DIY AAC Symbolated bulletin border
DIY symbol bulletin border
If you use symbols in your special education classroom, whether it be for visuals, communication, AAC, or otherwise-these DIY symbolated borders make a fun addition to any bulletin board!
Here’s a step-by-step look at how I created this fun border for my classroom:
find a bulletin border
Recycle a bulletin border you’ve used previously or find a border on sale. found that scallop borders made it easy to ensure spacing was even.
You’ll be using the back of the border, so make sure it has a solid color on the back.
This solid white scallop option is my favorite.
Another option
make your symbols
Create your own or download my pre-made file.
If making your own: Import symbols from the symbol set of your choosing (Boardmaker, Symbolstix, etc.) into your Silhouette Studio/Cricut software.
The symbol size will depend on your border, but I found most scallop borders will fit anywhere from 1.5in-3in symbols. Size to your preference!
Please note: Symbols used with expressed written permission.
Cut vinyl
Once you’ve either created your own symbol set in your design studio of choice
(Silhouette or Cricut) or used this one, it is time to cut your vinyl!
This is my go-to for matte black vinyl, good quality for a great price.
Last year, one of the teachers requested a rainbow pattern, which was so fun!
NOW IT’S TIME TO CRAFT YOUR BORDER
You have your border and your vinyl symbols are cut-it’s time to weed your vinyl and transfer it to the border!
Transfer the vinyl using contact paper, spacing the symbols out to your liking. You can see in this picture here that I put them closer together for a more full border. You can also space them out more as shown in the pictures above.
This is definitely the most time consuming part, but the end result is so worth it.
Here are some of my favorite vinyl-cutting supplies for weeding and transferring onto various surfaces.
I hope this brief step-by-step was helpful in making your own symbol border for your classroom! I love using this border on our thematic unit board, where we display our theme and core word of the week!
If you make this border for your classroom, I’d love to see it! Tag me on instagram!
Happy creating!
Please note this post may include affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission when purchases are made through these links. I can’t thank you enough for supporting my business and ultimately supporting my family.