Have you ever walked past a classroom bulletin board and stopped because it was so cheerful, clever, or downright adorable? Yeah—same here. As a teacher (or maybe a parent or volunteer), you know that a bright, themed board can instantly lift the energy of any classroom or hallway. And let’s be honest—summer-themed boards are some of the most fun to create.
Whether you’re prepping your summer school classroom, getting ready for the final term, or just want to sprinkle in some sunshine and creativity, these summer board ideas for school are here to help. I’ve rounded up 21 of the most creative, colorful, and easy-to-DIY ideas that’ll bring smiles to little faces (and yours too).
Let’s jump in—no hot glue gun burns required. ☀️
1. “Catch the Wave of Learning”
Think surfboards, waves, and sunshine. Cut out mini surfboards with students’ names or goals written on them. Add a blue paper wave background and some beach balls. Perfect for summer school motivation!
2. “We’re Popping into Summer”
Use popcorn cutouts or real popcorn bags. Each kernel or bag can display a student’s name, a goal, or a summer-themed fact. Bonus: Add 3D effects with crumpled yellow paper for a real “pop” look!
3. “Our Future’s So Bright, We Gotta Wear Shades”
Add sunglasses with reflective foil or shiny paper. Let students design their own “shades” and write one thing they’re looking forward to. This one is always a hit and looks super cool on the wall.
4. “One in a Melon”
Melons, especially watermelon, scream summer. Use slices with names, fun facts, or compliments for each student. It’s sweet, inclusive, and oh-so-colorful.
5. “Sizzling Into Summer” BBQ Board
Create a faux barbecue grill with felt or construction paper. Add paper burgers, hot dogs, and condiments with messages like “Hot Reads” or “Grill Goals.” You can even turn it into a mini summer reading board.
6. “Let’s Taco ’Bout Summer”
A little taco pun never hurt anyone. Use tacos filled with student-written wishes, memories, or plans. This board is as spicy (or mild) as you make it.
7. “Diving Into Summer Learning”
Decorate with snorkels, goggles, fish, and ocean waves. Students can write one skill they’re diving deeper into. It’s especially great if your school runs summer enrichment programs.
8. “Under the Sea of Creativity”
This one’s fun if you love underwater themes. Jellyfish made from tissue paper, fish with sparkly scales, and coral cutouts make this a 3D masterpiece.
9. “We’re on a Roll This Summer” (Sushi Theme)
Yes—SUSHI. It’s unexpected and kids love it. Roll out some construction paper sushi, with each student’s name as the filling. Add soy sauce puns if you’re feeling extra.
10. “Sail Into Summer”
Create boats or ships, each with a student’s name or summer learning goal. Blue wave backgrounds and seagull cutouts bring it all together.
11. “Summer Bucket List” Board
Give each student a mini “bucket” (paper pail) to decorate. Inside, they can write 3–5 things they want to do this summer. It’s interactive and makes a great send-off board.
12. “Bee Cool This Summer”
Bees, flowers, and plenty of puns. “Buzzing into summer,” “Bee your best,” “Bee happy”—take your pick. Add honeycomb backgrounds for extra texture.
13. “Ice Cream Dreams”
Who doesn’t love ice cream? Create cone cutouts with paper scoops stacked high. Students can write goals or reflections on each scoop. Cherry on top? Literally add cherries.
14. “You’re Sunsational!”
Each student gets a sun with rays coming out. On the rays, write positive affirmations or highlights from the school year. It’s a feel-good board that radiates (pun intended).
15. “Camp Learn-A-Lot”
Go full summer camp: tents, trees, a “campfire” with fake flames. Add logs with students’ learning achievements or favorite memories from the year.
16. “Sweet Summer Reads”
Perfect for libraries or classrooms with reading corners. Each book title or student favorite is added to a popsicle stick or ice cream cone. This one screams summer and literacy.
17. “Flip-Flopping Into Summer”
Use colorful flip-flop cutouts. Each pair can have a fun message, student’s name, or a photo. Bonus if you add clothespins and string to hang them like a “laundry line” of shoes.
18. “Summer Is ‘S’more’ Fun with Friends”
This one’s for friendship, team-building, and wrapping up the year with warm feelings. Add paper graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate squares. Let students write kind messages to each other!
19. “Bloom and Grow All Summer Long”
Flowers, leaves, and vines take over this board. Each flower can represent a student, with petals listing strengths or summer wishes. It’s bright, natural, and lovely.
20. “Adventure Awaits” Travel Theme
Create a passport or globe-themed board with luggage tags, mini planes, or road signs. This one is great for encouraging exploration and curiosity over the summer break.
21. “Sun, Sand, and Success!”
A classic beach board with sandcastles, sunglasses, towels, and more. Let each student draw or color their own part of the beach. It turns into a collaborative mural of memories.
Tips for Making Your Summer Board Stand Out
Here’s what I’ve learned (often the hard way) when it comes to bulletin boards:
- Layer your paper: A sky-blue backdrop plus sand or grass layers instantly adds dimension.
- Use double-sided tape or Velcro for pieces you might want to move around.
- Let students help: They love contributing, and it becomes more meaningful.
- Add textures: Tissue paper, foil, fabric, and even bubble wrap make boards more tactile and fun.
- Reuse old supplies: Leftover birthday party decorations? Use them. Scrapbook stickers? Use them.
FAQs About Summer Board Ideas for School
1. How early should I put up a summer bulletin board?
I usually start prepping the board 2–3 weeks before summer break. It gives students something to look forward to and keeps the energy up during the end-of-year rush.
2. What themes work best for younger grades?
Anything with animals, food, or bright colors tends to win with younger kids. Think bees, ice cream, watermelons, and sea creatures.
3. Can these boards be used for summer school, too?
Absolutely! Many of these are perfect for summer programs and can be easily adapted to fit academic themes (like “Summer of Science” or “Reading Under the Stars”).
Creating summer board ideas for school doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. With a little creativity (and maybe a glue stick stuck to your finger), you can transform your space into something that sparks joy, encourages learning, and celebrates your students.
Pick a theme that makes you smile—and your energy will shine through every cutout, pun, and paper popsicle.