It's DIY Time! 29 Enticing and Creative Back-to-School Bulletin Board Ideas Kids Will Love

Teachers have a big job on their hands when it comes to getting kids excited for the new school year. Some kids are already eager to get back to school but others need a little bit of convincing. This is where a colorful, cheerful and welcoming bulletin board can help teachers. We all know how a roadside billboard can entice us to places or things we may not have thought about before. A classroom bulletin board acts in the same way. When done right, a bulletin board will draw kids in like (spelling) bees to honey. For inspiration, these DIY back-to-school bulletin boards are great examples to follow.

The creative bulletin boards come in all shapes and sizes. If you are looking for a larger display than a typical bulletin board, use a door or large section of a wall. With the variety of themes and creativity, there is bound to be something to fit the personality of your class. Whether you completely make your bulletin board from scratch or use a handy kit, there are 29 ideas for all skill levels.

Related: 100 Best Teacher Quotes To Show Appreciation

29 Best Back-to-School Bulletin Board Ideas for 2023

1. Popsicle Bulletin Board

Kids will be licking up this super cheerful and colorful popsicle bulletin board by @mrsbteachesme. How cute are the patterned popsicles featuring each of the students' names!

2. Define A Word Display

A fun and easy bulletin board idea is to cut out large letters to spell out a word like "learn" or "create." Then, have each student write something inside the letters about what the word means to them.

3. Checkered Bulletin Board

A positive message by @she_teaches_fifth brings a warm welcome to the class. Colorful checks make the room look playful and fun.

4. Fill A Bucket

Purchase or make tiny buckets to hang on a bulletin board with the phrase "Have you filled a bucket today?" Whenever a student engages in an act of kindness, let them add a slip of paper with what they did into the bucket.

5. Classroom Family Bulletin Board

A message about family and fun graphics should make children comfortable and feel at home. This bulletin board by @create_inspire_teach does a good job of showcasing what kids like.

6. Create A 'You Are Wanted' Poster

Like a Wanted poster for alleged criminals, this idea posts Wanted pictures of students. Title the posted 'Wanted In Room #" or "Wanted In (teacher's name) Class.

7. Family Photo Wall

There's no better way to feel at home than with a family photo wall. With each photo highlighting a positive characteristic of a student, the board by @headoverheelsforteaching is super warm and inspiring.

8. Great Work Coming Soon

A back-to-school bulletin board won't have students' artwork displayed yet. However, you can still create a cheerful bulletin board with 8x10 papers that say "Great Work Coming Soon."

9. Tweets Bulletin Board

This bulletin board by @sciencelessonsthatrock does a great job of combining the past with the present with scientists "tweeting" a message.

10. Mirror Mirror On The Wall

Label your bulletin board "Meet the person who is responsible for." Then place several small mirrors at the bottom of the board with labels like words, actions, choices, grades, or success.

11. Encouraging Back To School Bulletin Board

Talk about motivating and inspiring! This bulletin board by @teachingfourthwithkellyb is full of positive messages to spur students on.

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12. Puzzle Pieces Bulletin Board

Draw out puzzle pieces with each piece displaying characteristics and/or a photo of each student. Students can then visualize how the whole class fits together perfectly.

13. Character Building Boards

Boards that help to build character are a perfect idea for a back-to-school bulletin board. This bulletin board by @rise.over.run highlights the trait and then add notes on ways to achieve the trait.

14. First Day Selfies

Create an Instagram-inspired bulletin board with the hashtag "#firstday" as the title. Place colorful construction paper squares on the board with each student's name. After the selfie is taken, with a polaroid, attach the photos to the squares.

15. Soothing Coastal Theme

Put students in a relaxed mood right away with this soothing coastal-themed board. The positive vibes on this board by @ashleymckenziept create a mood of encouragement.

16. Super Hero In Training Bulletin Board

Feature a variety of fun superheroes on your bulletin board with each one labeled with a student's name. Title the board "Super Hero In Training."

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17. Good Vibes Only

A fun retro theme by @ms.wintersteaches1stgrade gives lots of positive energy.

18. Emoji Paper Plate Faces

Let students draw their own faces on a paper plate and then display the plates, or emojis, on a bulletin board labeled "The Many Faces of (grade level or classroom number.)"

Related: 4 Back To School Breakfasts To Keep Kids Going All Day

19. Motivational Poster Board

Students will be flooded with positive thinking with this beautiful bulletin board idea by @thelittleladybugshop that is covered with motivational quotes.

20. Smart Cookies Bulletin Board

Welcome in a new batch of students with a smart-cookies-themed bulletin board. Craft a cookie jar full of paper cookies labeled with student names.

21. Ask Yourself Bulletin Board Idea

This is a great bulletin board idea by @teachingwithamountainview for older students learning new skills.

22. Balloon Bouquet

Blow up some small balloons to create a fun and colorful bouquet. Then, write each student's name on a separate balloon. Label the board "Up And Away In (grade)."

23. Mindfulness Bulletin Board

This mindfulness board idea by @counselorclique is perfect for middle school and high school students to be aware of mental health, self-care, and stress management. The kit for this board can be purchased at Teachers Pay Teachers.

Related: Back To School Shopping: Not Just For Students Anymore

24. Confetti Bulletin Board

Label your board "Throw Kindness Like Confetti!" Then, let your students make the confetti out of construction paper to be placed on the bulletin board.

25. Welcome to School Board

This kit featured by @primarily_kinder has three options and is a cheerful welcome to the school year.

26. 'What We Do' Bulletin Board

Fill a board with verbs for actions that the class will do such as learn, adjust, explain, share or create. A fun way to learn verbs plus classroom characteristics.

27. Bubblegum Balloon Board

This is a super cute and enticing idea using small blown-up balloons as blowing bubblegum. Just attach photos of students to a bulletin board and then adhere the balloons to their mouth area to look like they are blowing bubbles. Title the board "Look Who Popped By!"

28. Kick-Off Bulletin Board

Kick off a great year with a football theme bulletin board. Make sure to include goal posts!

29. Wild About School

This wild and fun bulletin board by @knowledgetreeus is sure to bring a smile to all the kids in the classroom with its fun leopard border.

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