3 Steps to DIY Signs that will Transform Any Outdoor Space
Have you ever walked through an outdoor space filled with signage? If so, did you feel like someone was guiding you through a garden and sharing all its special places? Did your garden walk include a garden story? Signs not only create “literacy-rich” environments, but they also can transform any outdoor space into an Outdoor Classroom. This includes our own backyards, sideyards, and porches. The best part? Kids love this activity! What type of signs can you add to your outdoor space?
DIY SIGNS.
Garden Signs can provide an abundance of outdoor activity ideas. With a little imagination and ingenuity, making your own-one-of-a-kind signs for your Backyard Teaching Garden and/or Outdoor Classroom can be easy, fun, and affordable. Remember, start before you’re ready and take a few action steps a day. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
STEP #1: Brainstorm the words that you want to have in your Backyard or Outdoor Classroom.
Invite your child(ren) to brainstorm with you. Remember, there are no wrong answers here. If children enjoy words like “peace” or ” happy”, include them.
STEP #2: List all your Outdoor Learning Stations and make a sign for each station.
Do you have a Mud Kitchen, Water Wall or Miniature Garden in your outdoor space? Make a playful sign for each Learning Station. Your signs will begin to tell your Backyard or Outdoor Classroom story.
STEP #3: Consider streamlining colors of signs.
Signs can be all different colors, shapes, and sizes. That’s the beauty. The more you can get the children involved in making the signs, the better. Signs designed and made by children is the essence of any Backyard Children’s Garden or Schoolyard Outdoor Classroom.
STEP #4: Play with different materials for signs
Words for signs can be painted on a variety of materials. Consider…
- Rocks
- Woodblocks
- Letters that spell a word
- …and so many more
STEP 5: Now I want to hear from you. Share your DIY signs with our community.
DO THIS: Join the Outdoor-Classrooms Facebook group today and share your sign ideas and pictures.
Subscribe today and get a weekly Seedling Newsletter with nature-based ideas for infants/toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. FREE!
Want to dig deeper? Check out the Let’s Grow Literacy Outdoors Master Class
