State Signs
Create a welcome sign for your state! Explore the symbols and unique qualities of your state and design a shiny sign to welcome visitors as they cross over the border.
1. One of the great things about living in the United States is the vast array of landscapes, wildlife, environments and cultures that make up the country. Each state has its own unique qualities that make it different from any other state. What are some features in your state that make it special? Discuss with your class and make a list on the board.
2. Break into small groups and research to find more information about the state in which you live. What’s the state bird? Is there an official color of your state? Does your state have a nickname or slogan? How did the name originate?
3. Show how proud you are to live in your state by designing a Welcome Sign for visitors. Using Crayola® Metallic Colored Pencils, write the name of your state on a piece of white paper in large letters. Be creative! Try drawing the letters in block style and filling each letter with small pictures or designs representative of the state.
4. Feature some of the fun facts you’ve found that makes your state unique. Surround the state’s name with symbolic illustrations so visitors can easily see what makes your state special. Fill your drawings with bright, shiny Crayola® Metallic FX Crayons!
5. Share your sign with the class and discuss how the symbols you incorporated into your drawing represent the state.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
- Display the Welcome Signs for the class to view. Discuss the symbols found in each sign. How do these symbols represent the state in which you live? Does the sign let visitors know what is special about your state?
- Create welcome signs for visitors entering your school! Discuss why your school is unique and exceptional. What can symbolize your school? Do you have school colors? Is there a school mascot? How were these symbols selected? Hold a school-wide contest to select the sign that best represents the school and welcomes visitors. Display the winning sign in the school’s main entranceway!
- Younger students and those with special needs may benefit from working in groups. Research state symbols and facts as a class and list findings on the board for everyone to see. Each group will create a large banner Welcome Sign that includes several of the symbols found along with the state name. Display the banners around the classroom.
Setting The Scene With Paint
Mehndi Hands
Impasto Presto!
