This is a large project divided into three smaller projects that can be done over a period of days or weeks depending on the interests the children involved. The first part is learning about and creating road signs.

Road Signs

You will need:
-Popsicle sticks
-White construction paper cut into three inch squares
-Tape
-Clear contact paper
-Crayons
-Air-dry clay (white)

A couple of days before go out and take a few pictures of the road signs near the school. Take a short walk to look at the different signs and talk about where the signs are located ie: stops signs are at some intersections, yield signs are at others. Point out the speed limit signs and the numbers on it. If you have a school crossing sign show the children the picture on it near the school. Talk about why these signs are important and what they mean. Draw their attention to the different shapes and colors of the signs.

Ask the children what signs they see on the way to and from school.

Give the children several piece of white construction paper cut into three inch squares and ask them to draw and color some of the signs they saw on the walk or ones that they have seen on the way to school. Help them to write on the signs. For example if they drew a “yield” sign help them to write out the letters that are in the sign instead of focusing on the entire word. If the children are not ready to write the letters but can identify the letters have them tell you what letters they see on the picture of the sign while you write them.

Have the children cut out the shapes and glue a popsicle stick to the back of the sign. Cover the sign in clear contact paper so it will last. Next have the kids roll two inch balls of air-dry clay and push the end of the popsicle stick into the ball. Next have them push the clay down so the sign can stand up. It helps to have one made up before hand so the children can see what it will look like.

Allow the signs to dry over night. The signs are great to have in a bucket for play in the block center.

Next: Building Buildings! Done that? Try: Creating the City!