• The sheer size of the average bulletin board means that a well-conceived display is sure to attract attention. In the classroom, bulletin boards provide an excellent means of focusing students on a particular topic or theme. Creating striking and whimsical displays is often as simple as incorporating a few clever ideas and a healthy sense of humor, adding color and spark to what was once empty wall space.
  
  

Interactive

• Interactive bulletin boards bring a static display to life. A baby picture board provides an excellent way to involve participants. Post students' baby pictures on one side of the display and current photos on the other side. Provide a box containing ballots and invite participants to match the baby photos with the current shots. Bulletin boards that feature trivia quizzes and riddles are another way to get passers-by involved. By changing the questions each week and providing the answers to previous questions, the board will continue to attract interest.
  
  

Borders

• Materials that are a little out of the ordinary pique interest and grab attention. Rather than sticking with ready-made borders, pull out the glue gun and attach unexpected items to the background as a border. Rows of crayons, puzzle pieces or old CDs add a touch of whimsy, while wide ribbon attached in a wave pattern brings a sense of movement to the board.
  
  

Backgrounds

• Backgrounds don't need to be plain paper. Unusual backgrounds add to the charm of any bulletin board. Use wrapping paper for holiday-themed backgrounds. Newspapers provide a neutral background and make bold colors such as red or yellow stand out. Other appealing backgrounds include fabric, tablecloths, wallpaper or even artificial grass.
  
  

3-D Displays

• Bulletin boards with a three-dimensional impact draw the eye and provide the element of surprise. To highlight the change of seasons, create a bulletin board that mimics a picture window. Frame the board with curtains and a curtain rod, and fill the "window" with a view of a sunny spring day or a vibrant autumn scene. You can create 3-D figures by putting a layer of quilt batting inside of an infant-size shirt and pants. Attach these to the board with a staple gun, and use felt create heads, hands and faces, yarn for hair and tiny socks for feet.
  
  

Surprising Details

• Small details can make a big difference when creating an eye-grabbing bulletin board. Cover a Frisbee with cellophane and add a white stick and ribbons to create a whimsical lollipop, and attach it to the board with a glue gun. Spotlight student achievement by hanging a few lightweight picture frames on the board and placing pictures, schoolwork and information about top students within the frames. Another option is to string cool-burned LED lights around the outside of the bulletin board and frame them with tulle to add a soft glow. String chili pepper lights across the top of the board to expand on a Mexican or food theme.