New York is a fun and interesting state, but not many students around the United States will know much about the particulars of New York. Even some students who call New York home will not be well versed in its history. Therefore, many American primary school teachers have the responsibility of teaching their students about the 50 states that make up the Union. Although teaching about these individual states is a daunting task in itself, you can make your life easier by using one of the most underrated educational tools in the classroom - the bulletin board.

The following instructions will help you create a bulletin board themed with New York, but you can use these instructions for other topics and themes of your choice.

1. Decorating the board

You will need borders and trim on hand. You will also need a lightweight sheet of colored paper. Cut the colored paper to size so that it fits comfortably over the bulletin board. Then, use a stapler to attach the paper to the board. When that is done, you can then cut the trim to size. The trim can be purchased online at educational supplies stores, or you can take a visit to your local arts and crafts stores. Generally, teaching supply stores will have them on hand. They are inexpensive if you choose to buy them, but they are also easy to make.

2. Finding information

The researching process is always a difficult one. However, you can also encourage your students to help you with the process so that they can learn how to research, too. Give them questions and guidelines that will help guide their search. Lead them to the appropriate websites.

Which events have shaped New York's history?

If New York City was the first capital of the United States, why was it changed?

How was New York important for immigrants in America's early history, and how is it important now?

Your students should also garner fun facts. These can keep people interested in the bulletin board.

Pictures are also requirements of this type of project. Although you can cut pictures to size and attach them directly to the board, it might be a better idea to glue the picture onto heavier colored paper and then trim that paper to size.

3. Sharing information

Once the bulletin board is finished, it's time to go over the information with your students. Make sure that the bulletin board has a working title. You can print one out or you can cut out letters and arrange them in a whimsical fashion. A good title might be, "New York: Wonders from 1788 to the Present."

Resources

1. The History Channel

2. The Business Council of NYS

Learn more about this author, Joan Inong.
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