Select a bulletin board near the door parents use as they exit the classroom, or designate one just outside the classroom if it is more convenient.
Staple white or yellow background paper to serve as a backdrop for the board.
Frame the board with circus-striped paper strips or circus-themed bulletin board strips. These strips are available at school supply stores. Cut strips the length and width of the board. Staple or tack the strips to form an eye-catching border around the board.
Cut out various rectangular shapes from assorted colors of card stock to form the bodies of the train cars. Cut out circles in contrasting colors and staple two to the bottom of each shape to form the wheels of each train car.
Label each car with a phrase that communicates information to parents. Sample phrases include: "Take One," "Don't Forget," "Volunteer Opp," "Things We Need," "A Gift for You," "Look What We Did!" and "Upcoming Events."
Add a banner or series of letters across the top that reads, "All Aboard!" or "Get on Board!"
Scatter small paper or plastic pockets about the board to hold any individual memos for parents to pick up. Use these for various lists, bits of information or instructions for individual projects they might volunteer for.
Tell parents to feel free to check the board for information any time as they are visiting the classroom or checking by before or after school. Let them know you want this to be an invitational classroom, and want to use this board to invite them to participate.
Have students add photos and messages to the board that you've approved. Take a photo of them posting their messages. Include these photos in the class newsletter or on the class website to advertise the board to parents.