Ever walk into a classroom at the end of the school year and just feel the summer energy buzzing in the air? The crayons are stubby, the glue sticks are nearly dry, and the kids are halfway out the door in their minds—dreaming of popsicles and pool days.
This is exactly the time when a bright, fun summer bulletin board can be a total game changer.
Whether you’re a preschool teacher juggling sticky fingers or an elementary teacher wrapping up the last unit, the right bulletin board doesn’t just decorate your classroom—it sets the mood, sparks creativity, and keeps kids engaged (yes, even in June!).
So I’ve gathered my favorite summer bulletin board ideas that have either worked for me, for friends in the teaching trenches, or ones I’d totally try if I had a blank board and some fresh pushpins.
Let’s jump in!
1. “Our Future Is Bright!” – Sunglasses + Student Goals
You’ll need:
- Bright colored paper
- Cutouts of sunglasses
- Black construction paper (for the lenses)
- Student headshots (optional but adorable)
Each student writes one thing they’re proud of this year—or one thing they’re looking forward to in the next grade—on the sunglasses. Display them around a smiling sun or a catchy message like: “Our Future’s So Bright, We Gotta Wear Shades!”
Tip: Add reflective silver foil paper for a real sunglass lens effect. It’s a hit every time.
2. “Diving Into Summer Reading” – Book-Loving Beach Vibes
Perfect for encouraging summer reading habits!
What you’ll need:
- Blue paper for water
- Beach towels, umbrellas, and swim gear (paper cutouts, of course)
- Book covers or student-favorite titles
- Students’ written book recommendations
Each student draws themselves “floating” on the water reading their favorite book. You can use speech bubbles to let them say what they loved about it.
This board turns into a reading list for the whole class!
3. “Sizzling Summer Science” – For STEM Teachers
Yes, you can make bulletin boards AND STEM go together—hear me out.
Feature mini science experiments or facts about summer-themed topics like:
- Why ice melts
- How sunscreen works
- The lifecycle of a butterfly
- Photosynthesis in summer plants
Add real-world trivia, QR codes to YouTube experiment links, or student drawings of the experiments. It’s educational and eye-catching!
4. “We’re All A-Buzz About Summer!” – Bee Theme
Use this one when you’re pressed for time but still want major cuteness.
- Cut out a bunch of bees (you can get creative with stripes and googly eyes)
- Let students write what they’re buzzing about this summer: “Going camping!” “Grandma’s house!” “No homework!”
Title: “We’re All A-Buzz About Summer!”
Stick the bees on a bright yellow honeycomb background. Boom—adorable and personalized.
5. “Poppin’ Into Summer” – Popcorn or Popsicle Fun
This one’s a sweet treat! You can go two ways:
Option A: Popcorn
Use real popcorn bags (the flat paper kind) and stuff them with yellow crumpled paper. Have kids write what they’ve “popped” into learning this year.
Option B: Popsicles
Cut out colorful popsicles and write names or end-of-year memories on each one. Add the title: “Poppin’ Into Summer Fun!”
Bonus tip: Use scented markers to give the popsicles “flavors.” The kids will sniff them all week. (Ask me how I know!)
6. “Hello Summer, Goodbye ___” – Reflect & Celebrate
This one hits different. Especially if you’re sentimental like me.
Title the board: “Goodbye [Grade/Year/Class Name], Hello Summer!”
Have students write one thing they’re saying goodbye to (like “my reading buddy” or “math struggles”) and one thing they’re saying hello to (“playing outside,” “swimming,” “vacation with Dad”).
It’s a great reflective tool and wraps up the year beautifully.
7. Preschool Special: “We’re One in a Melon!”
Honestly, preschool bulletin boards can be as sweet and simple as your students.
- Use watermelon slices with each child’s name or photo.
- Add the pun: “We’re One in a Melon!”
Let them paint or color their own watermelons if you want to keep tiny hands busy. Parents love this one for end-of-year open house days!
8. “Summer Bucket List” – Literally Buckets!
A more interactive idea for upper elementary.
Create paper “buckets” and fill them with student-created lists:
- 3 things I want to do this summer
- 1 new thing I’ll try
- 1 person I want to spend more time with
Display them like a wall of colorful sand pails. This one’s personal and makes a great writing activity.
9. “Camp Kindergarten/First Grade/etc.” – Let’s Go Glamping
If you’re doing summer camp themes, go all in.
Think tents, marshmallows, faux campfires, and stars. Students can decorate their own tents or write “camp logs” about what they learned this year.
Title ideas:
- “Camp Kindergarten: Where Learning Was an Adventure!”
- “S’more Ready for Summer!”
Decorate with burlap, craft sticks, or even fake leaves if you want to be extra.
10. “Catch You Later!” – Fish or Beach Theme
End the year on a beachy note with fish or ocean animals, each representing a student.
Use a phrase like:
- “Catch You Later, Alligator!”
- “School’s Out—Let’s Make Waves!”
This works great with preschool all the way up to third grade. You can even tie it into an ocean unit.
FAQs – Real Questions Teachers Ask About Summer Bulletin Boards
Q1: How early should I put up a summer-themed bulletin board?
A: I usually switch to summer boards about 3–4 weeks before the last day of school. It helps shift the mood and keep the energy fun (and manageable) during those last wild weeks.
Q2: What’s a quick bulletin board idea if I’m short on time?
A: The “We’re One in a Melon” or “A-Buzz About Summer” boards are fast, fun, and super easy to personalize.
Q3: Can I make my bulletin board interactive for summer?
A: Absolutely! Try a “Summer Bucket List” where students fill out slips to pin, or a “Book Recommendation” board where they flip up flaps to see what classmates are reading.
Summer bulletin boards don’t need to be Pinterest-perfect or take hours to craft. What matters most is that they reflect your students, your classroom memories, and the energy you want to send them off with.
Whether you go for beach vibes, camp scenes, or sweet fruit puns, the message is the same: “You did it. And now, you’re ready to soak up the sun.”
🌞 Which idea are you going to try this year? Or do you have a summer bulletin board go-to I should know about? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for fresh inspiration!