Yes, I teach 5th grade and I still put up a family board! Building a classroom community is important at whatever grade level you teach. Students feel apart when they see themselves represented in their classroom. Having a picture of their family says that you care about them and their family! You care about them as a WHOLE Child, not just their education needs.

Here’s how to create your own family boards!

I start with sending a note home asking for a photo. You can make your own or get my free family picture parent note below! If we have an Open House or a Meet and Greet, I try to take pictures of families. Some families aren’t as picture crazy as I am! That usually ensures I have at least one photo of each family.

Once we have all of the family notes, I like to decorate a bulletin board with some cute decorations and then add the family photos! These clips work great for easily adding your photos without damaging them.

Students will love seeing their families on the wall (especially if they are having some back-to-school jitters). Throughout the year I add pictures to our board of us in class and the activities we do together. It grows like our class community. We become a family!

Once a Taylor Kid, Always a Taylor Kid!

Here are some different family boards I have had in the past!

This is a great visual of who we are as a class and helps students feel that they belong and are loved at school.

Want some more ways to build your classroom community? Here are some ideas!

• Create a joint reward for students to work towards. This will encourage them to work together as a team!
• Have morning meetings. Encourage students to share what’s on their mind, what’s going on in their life, or just anything they want the class to know! They can share and listen to others. You can do this every morning, once a week, once a month. As often as you want!
• Incorporate group work. Whenever possible, let them work together to build strong relationships and trust in each other.
• Shout-Outs. Designate a spot in your class for students to go and write something nice about another classmate. You can also add in your own shout-outs when you notice a student doing a good job. Read them out loud at the end of the day on Friday for a great mood booster!

Do you do family boards in your classroom? Let me know in the comments!