Flannel graphs help tell a story by adding elements as the story is told. Use a flannel storyboard to tell nursery rhymes. A solid-colored background in a neutral color is a good start for nursery rhyme stories. You may also consider a background that is blue on the top half and green on the bottom to indicate the sky and the grass. Rhymes like "Humpy Dumpty" can be created on a flannel graph by using white felt to create an egg shape and red felt to create a brick wall. Include another Humpty Dumpty that is cracked, as the rhyme states. Other preschool topics for flannel graphs include the alphabet and shapes. Teaching colors can be done by creating felt squares in all the primary and secondary colors, and putting them on the flannel graph. Teach counting by adding felt balloons one at a time to the board. You can write numbers on each balloon to reinforce the concept.
Public schools can use flannel storyboards to teach various academic subjects. Teach students about the weather and seasons by creating appropriate images for a flannel graph. Use yellow felt to make a sun and white felt to create clouds. Make raindrops, snowflakes and dark storm clouds to show various weather situations. The same can be done to teach the seasons. A spring flower, hot summer sun, fall leaf and a white snowflake can all be used to teach students about the seasons. More advanced students can learn about the human body by first placing a skeleton on the board, followed by organs, muscles and by placing a final layer on the board which shows the person with skin, hair and clothes.
Christian schools can use flannel graph storyboards to tell stories from scripture. The story of creation can be told with flannel graph images. Start with a blank flannel background. Add land and water masses, stars, a sun and moon as the story indicates. As the story progresses through the days of creation, add plants, animals, and finally Adam and Eve. Use a flannel graph to teach children about the birth of Christ at Christmas and about His death and resurrection at Easter. Christian schools can also use flannel storyboards to teach about Christian principles and morals. The Ten Commandments can be illustrated by painting or using permanent markers to draw a visual for each of the commandments on felt. Add each felt piece as you talk about each of the Commandments.
Aside from teaching stories from literature and history, students from preschool, public school and Christian schools can write their own story. Have children write the story and illustrate it with pieces of felt. Another option is to have students create an autobiography using the flannel graph. They can create a self-portrait out of felt and even create their entire family. The student's house, pet and an image to represent a hobby can all be made out of felt. Home-school families can make use of a flannel graph storyboard as a teaching tool. Sunday school teachers and church leaders can also use flannel storyboards to illustrate their lessons for children.