Author: TCR Staff

Bulletin Board Ideas, Classroom Organization, Teacher Resources

Middle & High School Classroom Decor Tips

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Setting the right tone in your secondary classroom is critical for creating a space where students feel calm, focused, and ready to learn. By middle school and high school, academics are complex, class time is limited, and students need less visual distractions to be able to lock into learning.

high school students sit in a classroom during class time, looking at laptops, tablets, and paperwork at their desks.

Create the ideal environment for every older student with these decor tips. Whether you’re teaching literature or algebra, this advice will help you elevate your classroom decor so every student feels comfortable and engaged.

No harsh lighting, ever!

Invest in inviting lighting solutions that create a cozy atmosphere, so it’s easier for students to manage their stress. String up twinkle lights, buy desk lamps with warm bulbs, and cover fluorescent LED lighting with fabric light covers to create a more visually appealing space.

Keep student work the star of the show.

Create bulletin boards that shine a spotlight on student work. Choose a bulletin board paper base in a solid color or non-distracting pattern, and keep the decorative accents or border trim simple and to a minimum. This will allow your students’ projects to shine 

Embrace nature-inspired colors and designs.

Natural color palettes and nature-inspired decor is a great way to bring serenity of the great outdoors into your classroom. Neutral bulletin board paper, plant-inspired border trim, and decor inspired by natural materials (such as wood, bamboo, trees, bricks, and stone) give your classroom tranquil vibes that every student appreciates. 

Highlight your subject area.

Having separate classrooms for each subject gives teachers an opportunity to choose decor that speaks directly to the knowledge students will acquire in their classroom. Start with a base of neutral or solid bulletin board paper and border trim, then add a minimal amount of accents and posters that fit your subject matter.

Social Studies: display decor inspired by vintage maps, famous historical quotes, social studies posters, or accents and bulletin board sets with historical facts and photos. Use recycled newspapers, world maps, magazine clippings, and replicas of historical documents to help students better visualize the history around them every day.

English/Language Arts: hang up well-known quotes from literature and literary figures, notebook-inspired charts, and posters with writing inspiration and elements of literature.

Math: use decor that doubles as reminders of essential math rules and basic information, blank reusable grid charts, and posters that cover the basics of graphing and algebraic expressions and equations.

Science: display charts and graphs that cover essential elements of physical, earth, and life sciences, or funny science-themed posters to help students crack a smile.

Avoid cutesy, but still have personality.

Too many matching decorations or themed pieces may feel childish to your students, but that doesn’t mean your classroom needs to be drab or boring. Keep ample space to showcase student work while including a few design touches that speak to your personality. Quirky border trim, a thriving houseplant, a thought-provoking bulletin board, or a simple, powerful poster can liven up your learning space without giving kindergarten vibes.

Parents

90s Summer: Screen-Free Essentials for Kids

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With the increase of unregulated AI, social media lawsuits, and studies that show negative effects of digital consumption on children, many parents are simply opting their kids out of being big tech’s guinea pigs. 

90s Summer Nostalgia

Now more than ever, there’s a growing market for products that return to the old-school days of our youth—with modern control features that keep children safe from the dangers of the digital wild west. 

Here are some of our favorite picks for keeping kids curious and allowing them to explore within reasonable boundaries. 

Library Card and Books

Free, empowering, and imaginative? Check, check, check. Get your child their own library card and encourage them to check out books on their own. This small taste of independence builds pride, competence, and confidence. Plus, literacy gains are only a piece of the puzzle; many local libraries offer summer reading programs along with libraries of things, such as cameras, board games, garden tools, and art supplies that kids can use to explore a potential hobby for free.

Retro Music

Sure, streaming is convenient, but what happens when monthly subscription costs spike and ads infiltrate every platform? Reclaim ownership of your music library and introduce kids to lesser-known albums the old-school way using a record, cassette, or CD player. Scour thrift stores for affordable options, or check them out of the library for free. We love the crosley x loog record player for aspiring vinylheads, or the durable Lakeshore Portable CD Player for fuss-free music playback. Bonus points if you have a surviving CD collection to pass on to your progeny!

