Write Your Favorite Quote

What can we use instead of poster board, a ruler, or a black marker if we don't have them?

Use sturdy cardstock or a flattened cereal box instead of poster board, the long edge of a book or a straight piece of cardboard for a ruler when drawing guide lines (step 5), and a fine-tip ballpoint pen or dark crayon to trace your letters (step 7).

My letters look wobbly or my pencil guide lines don't erase cleanly—what should I do?

Practice copying the quote neatly on the scrap paper (step 3), draw very light guide lines with the pencil (step 5), wait a little longer for the ink to dry after tracing (step 7) and then erase gently so the marker doesn't smudge (step 8).

How can we adapt this activity for younger or older kids?

For younger children, use larger paper, wide pre-drawn guide lines and lots of stickers during the decorate step (step 9) with an adult helping to write the short paragraph (step 10), while older kids can try thinner guide lines, experiment with hand lettering or calligraphy when tracing (step 7), and write a longer reflective paragraph before sharing.

How can we make the finished poster or card more special or keep it longer?

Add a light watercolor or colored-pencil background before writing, include small illustrations that match the quote while decorating (step 9), then laminate or frame the poster after erasing pencil lines (step 8) and share the finished piece on DIY.org (step 13).