Use vivid colors. Whatever map you are making or decorating, bright colors are not only eye-catching but also help easily distinguish one country, state, region, highway, continent or body of water from another.
Provide fun facts. Depending on what type of map you are creating, you may have space to write interesting facts about a particular region or country. For example, if you are making a map of the United States, provide information such as the state bird, what the state is famous for, interesting historical facts and assorted famous attractions and landmarks.
Add 3-D elements whenever possible. Using items students can reach out and touch on a map is another way to make the map come alive. For example, if you are making a map of the world, staple bits of chocolate in small plastic bags to a map over Central America with information about the Mayan civilization, one of the first known consumers of the chocolate that comes from cacao trees.
Use any other elements you find interesting when making your map, such as creating a puzzle map or making the map out of recycled materials, such as flattened cereal boxes or old magazines.