If you’re a teacher, chances are you’ve heard of our Better Than Paper® Bulletin Board Paper. It’s every educator’s secret to Pinterest-worthy classroom displays that last all year long.

We’ve rounded up the most frequent questions we receive about this revolutionary material to help you decide how best to use it for a spring refresh, summer displays, or even for our type A friends to start Back-to-School planning.

What is Better Than Paper used for?

It’s designed as a durable bulletin board background, but it also works on doors, for display walls, and as a decorative cover for old or damaged walls and whiteboards.

If your classroom doesn’t come with a bulletin board, you can use Better Than Paper to create an instant bulletin board anywhere in your classroom. Simply cut the roll to your desired size, outline with cute classroom border trim, then ta-da! Instant display for student work, important class information, or makeshift whiteboard.

How can I use it outside of the classroom?

While designed for high-use learning spaces, Better Than Paper can be used in dozens of creative ways outside of the classroom as well. Here at Teacher Created Resources, we use it as wipeable table covers, cubicle and office decor, and as backgrounds to maximize the impact of our fun seasonal displays.

It’s also a great choice for parties. Hang Better Than Paper on a wall for an instant photo booth backdrop or step-and-repeat. Or, display on or behind food and gift tables to instantly elevate your event decor.

How do I install Better Than Paper?

It is not self-adhesive, so we recommend using staples, hot glue, packing tape, or specialized mounting tape to hang on classroom walls and bulletin boards.

How do I attach it to a chalkboard or a whiteboard?

Put painter’s tape or mauvulus tape down on an old chalkboard or whiteboard. Then, use Better Than Paper Tape or hot glue on top of the painter’s tape to hang without damage to the surface underneath.

What about attaching Better Than Paper to metal surfaces?

If your surface is magnetically-receptive, such as a metal door or some whiteboards, you can also attach magnets to the Better Than Paper with hot glue, then attach it to your

How do I attach Better Than Paper to a brick wall?

Use hot glue to attach it to a brick wall. The glue sticks well but peels off easily when you’re ready to take it down. Alternatively, you can use adhesive wall mounting strips (such as Velcro Command strips) to secure the bulletin board paper into place.

What size is each roll?

Each standard-sized Better Than Paper Bulletin Board Paper roll measures 4′ x 12′. Our Fun Size rolls measure 18″ x 12′.

Is Better Than Paper reusable?

Yes! You can roll it up or store it flat to reuse each school year, saving money for essential supplies or new themed decor.

What can I use to write on it?

You can use dry-erase markers or liquid chalk markers to write on Better Than Paper.

How do I clean it?

Better Than Paper cleans easily with a damp cloth, so you can use it in high-traffic areas without it looking dingy. Plus, you can also wipe it clean with disinfectant as well, to prevent the spread of germs.

Is Better Than Paper durable?

Yes, it’s made from a thick, fabric-like material that resists tears, rips, and wrinkles. But unlike fabric, it cuts easily with scissors. Simply lay it out flat, trace the cut lines on the back of your Better Than Paper using a ruler or yard stick, and cut along the lines when you’re done.

Does it leave staple holes?

Nope. Pin and staple holes disappear, so you can swap out and reposition decor until its just right.

Will Better Than Paper fade?

Nope. Unlike traditional bulletin board paper and cloth, Better Than Paper colors stay vibrant and avoid fading in the sun. It’s a great choice for sunny learning spaces with lots of natural light.

Is it fire-safe?

Yes! It has been tested, and is not considered to be a flammable solid material according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission 16 CFR 1500.3(c)(6)(vi).

Does Better Than Paper work in hot and humid settings?

You bet. Better Than Paper is heat resistant, so it doesn’t warp, curl, or rip. It’s great near sunny areas or in humid classrooms.

What if it gets wet?

Not a problem! Better Than Paper is water resistant, so it’s perfect to use in sensory areas, sinks, or near water tables. If your classroom leaks on a rainy day, it will hold up (and protect whatever is hiding behind it).

