Aptly named the Mount Rushmore State, South Dakota is home to a beautiful landscape and an intriguing part of American history. Even though Mount Rushmore has made this state somewhat famous, many American students are still not able to say much about the state itself. And, if you are an American teacher, this may be dismaying. After all, it is important for all American students to know at least some of each of the 50 states' histories. In order to do this, you can easily utilize a teaching tool that may be accumulating papers right now: your bulletin board.

The bulletin board is not just for newsletters and advertisements anymore. In fact, bulletin boards are becoming active participants in the road to better teaching, and you do not even have to change your lesson plans to accommodate this important teaching tool.

First, you will need to decorate the bulletin board. This is perhaps the part that many students love best. You may print out trim or borders from online websites that offer templates, or you can purchase the bulletin board trim from online retailers and from your local teaching supplies store. Always use thumbtacks to attach anything to the bulletin board, though staples can also work great.

Next, you will need to gather the information necessary to fill up the bulletin board. This part may be reserved for your students, who will need to know the process of research anyway. Guide them to the necessary websites and ask them the appropriate questions. For example, why was Mount Rushmore built? What importance does South Dakota play in the United States economy?

Fun facts are also useful in creating a much broader, and much more interesting, depiction of South Dakota. After all, all young children will appreciate fun facts such as: Pierre, South Dakota is the only example of a state and capital in the U.S. that don't share any letters (1). When writing these fun facts, use bulleted sentences to create an illusion of space in order to facilitate reading.

Last but not least, add pictures to the mix. The following resources will give you access to images that you can print out. You may also photocopy pictures from textbooks and magazines. When you are done with the bulletin board, make sure that you add a title, too. Using cut out letters is best (either handmade or store-bought).

Resources

1. Legends of America

2. The History Channel

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