Easy Back to School Bulletin Board (Free) Just Print and Assemble!

July 8, 2025


Looking for a back-to-school bulletin board that’s easy, meaningful, and totally done for you?

Whether you're teaching elementary, middle school, or any grade in between, this free printable bulletin board is here to save you hours during classroom setup. With a goal-setting theme, easy-to-follow directions, and creative extension ideas, this display works for the first day of school or can stay up all year long.

Let’s walk through everything you need to make it happen—with free downloads, assembly tips, and interactive ideas included.



What’s the Theme?

The bulletin board is built around a simple but powerful idea:
“This Year’s To-Do List.”

At the center of the display is a large, bold poster with this message—and surrounding it are pre-designed notes like:

-  Show compassion
-  Try something new
-  Think outside the box
-  Believe in yourself

The tasks are universal and work in any classroom—they’re just as meaningful for a group of 5th graders as they are for 8th or 9th grade students. Teachers love that it encourages a positive classroom culture while doubling as goal-setting inspiration.



What Teachers Love Most

✔ Print-and-go format —no extra prep, no stress
✔ Flexible —works for back to school, open house, or year-round decor
✔ Universal —fits any grade level, subject, or classroom style
✔ Creative —offers options for interaction, reflection, and student voice
✔ FREE —and part of the More Summer, Less Planning series to help you reclaim your summer!

Step-by-Step Bulletin Board Assembly

Click HERE to download everything you need: the poster pages, task notes, optional border pieces, and ideas.

Here’s how to set up your board in under 30 minutes:


Step 1: Print the Poster Pages

The main poster is spread across 9 standard printer pages. Print them in color (or black and white on colored paper for a bold look). Line up the pages and tape them together from the back to create your full-sized “This Year’s To-Do List” poster. You can laminate it if you want to reuse it year after year.



Step 2: Print & Cut the Task Notes
Choose the task notes you want to display (there are extras!), print them, and cut them out. Mount them on bright paper for added pop.



Step 3: Print and cut the border pieces
Bulletin border pieces are included if you'd like to use them. They have a checkmark style to go with the theme. If you'd like to add them to your bulletin board, just print and cut them out.



Step 4: Print and cut the border pieces
Get your bulletin board ready by stapling down background paper and a fun border around the edges.


Step 5: Staple poster to the board.
Staple the large "To Do List" poster you created to the center of the bulletin board.


Step 6: Staple tasks around the poster
Staple the tasks around the center poster in any order. Mount them on bright colored paper if you'd like them to pop.



Creative Tips & Teacher Ideas

Want to make the most of your bulletin board? Try one of these classroom-tested twists:

Make it interactive:
Give each student a sticky note and have them add a personal goal around the to-do list on the first day of school.

Use it as a year-long theme:
Choose one task each week or month to focus on. Highlight student actions that match that goal.

Resize it to fit your space:
Use your copier’s settings to shrink or enlarge the poster or task notes. You can even print multiple pages per sheet to make a mini version for a classroom door or small space.

Add color and texture:
Mount each piece on colorful paper, use wrapping paper or butcher paper for the background, or add clothespins for a 3D effect.



Grab the Free Bulletin Board Kit

Ready to save time and start the year with purpose?
👉 Click here to download the full bulletin board kit for free!

It’s just one part of my More Summer, Less Planning series made to help teachers reclaim their time and start the year stress-free.

Let this be one thing you don’t have to add to your to-do list!

Thanks for stopping by!

Mary Beth

P.S. Have you seen these classroom mood boards??? They're so inspiring!





 


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