Where can I buy Better Than Paper?

You can purchase Better Than Paper on the Teacher Created Resources website or at your favorite teacher supply store.

Research shows that when students can name their feelings and utilize effective emotional regulation strategies, their relationships with teachers and peers improve, their academic engagement improves, and they’re more likely to have better learning outcomes.

Emotional Regulation in the Classroom

Give students a head start on identifying their emotions and self-regulation with a classroom calm down corner. A calm down corner, sometimes called a mindfulness corner, is a dedicated classroom space where children can go to help them manage big emotions, such as anxiety, sadness, and anger.

Going to the calm down corner must be voluntary—forcing a child to isolate themselves is more punitive than helpful, especially when they’re feeling overwhelmed. Instead, focus on creating a space that feels safe and comforting to any student experiencing big feelings.

Creating a Tranquil Calm Down Corner

Appeal to every student by creating a space with the coziest, most relaxing vibes you can create in a school space. Use soft blankets, squishy stuffies, and fuzzy pillows to add textural elements that help calm racing minds and anxious bodies.  

Opt for soft lighting, such as twinkle lights, for a visually soothing ambiance. If you have harsh overhead lights in your classroom, consider covering them with removable ceiling light filters to remove harsh glares.

Positive posters and welcoming signage can help foster a sense of belonging, which can mitigate the isolation felt by overwhelmed students. Choose a poster pack or bulletin board set with colors and artwork that you feel would resonate with your students and complement your current classroom aesthetic. 

Building Focus Through Stimulation

Stimulation is necessary for emotional regulation for many children, including those with neurodivergence. Relaxing music, nature sounds, or white noise can block out startling environmental noises and help lower stress so students can focus on classroom tasks. Tactile fidgets and sensory toys can help bring students out of their head and into their body by providing an outlet for extra energy. Engrossing books offer another quiet way for students to relax enough to re-engage with their classmates.

Improving Outcomes for Every Student

When students are equipped with the tools and strategies they need to successfully manage their big feelings, they’re able to stay connected to teachers and classmates, return to a calm emotional state more quickly, and participate in class effectively. All of this helps ensure that every child achieves better learning experiences and outcomes, making school more effective for all students.

Celebrate “A Century of Black History Commemoration” this February by highlighting how the legacy and underreported achievements of Black people have shaped history in America and around the world.

Create an inclusive classroom culture and well-rounded curricula with these tips for teaching Black History Month.

Focus on triumphs rather than just trauma.

Teaching about African enslavement all the way up to modern hardships that the Black community has endured (and still endures) is important, but these historical events and time periods alone don’t do justice to the complex contributions of influential Black Americans in politics, culture, STEM, and the arts. Ensure a well-rounded curriculum by highlighting contributions of people and organizations like mathematician Katherine Johnson, the artists of the Harlem Renaissance, and President Barack Obama.

Study primary sources created by Black people.

Centering the Black voice and experience in your teachings is essential so that students can learn about historical events and time periods through the voices of those who lived through them. Compare perspectives outlined by Booker T. Washington and W.E.B DuBois, listen to the speeches of Frederick Douglass, study poetry by Langston Hughes and Amanda Gorman, or explore the music and lyrics from Billie Holiday up through Kendrick Lamar. 

Make connections to present-day struggles.

Engage students by showing how historical leadership, activism, and policy have shaped modern movements, from Nat Turner’s Rebellion to the Selma March to Black Lives Matter.

Incorporate marginalized voices year-round.

Black History IS history. Present well-known historical events and groups, such as the Freedman’s Bureau, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and the Black Panther Party, through the perspectives of Black change-makers that are often overlooked in traditional textbooks. Challenge students to view pivotal moments through a new lens. How does this change their perception?

This Black History Month, audit your old curriculum and adjust your teaching methods to be culturally responsive, inclusive, and comprehensive.

