We're a huge fan of Amy Lemons, second grade teacher and creator of the blog, Step into 2nd Grade with Mrs. Lemons. She's has such a fun, creative, and colorful personality that seems to flow into everything she does - lesson plans, bulletin boards, family life, you name it! We're certain her second graders love learning in the vibrant and engaging classroom environment she has created and, while we could probably feature everything from her blog, we found this sunflower bulletin board (originally created for the fall season) that we thought, with a minor tweak, might make a great addition to your spring decor! You've probably already guessed the minor tweak - since sunflowers bloom in the fall months, create "spring" flowers by simply printing the template onto colored paper in pinks, oranges, and other spring hues.

We're envisioning something like this board from Danielle's Place! Click the link and scroll down to the vibrant "His Love Is So Bright..." bulletin board display!

I Am Special!

This exercise could be especially fun if you've already done the sunflower board at the beginning of the year. It gives an opportunity to see how your kiddos have changed and grown throughout the school year, hopefully, allowing them to identify new traits and qualities they've cultivated during the school year that make them special. Not to mention, it's a great confidence booster! While compliments and accolades from others are very important, there is also great value in being able to look at yourself and articulate, as well as celebrate, the things that make you unique!

Simply provide your kiddos with the petal cutouts and invite them to write a sentence or phrase on each that explains why they are special/unique!

I Am Special!

• Background: Green or blue bulletin board paper.
• Title: "I Am Special!"
• Border: Spring themed trimmer.
• Decoration: Create a colorful flower garden using your kiddos' flower writing craftivities! You might consider adding green construction paper leaves, stems, etc. to the cutouts to give a little depth, or maybe even a few colorful creepy crawlies scattered around the blooms, but this is up to you!