What is a Flannel Board?

A flannel board is a very useful addition to any preschool or kindergarten classroom. Often used during circle time, flannel boards are a great way to give young children concrete learning experiences. Flannel boards can be used for many different activities, and they are easy to make at a reasonable cost.

Definition

A flannel board is a board that is usually covered in either felt or flannel and propped up on a easel. It is usually used in preschool classes as a storytelling device.

Uses

Teachers often use flannel boards to enhance storytelling. They may use pictures of the characters and other important parts of the story to illustrate it as they read. Flannel boards are also used for "acting out" songs and poems. They can be used to demonstrate science and math concepts to young children, like the life cycle of a frog or butterfly or addition. They are also commonly used in Sunday school to tell Bible stories. Flannel boards can also be used in students' centers so that the students can manipulate the pieces, providing hands-on learning.

Benefits

There are many benefits to using flannel boards in the classroom. They make learning more visual for young students, and the students remember what they have learned better. Flannel boards are more cost-effective than some other classroom aids. They can be used over and over again for a wide variety of activities, and you can easily switch the pieces from activity to activity. It's also easy to make your own flannel board and story pieces.

How to Make a Flannel Board

Making your own flannel board is easy. You'll need plywood or heavy cardboard and a piece of felt or flannel that is big enough to cover the front of the board and wrap around to the back to be attached. Take your piece of plywood or heavy cardboard and cover it in the flannel or felt. Attach the material to the back using duct tape, a staple gun or a hot glue gun.

How to Make Flannel Board Pieces

You can make flannel board pieces out of paper or felt. The felt pieces can be cut and decorated. They don't need anything on the back, because felt will stick to felt. For paper pieces, use heavy paper like construction paper or poster board. Color and then laminate them. Add a piece of Velcro to the back, and you are finished.

Alternatives

An easy alternative to flannel board is to use something with a magnetic surface, like a cookie sheet, and then put magnetic tape on the back of your story pieces instead of Velcro.

Resources

• Flannel Board Templates