Get all of the inspiration you need for a 2026 learning space refresh with our most popular products of the past year, categorized by type! From trendy Cool for School composition and checkered decor to top-tier incentives and card games, these are teachers’ favorite things from 2025.

Top Bulletin Board: Cool For School Happy You Are Here

Make every student feel energized and welcome in your classroom with this colorful bulletin board set, featuring composition print, checkers, and school motifs.

Runner Up: Moving Mountains Road Trip The Adventure Begins Bulletin Board

Top Border Trim: White with Black Squiggles Die-Cut

Bring a playful vibe to any bulletin board, door, or desk with this fresh, fun border trim. Pair with more monochromatic decor for a modern look, or add color for a trendy look that pops!

Runner Up: Wildflowers Straight Border Trim

Top Better Than Paper Bulletin Board Roll: Cool for School Checkers

Create a cute and colorful classroom with this checkered bulletin board material, featuring a pastel rainbow of trendy colors. Attach anywhere using Better Than Paper Mounting Tape.

Runner Up: White Shiplap Better Than Paper Bulletin Board Roll

Top Letters: Friendship Beads Circle Letters

Celebrate friendship with these circle letters! Designed to look like a beaded friendship bracelet, these letters are perfect for creating a friendly atmosphere in any classroom.

Runner Up: Everyone is Welcome 4″ Bold Block Letters Combo Pack

Top Chart: Cool for School Composition Happy Birthday Chart

Never forget a birthday with this school-inspired classroom chart! Add students and their birthdays to each month, and make every child feel seen on their special day.

Runner Up: Cool for School Composition Welcome Chart 

Top Incentive: Pencil Charms

Reward students for outstanding work, good class behavior, and reaching other school milestones with these adorable charms. 

Runner Up: Bubble Gum Smelly Stickers

Top Game: Math Splat Game: Division

Help children master division facts up to 144 ÷ 12 with this fast-paced card game. The caller reads a quotient aloud, then players must quickly scan the cards in front of them. If someone spots a division problem with the same answer, they say “SPLAT!” and flip the card over. The first player to flip over all of their cards wins!

Runner Up: Math Splat Game: Multiplication

Top Banner: Cool for School Welcome to Our Classroom

Welcome students during Back to School, parents and families during Back to School Night, or anyone at a school event with this trendy banner. Featuring composition and lined prints, pastel colors, and school motifs, this energizing banner adds playful vibes to any space.

Runner Up: Buzzing Bees Welcome Banner

Top Storage: Black Chair Pocket

Keep students organized and your classroom clutter-free with this attractive and minimalist chair pocket. Featuring a large clear pocket that holds a name plate up to 3½” x 11½” and 7 storage pockets, these organization solutions offer plenty of space for every student’s school necessities.

Runner Up: Blue, Teal & Lime Chair Pocket

Top Book: My Own Spelling Dictionary

Encourage students to create their very own spelling dictionary with these books! Each My Spelling Dictionary provides lists of words for each letter of the alphabet and certain types of words. Blank lines on each page allow children to add new words as they encounter them, and black-and-white outlines spark creativity as each child can make them their own.

Runner Up: Daily Warm-Ups: Reading, Grade 1

For more of our most popular products of 2025, check out all of our best-sellers here.

This cold season, usher some warmth into your classroom decor with winter classroom door decorations. Featuring winter animals, mittens, snowflakes, snow-capped trees, hot cocoa, and all things cozy, this door comes together quickly for a cohesive display throughout the holidays and all winter long.

Pro Teacher Tips

• Use your old Better Than Paper to trace for your new door to get the correct measurements quickly
• Stick painter’s tape to the door, then put Better Than Paper tape on top to attach your backdrop while protecting the door
• Use a craft knife or box cutter for trickier cuts

For more classroom door decoration inspiration, check out our Door Decor TikTok playlist!

