Introduction
Game-themed bulletin boards can be used in a variety of settings, from the classroom to the boardroom. In the classroom, they can be used to enhance instruction and engage students more deeply in their learning experience. They could feature images or artwork based on the content that students are studying, or prompt them with questions to trigger critical thinking skills and conversation. Game-themed bulletin boards might also demonstrate game logic by providing an interactive experience that allows students to compare strategies as they learn how to tackle problems.
In a business setting, game-themed bulletin boards can also be used to create a collaborative and creative work environment. Use them to educate employees on important topics such as company policies, objectives and procedures. For example, create a Jeopardy-like board featuring various key concepts that encourages employees to interact and think critically about the core elements of your organization. This can help people understand protocols quickly due to the engaging nature of game-style learning. Additionally, create visually stimulating displays that allow for brainstorming communities or even just playful activities for a break from daily routines or repetitive tasks.
Types of Games That Can Be Used for Bulletin Boards
Game themed bulletin boards are an engaging way to bring a fun atmosphere into classrooms, offices, and other learning environments. There are many different types of board games that can be adapted to use with bulletin boards:
• Traditional Board Games ” Popular traditional board games such as Monopoly, Scrabble, and Clue can be used in creative ways on the bulletin board. For example, cards or pieces from the game may be affixed to the board itself with Velcro pieces. Alternatively, game rules can also be highlighted on the board with a border of colorful paper around it; this allows players to easily reference the rules while playing on-campus or off.
• Word Puzzles ” Create a crossword puzzle using words associated with the subject matter of your discussion (history topics for an American history class, for example). Then post clues or answers related to those words on the bulletin board. This will help reinforce subject learning in an engaging way.
• Hangman ” Since most learners are familiar with this classic game, it’s sure to draw attention. Post specific lesson related words such as terms and definitions (used in math class), foreign language vocabulary (in French class), or individual elements of literature (in a modern literature class) on your bulletin board and have students guess letters one by one in order to build out the full word before “Hangman” becomes complete.
• Trivia Games ” Posting questions about certain topics onto a poster can encourage learners to review their material daily as they contemplate answers or browse online for extra information that could potentially aid them in guessing correctly. Bragging rights could also accompany this type of game so everyone wins!
Creating Themes and Color Schemes
When creating a game-themed bulletin board, one of the most important elements are the colours. The colour scheme can play a big role in creating the atmosphere and conveying the theme of the boards. To create the desired look for a game-themed bulletin board, consider using popular colour schemes like primary colours, monochromatic, or rainbow. Primary colours usually consist of red, yellow, and blue and is ideal for giving a vibrant look to your bulletin boards. Monochromatic uses only one base colour but with varying shades of that single hue to give a stunning range of contrast. Rainbow is an incredibly bright option as it includes all shades of the spectrum to give off an energetic vibe!
Materials Required for Game Themed Bulletin Boards
Materials required for making game-themed bulletin boards can typically be found in art and stationary stores, as well as larger retail outlets. Bulletin board fabric can be purchased in a variety of colors and textures to suit the design. For example, green felt or a red mesh fabric could be used for background colour of a Sudoku based bulletin board. Additionally, binder clips, push pins and thumb tacks may be useful for mounting the wall surface and materials to the board. Alternatively, adhesive Velcro strips are another relatively cheap means of attaching all sorts of objects (e.g. character pieces) to the bulletin board with minimal fuss. Lastly, 3M Command products are often helpful for adorning walls with game boards and rules pamphlets without damaging walls or leaving unwanted residue when the boards need to be removed at a later date.
Ideas and Inspiration
Game-themed bulletin boards can be a fun and interactive way to engage students. An example of a game-themed bulletin board could feature a Mario-style level setting, with colorful posters and visuals of elements from the game such as mushrooms, enemies, characters, and more. The bulletin board can be used as a learning tool to help students better understand the material they’re studying by constructing problems or facts related to the game on it. For example, if you’re teaching math lessons related to fractions or percents, you could create images in your Mario themed bulletin board of characters representing different fraction or percentages values (e.g., Luigi for 25%, 10 coins for 10%). You could even use colored paper cutouts/shapes arranged around the board to designate certain math equations or other topics.
Another way to use a game-themed bulletin board is as an incentive system for positive behaviors like attendance and academics. For detailed examples on how this works, check out websites that offer “gamification” ideas such as Classdojo or Tribes Learning Communities where teachers organize goals and rewards into levels similar to those found in video games. The levels are unlocked when students meet specific criteria such as perfect attendance or straight A’s so they can receive rewards ranging from verbal recognition all throughout some prizes like books to electronic gadgets! Students will be amazed by participating in this kind of fun activities while growing their learning physically and mentally!
Constructing The Board
One common way to create a game board shape on a bulletin board is to use construction paper. Cut the construction paper into shapes such as squares, circles or rectangles that together form the game board pattern of your choice. Glue or use tape to secure these shapes onto an uncolored background on your bulletin board (you can also tint a white background in colors of your liking). Then, you may choose to add markers such as blank pieces of cardstock cut in various shapes painted with glitter vinyl letters and numbers that indicate the various starting positions. Once those items are set you can even outline the whole border of the board with strips of silver- or gold-colored ribbon which would look really nice! Finally, you may wish to accessorize it further using stencils embellished with either acrylic paints or markers for any final touches.
Finishing Touches
Paint markers are a great option for labelling and messaging in game themed bulletin boards. The bright colors used in most of the markers make a bold statement that can easily draw attention to whatever it is you want people to see. They also come with different tips, which makes them ideal for creating both straight lines and curved fonts, making it easier to accurately display text for particular game themes.
Vinyl or adhesive letters also work well for labelling and messaging since they don’t require any actual drawing on the board itself. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing you to create beautiful lettering that fits your game theme perfectly. It’s important to watch out for air bubbles when applying these types of decals, as they can quickly spoil an otherwise flawless design.
Finally, fabric letters provide a softer touch than their counterparts listed above. Fabric letters are perfect for more whimsical designs, particularly those with complicated shapes and designs due to their flexibility. They often have a 3D effect that really stands out on bulletin boards without taking away from the overall decorative scheme. When attaching them however, be sure not to forget the adhesive underneath ” it’s necessary to ensure the letters remain attached even when touched or bumped into!
Conclusion
Rotating materials and adding fresh content can help to extend the life of any game themed bulletin board. Start by creating a “game store” for students that allows them to check out games and accessories such as dice, pieces, pawns, etc… When introducing new material, create headings that contain specific instructions regarding the rules of engagement for each type of game. As the board evolves after time has passed, switch out the materials that have been used frequently with related items from other categories (i.e., card games, board games) – this way you can keep things interesting and engaging for students. Lastly, include posters that feature significant figures in gaming history or short stories about winners and their victories to give your bulletin board momentum and innovation.
I love playing all kinds of games – from classics like Monopoly to modern favourites like Ticket to Ride.
I created this blog as a way to share my love of board games with others, and provide information on the latest releases and news in the industry.
