The Bulletin Board Photo Hack Every Teacher Needs

As teachers, we know our classroom is our stage, and every good show depends on seamless transitions and setups. Perhaps as we head into the new year, better organization for our classroom is one of our goals—we can all agree on its importance! Yet, even the most meticulous planner can face those pesky hiccups that disrupt a well-organized classroom. So, what’s your game plan when you need a quick change? Enter a smart solution from Amy B.

The hack: Include photos of your bulletin boards in the bulletin board storage so they’re easy to find the next time you set them up—especially if you outsource!

Librarian and reading teacher Amy B. has developed a clever strategy to keep her room visually engaging with minimal fuss. Her straightforward yet ingenious bulletin board photo hack ensures quick and consistent setups, no matter who is assembling them—whether it’s you, a substitute, or a helpful volunteer.

What’s the bulletin board photo hack?

Amy describes her hack as a time-saving treasure. By taking photos of her bulletin board displays once set up and noting the month and year, she creates a visual and practical reference for annual reuse. While elementary teachers often see immediate benefits from frequent bulletin board use, we encourage secondary teachers to adopt this practice as well. Regular updates to bulletin board themes can keep the learning environment fresh for older students.

What does it look like in the classroom?

Amy B. has shared how this simple hack looks in her library:

For this bulletin board, you can easily rotate in new award-winning book covers each year.

Amy’s strategy is a practical and appealing way to manage classroom decor. Consistency and time are at a premium in our classrooms, so here are some tips to set up your own bulletin board photo storage:

1. Snap a photo: Once your bulletin board is set up and displayed as you like it, take a clear picture.
2. Label and store: Print the photo, then attach it to the folder or envelope where you store your bulletin board materials. Label it with the month and year for easy future reference. Bonus tip: Use clear packing materials to store your bulletin board items. This allows you to quickly identify the contents without having to open each one!
3. Reuse and recycle: When setting up the board again, refer to the photo for a quick and hassle-free setup. And …
4. Involve your students! I can’t forget my favorite part of this hack. Involve your students in setting up the bulletin boards! And if there’s ever downtime and a student wants to help, enlist them for this task. It’s a great way to build rapport and better connect students to their classroom community.

We think you’ll love this hack!

This hack saves time, ensures consistency, and preserves your creative efforts for future use. Anyone can step in and set up the display just as you would, promoting a seamless setup! Why not add this layer of efficiency to your classroom management toolkit, especially as we all consider those New Year’s resolutions? Try this out for an easy classroom hack with minimal effort, allowing us to focus on what we really want to do—teach!

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