Oh, and don’t forget teacher gifts!

Not only because they really, really, really deserve it, but the little things that make the day smoother, spark moments of joy or connectedness or wonder with students—those things make every school day better for teachers and students alike.

These items won’t always be on teacher wishlists (too impractical), or Santa wishlists (too work-focused), but these just-for-fun classroom additions will brighten every day for any teacher and their students.

Incentives & Prizes

Fun fact: bribery works in many classrooms. Help teachers reward the students who put in effort by keeping their treasure boxes well stocked with prizes. Pencil charms, desk pets, and fidgets are just a few of our most popular prizes that quietly motivate students to do their best in class. Throw in some stickers—trendy, seasonal, smelly, sparkly, mini—and teachers will never run out of ways to recognize student effort.

Cash & Cards

Most teachers wouldn’t outright ask for money, but all would appreciate it. Tuck some cash into a card with a thoughtful thank you note, or hand it off in an envelope with a verbal thanks. Or, consider a gift card to their favorite coffee shop or store that they can spend as they please.

Decor Shortcuts

Every teacher wants a beautiful classroom. Many teachers do not want the heavy lifting of finding, buying, printing, and cutting paper decor to hang, only for it to be out-of-season one month later. Streamline the work and skip teachers straight to the fun part (decorating!) with pre-cut, coated, and themed Create & Decorate Quick Kits for upcoming holidays and events. Add in seasonal nature, such as pine cones, flowers, and other plants, for a fresh, interactive element to any classroom display.

Fun Art Supplies

Paper, pencils, glue sticks, and basic coloring supplies? Art class basics, absolute must-haves. Chalk markers, scrapbook paper, and dry erase crayons? These extra supplies help uplift creative centers and make every finished piece feel special.

Classroom Essentials

If just-for-fun items feel out of reach this season, just focus on the essentials. Baby wipes, glue sticks, tissues, snacks; There are certain items that every teacher needs to keep the classroom functioning, and those essentials look different for every educator. Talk to your teacher about their needs, then gather together donations from class parents to stock up on supplies before the new year. 

Moving forward, set up a system with other parents to replenish these on an ongoing basis. This not only helps teachers avoid running out of their classroom’s unique essentials, but it allows teachers to completely avoid the mental load of planning, purchasing, and asking for donations.

Showing teachers appreciation for everything they do can feel like an impossible task. Thoughtful consideration of the kinds of items your teacher would love for their class and beyond is essential for properly thanking these partners in your child’s education.

Transition your classroom into a winter wonderland with seasonal holiday bulletin board ideas. Featuring a festive mix of border trim, Better Than Paper®, and decorative accents, these bulletin boards offer a variety of traditional and contemporary decor ideas so there’s something for every kind of teacher. Refresh learning spaces, libraries, cafeterias, offices, and more with trendy, on-season decor that integrates seamlessly into any aesthetic.

Colorful Winter

For a brightly-colored holiday display, begin by hanging Chalkboard Better Than Paper Bulletin Board Roll as a base. Then, add Colorful Holiday Lights Die-Cut Border Trim, the White 4″ Modern Classic Letters Combo Pack, and Multi Bright Stitch 7″ Fun Font Letters for a bright, cheerful holiday look that lights up any space with a rainbow of colors.

Create a faux fireplace using a combination of Better Than Paper rolls for a touch of modern warmth: Orange, Yellow Gold, Red, Black Brick, Fun Size Woven Stripes, Dark Wood, and White Brick. Then, add the Colorful Pom-Poms and Tassels Garland and a mantel to display additional holiday decor.

Sweet & Cozy

Bring on the sweaters, sugar cookies, and books!

Layer Gingerbread Houses Die-Cut Border Trim, Gingerbread Cookies Die-Cut Border Trim, and the Everyone is Welcome Woven Straight Border Trim (similar to shown) together to create a sweet, festive edge to any bulletin board display.

