3 Steps to DIY Signs that will Transform Your Outdoor Classroom
Have you ever walked through an outdoor space that’s filled with signage? If so, did you feel like someone was guiding you through the garden and sharing all it’s wonders while telling the garden’s story? Signs not only create “literacy-rich” environments, but they also transform any outdoor space into an Outdoor Classroom.
At Outdoor-Classrooms.com our community meets up weekly for Friday Facebook LIVE (10:00 EST) I share one card from my Seeds of Inspiration for Learning Card Deck. The intention is to hold a space for accountability and check-in with everyone. This week we talked about DIY SIGNS.
There is nothing like having a community to hold you accountable for DYI projects. The support in our community is priceless! So remember, start before you’re ready. Here are a few TAKE ACTION Steps to get you moving.
STEP #1: Brainstorm the words that you want to have within our Outdoor Classroom
Invite children to brainstorm with you. Remember, there are no wrong answers here. If children enjoy words like “peace” or ” happy”, include them.
STEP #2: Consider streamlining the colors of your “main” signs. 
Signs can be all different colors or can be one color. I have done a little bit of both. For example: I have color-coded my signs to fit The Four Types of Gardens and brainstormed the words I want to have within each garden type. This is my list for the Outdoor Classrooms Learning Lab. I matched the colors with the colors within the Seeds of Inspiration for Outdoor Learning Card Deck.
Gardens that Attract Wildlife Signs (bigger green sign)
Butterfly Garden (green sign)
- Bird Sanctuary (green sign)
- Pollinator Garden (green sign)
Gardens as Outdoor Learning Stations (bigger blue sign)
- Mud Kitchen (blue sign)
- Math Garden (blue sign)
- ABC Garden (blue sign)
- Word Garden (blue sign)
- Water Wall (blue sign)
Gardens for Art and Beauty (bigger yellow sign)
- Flower garden (yellow sign)
- Art in the Garden (yellow sign)
- Sculpture (yellow sign)
Gardens that Feed (bigger orange sign)
- Herbs (orange sign)
- Beans (orange sign)
- Pizza garden (orange sign)
- Tomato (orange sign)
- Pizza Garden (orange sign)
STEP #3: Play with different materials for signs
- Rocks
- Woodblocks
- Letters that spell a word
- …and so many more
Now I want to hear from you. Share your DIY signs with our community.
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Want to dig deeper? Check out the Let’s Grow Literacy Outdoors Master Class
