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Wednesday, July 25, 2012

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.

2. Doors, Cabinets & Windows
Pinned Image
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
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9n0z52Q4n9pOc8pjVhXGu_Ex3TOYMGFZLPhzU5n6rha7QSPqHh4YEXqWrm9ZIyE-4J0Ij1lSy8rNIGkVc5YsNsleJZ_6AcmJJXx703X9WWnCi9RFBrC50KNhqum5MuZ9CDZbxQJFbWiY/s1600/photo+5.JPG
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ukuwypxOWRPn3GQ1njqz_BsZP_Pl8D9mIidDHms78sPBNqrljgQaXuDadMJyiy68Zp3-THMgXHveQGtnh3IjsYEYfyVvXAinK2fo1vR55UhyphenhyphenLpfIcevQQWctxyYZ-j6HEZDw5jItBvA/s1600/IMG_1274.JPG
 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
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdxpmFP_qLTSC_duto3Jxo_nsoo2KNhluavH3eCy7VlBN1ek-zCRXjtUs7MknI_LI1BiTNHhRSvB4FM-vXCOU7VVmxbqHmmZxoAsKq01x5UEatlAeM1-bOgFUINSFmI-B8WMbmqOjIxA/s1600/photo+2.jpg
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
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
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2BRBvtt1Jis1msKut5fM6Ec2fDK_h-twFTWFUv1HjQHV5nEUKzd-aOh068wak_00OObELTR_WveU27Dofaz7d8ADa_H8HcqrchOl4lvLQcaVAyBFoYY5iwDnTD1ahRHGNY0CF1UwXCXa/s1600/IMG_0260.JPG
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...
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RrcmZpBUspDw46uq-XEQ_6uJS5vAJHCfa8nUVk8bBQo71SvJp1uSaCt1SFdlGj6FXg86IbY8Q2pzdvcywt_SfoVRcxC9D5PPuHlsmX1brCs1UJ6H-NPkl_F_-XMcosIh9gd1azewvRE/s1600/IMG_1746.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphhoyDzv1CUU50lnAi7dvzsBweORkKZF9HyCu70Q72zyFgva7N_fC89j6zruG0i86EkQYbzf7DWhF7z8NNo4LQ-rvyXYAyCKOHPQI7HvGSsIU3rFnRJKSvMth9xLPcqsEQPWB84jK09E/s1600/IMG_1750.jpg

7. Push Pins and Paper Clips
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHPWTDaX8nbEFGKOo5vsSqjTjupJ9HLeI2wAtp4oclaU0GNjRXkWjt4w2IuLmt8DK_UgLwP4ZG1gy10xsg7yPlcTChbZnsPMDGHRgoh_UgveZWxsZxszOvxTZpwPw1Qku6BmtpvRlui0/s1600/Writers+BB+%2526+hand+signals.jpg
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
http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/83738874292114770_aHzEIxgv.jpg
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...

9. Desks
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!

25 comments:

  1. Haha! I will be using Command hooks with butcher paper hanging from reinforced holes. I'm teaming again, so we'll see what the final product looks like. 8 days until we "might" get to unpack :-)
    Kristin

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I am counting down the days too. It won't come soon enough for me, then come the 7th I'll be crying that I didn't get enough summer. LOL

      M

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    2. Oh, I know I'll be ready for more summer once it's done. And I am so jealous you "know" about your bulletin boards ;) Sneaky lady!

      K

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    3. ROFL, am I caught? Ummmm, someone "told" me we have two in each room. LOL :P

      Good news is we will all know by this Friday... I hope! See you soon. :)

      M

      Delete
  2. I am a 1st grade teacher in Las Vegas and I am one of your newer followers.
    Thank you for all of your inspirational ideas!

    At the end of this last school year, I began handing out BRAG TAGS to my kids for their citizenship and attendance. These tags are so much fun and my kids LOVE them! They are so economical and better than a silly toy or candy.

    Just a thought :) Renee

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  3. Great post!! I have hardly any wall space in my room b/c it's all storage (which I am thankful for but it's kinda overkill...)! I also am obsessed with Command products! They are the greatest!!!

    Megan
    Mrs. Wheeler’s First Grade
    Mrs. Wheeler TpT

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  4. Love your ideas! I only have a small BB in my new classroom so this helps!
    ❤Teri
    A Cupcake for the Teacher

    ReplyDelete
  5. Same boat here too! Brand new school, one bulletin board, concrete walls! I just ordered lots of command hooks and sticky tape from Amazon (oh, and velcro too!) and I'm hoping it keeps everything up!

    I really like the file cabinets and the tri-fold boards!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, crossing my fingers nothing is on the floor when I walk in.

      M

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  6. I had a similar situation a few years ago, and the principal invested in lots of those 3M hooks for us (very small school). For some heavier posters, she suggested 2 hooks the right way around, and 2 upside down, and posters just slid in and out of them. I was tearing down my room to move, so never did use her tip, but it was better than nothing with new paint!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have tons of the 3m hooks, those are the Command hooks I kept talking about. LOL


      M

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  7. Are you positive you don't have shares in Command Strips!!! Might be a great investment for you...but I have to agree, they are just brilliant at holding onto the wall...
    ✿ Judy
    teaching with J

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Judy, I think I SHOULD buy some stock in them. :P

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  8. I, too, have limited BB space in my room. Two more ideas for you might be the "Marvelous" tape. I find mine at Mardel and couldn't live without it. It is super sticky but won't hurt concrete walls. I used it over and over before it stopped working. Have you seen the Pinterest project for the sheet of insulation, covered with material, hung up with Command strips? I'm planning on using this outside my classroom for a hallway BB. Teachers are so good at adapting things to suit them....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I have used the Marvelous tape, but I don't have much of it so I am being conservative with it. :) I have not seen that Pinterest project. I'll look it up, sounds great.

      M

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  9. How do you attach the fabric to the file cabinets?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmmmm, I am not sure. I think I would try some hot glue or some fabric tape. That is my best guess. Thanks for thinking of that.

      M

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  10. Ms. M....I can't find the lesson plan template on your site anywhere! Can you help direct me?? Thanks! It looks really cool!
    Teri
    5th Grade Tomfoolery

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Teri,

      Not sure which template you want. I have several on my site, A Teacher's Plan. You could also search this blog with the "search this blog" bar on the right hand side, up above. Let me know if you still don't find it.

      M

      Delete
  11. OMG! You're my kindred spirit in setting up the classroom this year! We, too, have new walls and have been commanded to NOT use staples or anything that might put a whole in the wall! This is year 2 for our building and I am having serious staple withdrawal and went to town with it on those two little buttletin boards, lol!

    Command strips are nice, but are seriously pricey. I'll LOVE to see how creatively you get around it! Stop by and see me sometime...maybe we can console each other, lol!

    ~Tanya
    Mrs. Dwyer’s A+ Firsties

    ReplyDelete
  12. Omg I just love all your ideas,... Thank you so much for sharing... I need some suggestions, any idea how I can stick paper onto a chalk board to turn it into a bulletin board? I've been going crazy trying to find ideas...thank you I would appreciate anyone's advice...

    ReplyDelete
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