Pair this border combination with the Winter Small Poster Pack and White Shiplap Better Than Paper Bulletin Board Roll for a cozy, seasonal display that brings warmth to your classroom. Add XXX trim along

Classic Christmas

For a traditional red-and-green display, arrange a festive tree using a variety of green border trim cut at angles and layered into a pine tree shape. Photo includes: Hunter Green Scalloped, Green Scalloped, Eucalyptus Green Scalloped, Mint Green Scalloped, and Pine Green Scalloped. 

Add Gold Glitz Stars Accents and ornaments made out of Gold Glitz Scalloped and Red Sparkle Scalloped Border Trim for a touch of sparkle.

Next, build a fireplace using boxes and packing tape. Cover the base with Red Brick Better Than Paper and the top mantel with Fun Size Classic Wood Better Than Paper. Create a holiday display above the fireplace using Eucalyptus Green Better Than Paper as a base. Outline it with Red Sparkle Scalloped and Winter Pine Cones Straight Border Trim, then display decor from the Home Sweet Classroom Winter Mini Bulletin Board for a rustic, traditional Christmasy look.

For teachers who love all the little details, consider tucking book-filled bins (tied in a bow) under the “tree” to complete the holiday aesthetic. Frame a festive cutout—seen mounted on Corrugated Metal Straight Border Trim—in a wooden frame, or add bottlebrush trees and merry signage (drawn with Chalk Brights Liquid Chalk Markers) for a cohesive classroom look from wall to wall.

Warm Winter Wishes

If you’re looking to make a jolly visual impact but you’re short on time, grab the Warm Winter Wishes Create & Decorate Quick Kit for an easy-to-arrange display that comes together in a snap.

‘Tis the season for decor that celebrates the season of snowflakes, crackling fires, hot chocolate, and cozy scarves. Warm up any space with festive decor that keeps out the winter chill and creates a space where students stay engaged and focused all season long.

Calling all globetrotters!

This November, make space for all things geography in your classroom. We have everything you need to decorate, educate, and motivate your students during Geography Awareness Week, from November 17–21. 

World Geography, 4th Edition

Give students a complete snapshot of Earth’s geography with this book! Featuring an in-depth look at the seven continents and the waterways that support and surround them, this book explores the landforms, resources, populations, cultures, and more of the entire planet.

Released in 2025, this 4th edition features updated maps and data, spotlights on natural wonders, a multiple-choice quiz to assess understanding of the continent covered in that section, and a brand new World Geography Game to assess all of the information students have learned about our world.

Geography Learning Mats

Teach students the essentials of world geography with these detailed learning mats. Our double-sided dry-erase mats challenge students to identify countries and continents on the World Learning Mat, and US states and capitals on the United States of America learning mat.  After creating their own personalized mat, children can wipe it off and do it again, further enforcing important concepts.

US States Flashcards

Learn key information and fun facts all about the US States with these flash cards! With full-color maps and real photos, these cards are chock-full of interesting information about each state, including the capital, state flower, state bird, and more. 

Amazing State Poster Pack

Once students have their states, capitals, and facts down, have them fill out their own state poster and present what they’ve learned to the class! Each poster has fields for specific information about the state, such as the capital, the date of statehood, landmarks, and interesting facts. 

Travel the Map Themed Decor

Embrace the 2025 theme of “making spaces of possibility” with our Travel the Map classroom decor. Vintage-inspired maps, globes, and other symbols of travel encourage students to explore, dream, and discover new worlds. 

Parents, students, and administrators are finding themselves at odds over no-phone policies on school grounds. As the number of district and schoolwide bans increase, teachers have to get creative with solutions that are easy, inexpensive, and limit distractions—all while addressing parent and student safety and communication concerns.

Pocket charts offer an inexpensive, simple way to tuck phones away during class. Teachers love the affordability and theme flexibility offered by charts, while students and parents will feel good knowing that each phone is visible through clear pockets, and not locked up in the case of an emergency.

