Bulletin Board Idea using my Cricut

Something every teacher dreams of (well maybe not every if you have never heard of it) is owning their own Cricut. This was my top item I had on my Teacher Wishlist because who wouldn’t want a machine that cuts out bulletin board letters, I mean say WHAT?! And that’s only the beginning of what this machine can do. I was lucky to receive a Cricut Air Explore 2 in the mint color along with the Cricut EasyPress 2 and other materials as a gift. The first thing I did when I got the packages was rip everything open and stare at its beauty because of how gorgeous it is and also how intimating it is. Being a beginner Cricuter (don’t think that’s an actual word haha) I want to start with the basics and share my tips on how to make letters for all your kindergarten bulletin board ideas.

Connect 4 Kindergarten Bulletin Board

My favorite Kindergarten Bulletin Board includes a game my students love playing, Connect 4. This helps them practice reading and writing. My students write different sight words inside their red or yellow chips and try to get four of their chips in a row first. Any grade can adapt this bulletin board idea by using this game with their grade level skills. Use this Connect 4 bulletin board throughout the year in Kindergarten. First, use it in your math block with writing numbers or number words. Next, in literacy with cvc, cvce, blends or digraph words. Lastly, use it even at the beginning of the year with letter formation or writing names.

How to play Giant Connect 4:

1. Clear off a bulletin board to play Connect 4.

2. Print off Connect 4 game board using Adobe Poster settings at 350% (multiple game board templates to choose from with different wording).

3. Laminate and piece together by stapling onto bulletin board.

4. Place velcro on the blank white circle on the connect four game board.

5. Print off red and yellow chips (game board holds 42 pieces so make 21 of each color). Place velcro on back side on these to stick to bulletin board.

6. Place pouches onto bulletin board to hold chips when not being used.

7. Use my Cricut Design Space for the Bulletin Board letters.

8. Show students how to play, starting from the bottom and adding on top. First student to get 4 of their color chips in a row (horizontally, vertically or diagonally) wins.

9. Play by having students write the skill you are working on inside the chip. This will help the students master the skill they are practicing. Another way to play is to write your own words, numbers or equations onto the chip and students must read or solve before placing onto the board. If they can’t solve the chip they can ask for help, may lose a turn or could pick a new chip.

Top 3 Tips when using a Cricut for Bulletin Board Letters

Here are my top 3 tips when using the Cricut to make bulletin board letters. First, make sure to buy the Cricut Cardstock paper, its super thick and will be durable for those tiny hands. I used black cardstock, click here to purchase. Second, when creating the letters in Cricut Design Space make sure you ungroup the letters. When you go to make it, it will save you paper and space by placing letters randomly to get them to fit better. Third, measure your space where you are placing the letters beforehand to determine the correct font size. Extra bonus tip, when cutting out letters that have been laminated use the Poster Board Setting on your Cricut.

If you want to check out this Connect 4 game, it is in my TeachersPayTeachers Store and be sure to use your Cricut Explore Air 2 for a quick and easy way to make bulletin board letters. Please note this is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine. #ad