Student Generated Bulletin Boards

(submitted by Monica)

I use seasonal themes.  Each month I put up blank piece of roll paper on a large portion of my bulletin board wall.  I have a small table with chairs by it.  On this table I have cut-outs from the lettering machine or photocopied items, and a set of instructions.  When I see a student  following rules, participating nicely, etc., I may ask them to go put a cut-out up.  Students go to the table and follow the directions.  I may ask them to draw a particular rhythm note we are studying and sign their name on the item.  Sometimes, I may ask them to draw a music staff on their cut-out and draw line or space notes, or melodic patterns using notes we are learning.  Students then glue their work on the bulletin board paper.  I have crayons, markers and glue sticks on the table as well, so they can decorate their creations.  It takes them 3-5 minutes.  You wouldn't believe how quiet everyone else gets.  They all want to go put one up!  I usually call them up in groups of four's.  It really encourages them to do well, because they want to do something special. I use this all year, and make sure everyone has a chance. Every time they come to music they potentially have a chance.  Below I'll list what seasonal items I use.

August-  BACK TO SCHOOL school bus cut-outs (draw a note and sign your name)
September-  Fall into music leaves
October-  Jazzy Pumpkins orange pumpkins 
November-  Turkey Tunes turkey feathers (I put up a large turkey body, and students add their musical feathers.)
December-  O Christmas Tree paper ornaments (I put large, green Christmas trees up. Students decorate with their musical ornaments.
January-  Let is Snow!  (snowflakes)
February-  We Love Music  (hearts)
March- Hop into Music (bunnies)
April- A Shower of Music (raindrops) I put up a large umbrella above the board.
May- Music is in Full Bloom  (flowers)
June-  Time to Celebrate  (balloons)

The student's work is really beautiful.  I'll be taking pictures this year!  It may sound like it could be disruptive to the rest of the class, but it really isn't.  We just keep working while they're are putting  things up.