Score Big with an Interactive Sports Bulletin Board

This interactive Sports Bulletin Board is not just another classroom decoration! Students practice their sorting skills and use what they’ve learned in class – all while having fun. This sports bulletin board scores major points with students and teachers alike!

Interactive bulletin boards are a dynamic and engaging way to bring both themed decoration and another learning center into the classroom. These interactive displays are not just for decoration; they provide a unique opportunity to use vertical classroom wall space. Add a sports theme and get ready to score big points with students!

What is an Interactive Bulletin Board?

Interactive bulletin boards are designed especially for students. There are many different ways that a bulletin board can be turned into an interactive display. The first step is to make sure it is at the students’ level. If they can’t reach it or access it easily, it won’t work!

Next, plan on the bulletin board getting lots of use – so use sturdy materials or laminate everything for durability. Students can’t learn if they are afraid of tearing the pieces, and having a worn-out and ripped activity won’t attract students to come learn. Add easy storage for any separate pieces – a basket in a conveniently located shelf nearby, or a pouch hanging from the bottom of the bulletin board are easy ways to keep everything contained. Finally, demonstrate how to use the bulletin board to the students – they won’t know at first that it’s a center!

Interactive Options

There are many ways to make a bulletin board interactive. Here are some ideas:

• Lift the flaps – for example, names of students with pictures under the flap
• Matching loose items to fixed items on the board – matching colors, letters, shapes, or numbers
• Putting items in order – sequential thinking
• Adding items to a set – apples on trees with numbers, putting the indicated dots on a ladybug, and so on
• Creative – Building faces on a giant pumpkin, decorating a gingerbread man, etc.
• Game – students roll a die to follow directions on the board or move game pieces
• Poll – Students indicate their answer to a question by moving a piece with their name/face on it

Transforming your classroom with an interactive bulletin board takes a little time and care, but it’s well worth the effort.

An interactive bulletin board can:

• Capture student interest in a particular teaching topic
• Mentally challenge students
• Help students practice skills related to their learning
• Be used to help students calm down and refocus when they need a break from learning
• Give students something fun to do while waiting in line

Creating the Sports Bulletin Board

This particular sports bulletin board is a matching type. It’s extremely easy to set up, and students practice what they learned during a unit on different types of sports.

Materials Needed:

• Bulletin board paper
• Sports of All Sorts Bulletin Board Kit or images of sports
• Thumbtacks
• Small binder rings
• Basket for storage

First, print out the images of the different sports venues. Attach the images to the bulletin board area. Put four push pins under each image. Next, print out images of the equipment used and athletes. Don’t forget to laminate for durability! Punch a hole in the upper left corner of each small piece and attach a binder ring through each hole. Place the small pieces in a basket next to the board.

Finally, demonstrate to the students how to select a small piece from the basket and match it to the correct venue. If desired, the teacher can print the words for the correct venue on the back of each small card for self-checking.

Recording sheets are also a great way to increase involvement in the interactive bulletin board. Print out recording sheets and supply writing materials so students can mark their own progress or practice the skills from the sports bulletin board!

Students get so much more value from these interactive bulletin boards than just static displays, so they are an amazing addition to the classroom. They’re also a fantastic use of vertical space, providing an additional center to reinforce learning while students play!