How to Create a Memory Statement Board (The Gentle + Classical Preschool)
/PSSST: Wondering what a memory statement even is? Read THIS. Wondering how to know when to move on from each statement? Check this out.
Prefer a video of using and creating a board? Find our YouTube video HERE.
During my years as a homeschool mom, I’ve found that I’m not alone in always looking for a more efficient way to walk through our days, plan ahead, and keep moving without getting bogged down and distracted. One of the most effective ways I’ve found to stay on track with younger students is the addition of a memory work (or memory statement) board or display in our home.
Over the past year, I’ve received email after email from users of The Gentle + Classical Preschool or Gentle + Classical Nature all reflecting the same sentiments: they felt lost and unfocused in their school days UNTIL they created a memory work board!
The Memory Statement Cards found in all of our bundles for each program are made JUST for this purpose. Having these cards on hand also makes it easier to shuffle the program around a bit if you need to. In addition to this post, I have a video overview on YouTube detailing how I assembled my boards.
I have two boards- one for Gentle + Classical Nature and one for The Gentle + Classical Preschool. Had GCN existed when I first began, I feel confident everything could be fit onto one board. I’ll include the supplies that I used below.
The entire project (for one board) is under $15 and takes around 30 minutes. However, don’t feel like you have to do your board just like mine. I’ve received messages and social media tags with Memory Statement Cards displayed on cork board, hung with magnets on dry erase boards, and strung across a line on the mantle, so do what works for you! (You’ll find a slideshow below of many variations below to get your wheels turning!)
You can really get creative, but I will caution you that I’ve heard from NUMEROUS mamas that building a board just like this, right from the start, would have saved them time and money. Having a memory work board on display truly brings the program to life and this format is proven to work for most families. In really tight spaces, you could even put them all into an 8.5x5.5” 3-ring binder and flip through them to review, separating each unit with a tabbed divider.
Supplies
In order to construct a board as pictured, you’ll need the following materials:
Memory Board Headers, memory statement cards, and flashcards pictured above are from The gentle + classical Preschool Level 1 Bundle
black, tri-fold, foam board measuring 48”x36” (I purchased mine from Hobby Lobby but most stores like Michael’s and Wal-Mart carry them for $5-10. I don’t think that you “need” it to be tri-fold, but mine is. If you want to fold it up and store it each day, this is helpful.)
about 2 dozen clothespins- full size or mini (These can be found on the craft aisle at stores like Wal-Mart. The size is only a matter of aesthetic preference.)
hot glue gun and glue sticks (I’ve tried using repositionable dots for holding up the headers and clothespins. They work well for headers but not for the clothespins.)
Assembly
The process for assembling this is very simple:
1- You will want to print out and trim the “board headers” that are included in the Memory Statement Bundle or any other bundle from my shop.
***Decide on your orientation. If you are hanging it on the wall, you can orient the board horizontally or vertically. I’ve done both, and both ways work well. If you are setting it on a table, you’ll want to lay it out horizontally/landscape.
2- Layout the materials before gluing anything down. You may have to treat it a little like Tetris and find a configuration that helps you get everything onto your board that you would like it to have. IMPORTANT NOTE: There is no right way to do it. You can copy mine as I have them laid out exactly or pick and choose the subjects that are important to you. We have freedom to do what works for each of our families.
NOTE: Level 1 and Level 2 of Preschool do NOT have the exact same subjects. Therefore, if you want to combine them onto one board, you’ll likely have to pick and choose to make it all fit.
*Tip: You can use a yardstick and pencil to gently sketch out straight lines to use as guides if that’s important to you.
3- Once you are confident about where you want to place each header as well as the clothespins to hold each Memory Statement Card, you can carefully begin hot gluing them all into place. You will want TWO clothespins for each Memory Statement Card. You can get away with one clothespin for the ABC or 123 Flashcards if you are putting those on your board.
4- I used several (maybe 6) of the Velcro® Command Strips® to hang mine on the wall. That may be overkill ;). I find the Velcro® ones easier to remove when taking things down, so I prefer those over the poster strips.
NOTE: If you don’t have a space on your wall, the tri-fold display board can easily be set up on a table or on the floor and then stored after you’re done with school for the day.
Ultimately, I hope this post will inspire you to take those Memory Statement Cards and creatively display them in a way that inspires your family to keep learning and sparks a little joy in your life!