Make the order and organization of cell phone storage trendy with a cohesive theme. From a playful “cell block” prison-style solution to an elevated cell hotel, there are tons of themes you can bring to your in-class phone storage solution.

Start with a pocket chart with ample space—such as the 35-pocket Black Storage Pocket Chart or the Black Polka Dots Storage Pocket Chart—for an inexpensive-yet-creative solution for handling cell phones in any class.

Phone Jail

Lock ‘em up! Add a touch of playfulness to “no phone” classrooms with a “cell block” jail-themed pocket chart. Black-and-white striped straight border trim invokes an old-school prison jumpsuit, creating a cohesive, creative look for phone storage.

Attendance Tracker

Instead of a traditional roll call, opt for a phone-based system instead. Instruct students to drop their cell phones into a designated, numbered pocket before class starts. Then, use each phone to mark students as present or absent. Add Confetti Straight Border Trim and Confetti Calendar Bulletin Board Display numbers for a colorful solution.

Device Parking Lot

Direct students to “park” their cell phones into this device parking lot as they enter your class. Add car-themed accents and accessories for a display that decorates and organizes, all in one. Complete the themed look with Moving Mountains Road Trip Camper Vans Accents and Road Trip Straight Border Trim.

Cell Hotel

Draw inspiration from high-end resorts with a “cell hotel” for collecting phones. Elevate the display by adding elegant accents and travel-themed decor for a solution that’s as clever as it is useful. Travel the Map Luggage Mini Accents and Travel the Map Positive Sayings Accents create a cohesive theme that students love.

Charging Station

Incentivize students to hand over their phones at the beginning of school by offering a charging station in your classroom. Decorate the pocket chart with accents, border trim, and stickers for decor that’s as beautiful as it is functional. Brights 4Ever Lightning Bolts Accents and Brights 4Ever Bold Block 4″ Letters Combo Pack brighten up this electric display.

Whether you choose to theme your decor, or keep it simple and sleek, pocket charts are the ideal solution for cell phone storage in your classroom. Soothe student anxiety while keeping your classroom free from distractions with a visible phone-storage solution.

Combine the Tree for All Seasons with our Hello Fall Create & Decorate Quick Kit and Burlap Better Than Paper for a look that’s fresh, fun, and fall-forward.

Layer Orange Gingham Scalloped, Everyone is Welcome Woven Straight (similar to shown), and Fall Leaves Die-Cut Border Trim together to create a textured, elevated autumnal edge to any bulletin board display.

Pair this border combination with White Shiplap Better Than Paper, Home Sweet Classroom Pumpkins Accents, and the Fall Small Poster Pack for a trendy display that covers everything from fall holidays to weather elements, so it can stay up all season long.

Embrace sweater weather with even more decor that celebrates the season of crisp air, pumpkin spice, and colorful foliage. Combine our Home Sweet Classroom Happy Fall Straight Border Trim with the “Welcome” poster from the Home Sweet Classroom Happy Fall Mini Bulletin Board to warmly invite students into your class.

For teachers who love all the little details, consider framing an autumn-inspired cutout (seen mounted on Corrugated Metal Straight Border Trim) in a wooden frame. Include natural, rustic accents such as burlap, pinecones, twine, and wood create a cohesive classroom look from wall to wall.

Bonus: Hello Fall Google Slides

School is in session, everyone is heads down, and momentum just keeps picking up. If you’re short on time and money, opt for our FREE Hello Fall Google Slides for bringing the beauty of autumn into your classroom routines.

Get your FREE Hello Fall Google Slides download now

This autumn, skip shelling out money for single-use decor—it’s easier than ever to create a stylish classroom in a snap using Teacher Created Resources. Mix and match our durable seasonal decor with neutrals for a one-of-a-kind, kid-approved classroom look that you can recreate year after year.