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In this activity, your child will make a sign that includes written sentences and decorations.
Learning Area(s): Reading and Writing; Sensory and Art
MATERIALS
- thin cardboard (cereal or cracker box) or thick paper
- markers, crayons, pencils, etc.
- ribbon, string, yarn, or similar product
- scissors
- glue and/or tape
- optional: stickers, old magazines, newspapers, store circulars
LET'S PLAY
Before you begin the activity, gather cardboard and the materials from the list that you have available.
Explain to your child, “Today you get to make a sign that either tells about you, or something important to you, or something around our home. You can put pictures, drawings, and decorations on your sign that show what your sign is about. Then you can write a title and some sentences that help explain what the sign is for.”
Brainstorm with your child the kind of sign they would like to make and the things they will include in the sign. Some sign ideas include:
- A sign with your child’s name, decorations that reflect their personality, likes, hobbies, wants, etc. Encourage your child to tell about themself by completing sentences like:
- My name is ____.
- I’m good at____.
- I love to ____.
- My special people are ____.
- My family thinks I am ____. (Have your child ask family members to describe them in a positive way.)
- A sign that gets posted when an activity is in progress like reading, homework, art, or play. This kind of sign can include how others can join, be helpful, rules, or instructions.
- A practical sign that serves as a reminder like where shoes go when you come home, steps for how to do a household task, etc.
After your child creates and decorates their sign, use tape or string to help your child hang the sign from a door or wall. See Tips for other design and display suggestions.
TIPS
- Invite other family members to make signs.
- Other ways you can help your child hang their signs:
- hang it on a doorknob
- create a cardboard triangle to tape to the back of the sign that will prop it up (like a picture frame)
- find a place to lean the sign (against a lamp, in front of an old picture frame, or in a window sill)
- use a strong magnet to stick it to the fridge
- use removable, non-surface-damaging hooks secured to a door or wall (found at craft and hardware stores)