A key to creating a successful bulletin board display is to make it colorful. Children of any age are drawn to a display that invites investigation with colors that “pop.” Colorful does not mean using so many colors the display becomes garish or such bright tones that those trying to view the contents require sunglasses. Draw on colors found naturally in the theme chosen. Use a bright red instead of a washed out, dull red. Use sparkling greens and blues. Use a variety of color shades for the different theme elements. A tree isn’t one color, but many shades of green and brown.
Texture is another key to a successful bulletin board display. While a simple background and construction paper cutouts may be easy to create, a bulletin board display with only one texture is flat and easily loses the interest of the viewer. Provide different textures with a variety of textured papers. Use sticky tabs to make items stand out from the background. Add a third dimension with yarn, rope, greenery, artificial flowers, cotton ball clouds or other 3-D items. Frame the board itself with candy corn for Halloween or holly for Christmas to make the display stand out. Creatively use the theme of the bulletin board as a basis for adding texture.
Create a bulletin board display that students take part in creating and maintaining. The bulletin board needs to be relevant to the students. This may mean having them color or cut out parts of the display. If the display is based on something they’re studying, divide the class into groups. Ask them put together a display using criteria you provide based on the lessons you’re teaching. A successful bulletin board is interactive. For example, a successful display may show books read or work done, with students themselves moving up or adding to, signifying progress.
One important key to a successful bulletin board display is to keep it up-to-date. Change the display at regular intervals. This may be a minor change, updating information and graphics or a major overhaul, completely changing the display as the students lose interest or you move onto a new topic of study. For example, a summer bulletin board display about swimming and baseball detracts from the learning environment in fall and winter. It is important the bulletin board display supports what is being taught.