Creative ways to display...

If you know me you know I can't help but stick stuff ALL over any open space in my classroom. In my honest opinion it always looks like an education bomb exploded in my room.

At first I was afraid that it would be too overwhelming for my kids. I mean who needs 3 alphabets? I do really, one for ELL, one for Kinder, Alphafriends, and one for 1st, spelling sounds.) However, throughout the years I have been told by other teachers and students that it is not. SO I let it go.

I have a problem this year though. New building, which means new walls and fresh paint. Also I have limited bulletin boards, just two small ones. I just about freaked when I learned this. I knew, well actually my administrator told me that she did not want holes in the new walls, and no I was not allowed to hot glue either, (That for you too Fighting Fellow! LOL) What is a girl to do?

So I started thinking what are some alternate ways to display in your class without a whole lot of mess.

1. Cork Boards

This is the most obvious of them all. Actually I picked up one at Walmart, for a decent price ($10.00-$20.00) about a week ago. I will attach mine with some Command Sticky strips.

You could also go with the cork squares and create something like Jodi's student display board.

(Source: Clutter-Free Classroom)

2. Doors, Cabinets & Windows

(Source: Pintrest via Mrs. Cash's Website)

I think is always the next step for us teachers. But there is really only so much space on a door. :) Some of us don't have storage so that isn't always an option either. I also don't like to put up stuff on my windows because until last year I always taught in a windowless room. So I just LOVE looking out my windows.

3. Tri-fold boards

 This has been one of my go to display options. I just cover with butcher paper or fabric and it is ready to go. I love this because...

First, I could use the Command Velcro strips and be able to take it off the wall and store it for next year. Second because I can put it all together on the floor and then just stick it up. Third, because you can cut these boards and have a mini BB. Click here to see how I made mine.

4. Laminated Butcher Paper

I tried this one when I wanted something that would hold up to students handling it often. Just punched holes in it and hung it from some Command Hooks. (Are you noticing a pattern here?

5. Clothes Line

(Source: Teacher Bits and Bobs)

I think this is another favorite. When I had an open classroom and only 3 walls this was a great way to split the class without splitting the class. Tip: my neighbor teacher used the opposite side of the line. For you teachers with a persistent Fire Marshal, like I had when I taught in FL. You are allowed to hang something a certain distance from the ceiling. Find out how low it has to be and then run the clothes like a foot lower than that. You can see in Lindsay's example above. That is how I got away with it anyway.

6. Clothes Pins

So last year I did this for the first time and I loved it. I used Glue dots and I don't think my Admin will let me get away with that this year though. If your allowed to use hot glue go for that. However, this year I am going to use those fabulous Command sticky strips. I think I single handedly keep them in business.

I also use them with ribbons and charts...

7. Push Pins and Paper Clips

So I will be doing this again, but on my two bulletin boards. (Those of you from my school who read this blog, don't go telling Admin I am making whole in the walls!) I use this for my Writing Bulletin Board. I have used Push Pins and then hung a Paperclip from each one. That way I could put up my writing posters but also take them down when I taught each trait.

8. File Cabinets

(Source unknown via Pintrest)

Now this I just fell in love with. I can't believe I hadn't thought of this before. This is two file cabinets pushed together and covered with fabric. Just bloody brilliant! Here is another option...

(Source: Tales of a Techerista)

9. Desks

(Source: Tales of a Techerista)

If you still use a desk, which I don't, make it work for you. Love how creatively she used her space.

10. Clip Boards

(Source: Effortless Style)
Granted, this would be a bit more expensive, but if you have a class set just sitting around then I think it would be a great idea, and SOOOO easy for you. I would also attach them to the wall with those very sticky but comes off the wall clean Command Strips.

Disclaimer, I do not get any money from Command Brand. I just love them. They stick forever, come off clean and haven't ever taken any paint off the walls.

That's all I've got for today.

Stay cool, it's in the 100's again today for another strait week!