Creating a Student Work Bulletin Board: A Year-Long Showcase of Growth

Hey y’all! Today, I’m sharing how I set up my student work bulletin board in my classroom—a space that’s not just for displaying artwork but for celebrating student growth all year long.

As teachers, one of the most rewarding parts of our job is watching our students grow and develop throughout the school year. From the first day of school to the last, their progress is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and creativity they bring to the classroom. 

One of the best ways to celebrate this journey is by creating a student work bulletin board. Our student work display is one of my favorite parts of our classroom  because not only showcases the amazing work my students create but also tracks their progress and growth throughout the school year.

If you are more of a watch-an-learn kind of teacher, you can watch this YouTube video instead.

If not, you can keep scrolling to continue reading.

Getting Started: What You’ll Need to Display Student Work

To set up a student work bulletin board like mine, you’ll need a few key supplies.

• File folders with built in prongs
• Two prong hole punch
• Stapler

I always use file folders with built-in prongs. These folders are durable and easy to use, making them perfect for this project. In fact, I’ve been using the same set for four years now! I simply cut them in half with a paper cutter, which doubles the number of folders I can use.

Next, you’ll need a special hole punch that creates two holes to match the prongs on the folders. I bought mine on Amazon years ago, and it’s used weekly. Not only is it easy to use, but it’s also kid-friendly, which means my students can get involved in the process as well.

Setting Up the Student Work Display

The space I’m using for our student work bulletin board can comfortably fit two rows of eight folders, which is perfect since I have 16 students. I like to leave a little extra room on either side, just in case I get a new student throughout the year. This way, I can easily add another folder without disrupting the whole setup.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is the importance of spacing. Be sure to leave enough space above each file folder for name tags if desired. 

How This Student Display Works

The beauty of this student work bulletin board is that it’s not just a temporary display. It serves as a year-long scrapbook for each student. Throughout the year, we add directed drawings, writing samples, math crafts, and any other memorable projects. These pieces are layered on top of each other, creating a tangible record of each child’s growth and accomplishments.

At the end of the year, I create a special cover for each student’s folder. This usually includes a class picture, a photo of me with the student, and a personal letter from me. I laminate the cover to protect it, and this becomes a keepsake that students and parents cherish.

Why I Love Displaying Student Work

This student work bulletin board is more than just a place to hang art; it’s a celebration of our year together. This student work display becomes a living, breathing part of your classroom, constantly evolving as your students grow. It’s a place where they can see their hard work recognized and where they can feel proud of their accomplishments. 

Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or setting up your first classroom, incorporating a student work bulletin board is a simple yet powerful way to create a positive and encouraging learning environment. So go ahead, get creative, and watch as your students light up with pride each time they see their work displayed!

If you’re interested in setting up a similar board in your classroom, I’ve included links to the folders, hole punch, and other supplies I use. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, and I’ll be happy to help!

Like this idea and want to save it for later? Pin the image below to your favorite classroom Pinterest Board!