this adorable idea, and we love it for little ones! Use a school uniform shirt or just a plain kid’s T-shirt.
70. The Sharpest Bunch
Angela G. made cacti from tissue paper flowers for this back-to-school board. Add these cacti cutouts to complete the scene.
71. Libraries Love You Too
Even the library books (and librarians) can get in on the act!
Source: @twolibrarians
72. Picture Yourself
Have students draw their own selfies or snap them with your camera. Either way, this bright board by will be a hit!
Source: Differentiated Kindergarten
73. Another Kind of Selfie
A whole new meaning of selfie. Thanks for the idea, Jennifer L.!
74. Time for Blast Off
Ready for blast off, thanks to Antwan W.! The 3D rocket takes a little effort, but the results are definitely cool.
75. Pirate Pals
Jeanne W. is getting ready for “Talk Like a Pirate Day” in September.
76. Who Am I?
Students will get to know each other in no time flat when you post this board with self-portraits and identifying clues.
Source: The Thinker Builder
77. Team Effort
If you have a sporty group, try this idea from Alicia M. Get the paper footballs here, and consider adding this sports field backdrop too.
78. Super Teacher
There are lots of superhero-themed bulletin boards, but we love that the teacher is the star in this idea from Paula B.
79. Wild About the Arts
Create your own lovable monsters with this idea from Ellen S. The monsters are easy to make—just cut out blobby shapes and add big eyes!
80. Pac-Man Inspiration
This is a great way to recruit new members. Loving the retro spin, Rachell B.!
81. Why I Teach
This is a fantastic board to post in the main hallway to help parents and students get to know the teachers. What a great idea, Victoria D.!
82. Create the Future
Looking for inspirational back-to-school bulletin board ideas? Sometimes all you need is a powerful message, like this one from Dulce E.
83. Garden of Learning
Jessie B.’s garden really pops thanks to that picket fence trim and 3D sun!
84. Ode to the National Parks
Ms. Embry has a national parks theme, so she made a bulletin board to match. Here’s the sweet woodland animals border she used.
85. Reading Takes You Places
Julie W.’s bulletin board is small, but it’s the perfect accent to this reading bench.
86. Escape to Narnia
“My weekly vocabulary list will be going on here. Many hours went into this.” —Melanie Shank
87. Kinder Stars
Watch little faces light up when you welcome them to your classroom with this shining idea.
Source: Miss Wells Kinder Stars
88. Whooo Loves Owls?
Create a giant tree, and the paper owl cutouts will do the rest of the work in this idea from Ashley F.
89. Unleash Your Hero
“I’m excited for our superhero theme this year,” shared Amanda F. We like how this board uses the word HERO to remind kids of good classroom behaviors.
90. All the Emotions
Get students involved in creating this unique emoji-inspired design from Nancy L. All you need to get started is a pack of yellow paper plates.
91. May the Scores Be With You
Are you a Star Wars-loving teacher looking for back-to-school bulletin board ideas? “High school students did this bulletin board,” says Julie A. It’s a nice way to show off top scorers on tests.
92. Latte to Learn
Amanda W. knows her audience with this sweet design for eighth graders.
93. Mirror Mirror
A little aluminum foil makes this board a perfect reflection of exciting things to come.
Source: Mrs. Wills Kindergarten
94. Things to Re-meme-ber
“I did this one last year with different memes.” —Melanie K. All you need is a printer!
95. Emojin the Possibilities
Emojis and a pun at the same time! Thanks, Jane S.
96. The Road to College
This is a great middle or high school message, made by Jen D.
Plus, check out 35 Interactive Bulletin Boards That Will Engage Students at Every Level.
