There are numerous reasons why you may use a bulletin board in your classroom. You might rely on bulletin board space to post student work and hang up posters and pictures that align with the theme or unit you are teaching. You can also use your bulletin boards to create engaging activities for your preschoolers. When preschoolers are able to participate in the construction and use of a bulletin board, they are more likely to become engaged in the lessons you are teaching. Your completed bulletin boards might also act as a reminder to help your students remember what they already have learned.
Prepare your bulletin board ahead of time. Cover the entire surface with colored construction or butcher paper. Hang a border over the colored paper to further enhance the visual appearance of your bulletin board. Many teacher supply and office stores sell themed borders, and you might be able to find one with pictures of tools or simple machines on it. Hang a creative title at the top of your bulletin board, such as "Preschoolers Know How to Tool Around," or "Caution: Preschoolers at Work."
The main components of your bulletin board will help teach your unit on tools and simple machines. Begin the unit by hanging large pictures of common tools and simple machines, such as a hammer, screwdriver, nail, a can opener and pair of scissors. Have your preschoolers describe each picture as you tell them the name of each item. Toward the middle of the unit, take the pictures down and replace them with an interactive game. Staple several large envelopes to your bulletin board, leaving the top flap open. Slip a picture of a tool or simple machine into each envelope. On a piece of paper, write one or two clues about the contents of each envelope and attach it to the front. Gather your preschoolers into a large group. Read each clue and invite your students to guess what item is in the envelope. When you get a correct answer, show the preschoolers the item. Play the game for several days in a row to build recognition of each item.
Print black and white pictures of tools and simple machines off the Internet or copy them out of a coloring book. Encourage your students to color them and display them on your bulletin board in place of commercially produced pictures. Tie a piece of heavy string around several tools and simple machines. Staple each string to the bottom of the bulletin board to give your preschoolers a chance to touch and examine each item. Display any artwork your preschoolers create throughout the unit on your bulletin board as well.