The write start - Jennifer Hallissy 2010

Signs
Guidelines for the Activities

SIGNS ARE A SIMPLE yet effective way for children to make their mind known. In fact, while I was writing this, my son asked for some help making a “No Mommies Allowed” sign for his clubhouse. I obliged (slightly begrudgingly).

Signs come in all shapes and sizes. There are billboards and neon signs for the flamboyant among us. And a simple sticky note on the bathroom mirror suffices for the discreet. In between, there are banners, dry-erase and chalkboard signs, signs made from poster board, and signs that hang on doorknobs. Whether subtle or sensational, signs are aimed to catch the eye of a passerby and say, “Look-y here. This is the deal.”

And don’t worry too much if you get some “Do Not Enter (Or Else!)” signs every now and then. At a certain age, kids start needing a little personal space. Just consider it a sign of the times.

MATERIALS

∗ poster board, cardboard, card stock, sticky notes, butcher paper, doorknob sign (see “Doorknob Sign” in the templates section), or paper

∗ crayons, pens, pencils, magic markers

∗ tape

HOW-TO

1. Encourage children to speak their minds with signs. When it comes to the design, remember these rules:

∗ Keep it simple: if there is too much visual clutter, the sign will be hard to read.

∗ Use eye-catching colors: entice the eyes to stop and look.

∗ Use big, bold lettering: write for readability (unless, of course, your message includes some “fine print”).

2. Show children how to post signs where their target audience is most likely to see them.

Variations

For Scribblers: Make a big sign, such as “Happy Birthday, Dad,” with block letters (outlined only). Have your Scribbler help color in each letter. This is a great way to introduce and review letter recognition with your Scribbler.

For Spellers: The world’s best signs are short and to the point (think: “Stop,” “Open/Closed,” “Exit,” “Wet Paint”). These kinds of signs are just right for Spellers.

For Storytellers: Storytellers usually have a lot to say. Poster board (in lieu of a billboard by the highway) is a good choice for effusive signage, such as the rules to a made-up game or elaborate instructions for entering a room.

For Scholars: When it was homework time at my house, my older sister and I used to have “Battle of the Signs.” Hers would read, “Quiet Study Section” and mine, “Noisy Sister Section.” Doorknob signs are a great way for Scholars to communicate whether they’re having a “Do Not Disturb” moment or a “Come In and Hang Out” one.