Home Phones

It wouldn’t be a 90s summer without an old-school landline. Avoid the oft-reported horrors of social media and AI chatbots with a home phone. VoIP options (like Tin Can and Ooma) give us the nostalgia of a landline with the safety of strict parental controls, while repurposed “dumb phones” for the family (usually kept in a designated shared space) offer kids the freedom to contact approved friends directly without world wide web connectivity. Plus, they give children the opportunity to learn proper phone etiquette (why do they always hang up without saying goodbye in movies?).

Offline Audio Players

Sometimes, children just need a story sans pictures to allow their imagination to run wild. Featuring catalogs of beloved books, songs, meditations and more, child-centered devices give kids the option of picking what to listen to without surreptitious data collection. Tonies figurines and players turn libraries into literal works of art, while Yoto Players allow kids to build out card collections of their favorite titles. They even offer blank, customizable cards for a modern-day equivalent of burning CDs!

If you have access to a fire pit, you could even listen to (or tell) stories around a campfire, complete with s’mores. Nothing screams 90s summer quite like gooey marshmallows, chocolate bars, and crispy graham crackers.

People-Powered Rides

Get out and exercise with person-powered transportation. Rollerskates, skateboards, scooters, and bicycles (with helmets!) offer kids the freedom to roam nearby. If you’re super committed to a 90s summer, tell them to be back by the time the street lights come on, but if you’re nervous about letting them loose in the neighborhood, consider attaching a device (such as an Airtag) and giving specific instructions about when to be home.

Make Summer Magic Again

Most parents want to protect summer as the season of slowing down, building friendships and social skills, and making memories that last a lifetime. Adopting a 90s summer mindset gives everyone (including parents) permission to ditch the screen time, kick up their feet, and enjoy full days and starry nights, old-school style. Revert back to analog to calm your mind, reclaim face-to-face time, and revel in simplicity all season long. 

Bulletin Board Ideas, Classroom Management, Classroom Organization, Teacher Resources

Your Better Than Paper Questions, Answered

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image shows Better Than Paper bulletin board paper rolls in different designs. There are six designs shown: large black-and-white checkers, bright yellow, purple and lavender checkers, pink composition notebook print, night sky, and white shiplap. Text overlay reads: Better Than Paper

If you’re a teacher, chances are you’ve heard of our Better Than Paper® Bulletin Board Paper. It’s every educator’s secret to Pinterest-worthy classroom displays that last all year long.

We’ve rounded up the most frequent questions we receive about this revolutionary material to help you decide how best to use it for a spring refresh, summer displays, or even for our type A friends to start Back-to-School planning.

What is Better Than Paper used for?

It’s designed as a durable bulletin board background, but it also works on doors, for display walls, and as a decorative cover for old or damaged walls and whiteboards.

If your classroom doesn’t come with a bulletin board, you can use Better Than Paper to create an instant bulletin board anywhere in your classroom. Simply cut the roll to your desired size, outline with cute classroom border trim, then ta-da! Instant display for student work, important class information, or makeshift whiteboard.

How can I use it outside of the classroom?

While designed for high-use learning spaces, Better Than Paper can be used in dozens of creative ways outside of the classroom as well. Here at Teacher Created Resources, we use it as wipeable table covers, cubicle and office decor, and as backgrounds to maximize the impact of our fun seasonal displays.

It’s also a great choice for parties. Hang Better Than Paper on a wall for an instant photo booth backdrop or step-and-repeat. Or, display on or behind food and gift tables to instantly elevate your event decor.

How do I install Better Than Paper?

It is not self-adhesive, so we recommend using staples, hot glue, packing tape, or specialized mounting tape to hang on classroom walls and bulletin boards.

How do I attach it to a chalkboard or a whiteboard?

Put painter’s tape or mauvulus tape down on an old chalkboard or whiteboard. Then, use Better Than Paper Tape or hot glue on top of the painter’s tape to hang without damage to the surface underneath.

What about attaching Better Than Paper to metal surfaces?

To attach Better Than Paper to a magnetically-receptive surface, such as a metal door or some whiteboards, simply attach magnets to the Better Than Paper with hot glue, then stick it to your surface.

How do I attach Better Than Paper to a brick wall?

Use hot glue to attach it to a brick wall. The glue sticks well but peels off easily when you’re ready to take it down. Alternatively, you can use adhesive wall mounting strips (such as Velcro Command strips) to secure the bulletin board paper into place.

