Take a sidewalk selfie

What can we substitute if we don't have a small towel or sidewalk chalk?

Use a folded paper towel, microfiber cloth, or damp sponge to 'wipe away dust and pebbles' and substitute washable tempera sidewalk paint, chunky sidewalk crayons, or softened pastels for the 'light chalk color' and 'bright chalk colors'.

My chalk keeps smudging or the X isn't lining up with my face — how can we fix that?

To prevent smudging when you 'stand or sit on the X,' test the position by kneeling over the 'small X' to check where your face or chest lands, draw a slightly larger X or outline your feet first, and let any paint dry before posing.

How can we adapt the activity for different ages?

For toddlers, draw a simple 'large background shape' and let them 'fill in the background' with broad strokes while an adult takes the photo, for elementary kids add borders and props to 'frame your selfie,' and for older kids challenge them to plan lighting and poses and upload to DIY.org themselves.

What are fun ways to enhance or personalize our sidewalk selfie?

Personalize by adding names, dates, or stencil patterns in the 'border or fun props,' using costume accessories while you 'try three different poses,' or make a short stop-motion showing your three poses to share on DIY.org.