What size is each roll?

Each standard-sized Better Than Paper Bulletin Board Paper roll measures 4 ft. x 12 ft., while our Fun Size rolls measure 18 in. x 12 ft.

Is Better Than Paper reusable?

Yes! You can roll it up to avoid creases and wrinkles and reuse each school year, saving money for essential supplies or new themed decor.

What can I use to write on it?

You can use dry-erase markers or liquid chalk markers to write on Better Than Paper.

How do I clean it?

Better Than Paper cleans easily with a damp cloth, so you can use it in high-traffic areas without it looking dingy. Plus, you can also wipe it clean with disinfectant as well, to prevent the spread of germs.

Is Better Than Paper durable?

Yes, it’s made from a thick, fabric-like material that resists tears, rips, and wrinkles. But unlike fabric, Better Than Paper cuts easily with scissors. Simply lay it out flat, trace the cut lines on the back using a ruler or yard stick, and cut along the lines when to customize your size.

Does Better Than Paper show staple holes?

Nope. Pin and staple holes disappear, so you can swap out and reposition decor until its just right.

Will Better Than Paper fade?

No, unlike traditional bulletin board paper and cloth, Better Than Paper colors stay vibrant and avoid fading in the sun. It’s a great choice for sunny learning spaces with lots of natural light.

Is it fire-safe?

Yes! Better Than Paper has been tested, and is not considered to be a flammable solid material according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission 16 CFR 1500.3(c)(6)(vi).

Does Better Than Paper work in hot and humid settings?

You bet. Better Than Paper is heat resistant, so it doesn’t warp, curl, or rip. It’s great near sunny areas or in humid classrooms.

What if it gets wet?

Not a problem! Better Than Paper is water resistant, so it’s perfect to use in sensory areas, sinks, or near water tables. If your classroom leaks on a rainy day, it will hold up (and protect whatever is hiding behind it).

Where can I buy Better Than Paper?

You can purchase Better Than Paper on the Teacher Created Resources website or at your favorite teacher supply store.

Bulletin Board Ideas, Classroom Management, Teacher Resources

Calm Down Corner Ideas

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Research shows that when students can name their feelings and utilize effective emotional regulation strategies, their relationships with teachers and peers improve, their academic engagement improves, and they’re more likely to have better learning outcomes.

Emotional Regulation in the Classroom

Give students a head start on identifying their emotions and self-regulation with a classroom calm down corner. A calm down corner, sometimes called a mindfulness corner, is a dedicated classroom space where children can go to help them manage big emotions, such as anxiety, sadness, and anger.

Going to the calm down corner must be voluntary—forcing a child to isolate themselves is more punitive than helpful, especially when they’re feeling overwhelmed. Instead, focus on creating a space that feels safe and comforting to any student experiencing big feelings.

Creating a Tranquil Calm Down Corner

Appeal to every student by creating a space with the coziest, most relaxing vibes you can create in a school space. Use soft blankets, squishy stuffies, and fuzzy pillows to add textural elements that help calm racing minds and anxious bodies.  

Opt for soft lighting, such as twinkle lights, for a visually soothing ambiance. If you have harsh overhead lights in your classroom, consider covering them with removable ceiling light filters to remove harsh glares.

Positive posters and welcoming signage can help foster a sense of belonging, which can mitigate the isolation felt by overwhelmed students. Choose a poster pack or bulletin board set with colors and artwork that you feel would resonate with your students and complement your current classroom aesthetic. 

Building Focus Through Stimulation

Stimulation is necessary for emotional regulation for many children, including those with neurodivergence. Relaxing music, nature sounds, or white noise can block out startling environmental noises and help lower stress so students can focus on classroom tasks. Tactile fidgets and sensory toys can help bring students out of their head and into their body by providing an outlet for extra energy. Engrossing books offer another quiet way for students to relax enough to re-engage with their classmates.

Improving Outcomes for Every Student

When students are equipped with the tools and strategies they need to successfully manage their big feelings, they’re able to stay connected to teachers and classmates, return to a calm emotional state more quickly, and participate in class effectively. All of this helps ensure that every child achieves better learning experiences and outcomes, making school more effective for all students.