Show Us Your City's First Letter with a Hand Sign

What can we use if we don't have a mirror or a camera?

Use a glossy phone or tablet screen or a window reflection instead of a mirror, and use an adult's smartphone, tablet, or webcam to photograph or record the sign while following the instruction to ask an adult for permission and help.

My hands don't look like the letter in the mirror — what should I try?

Draw the first letter on paper and hold your hands above it while looking in the mirror, try using two hands to form different parts of the shape, ask a friend or family member to copy and give feedback, then hold the sign steady for five seconds and practice three times as the steps suggest.

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

For younger children, have an adult or older sibling gently position their hands and help take the photo while they hold the sign for five seconds, and for older kids challenge them to record a video spelling the whole city name with a sequence of hand signs and edit it before sharing on DIY.org.

How can we make the hand-sign photo more creative or personal?

Choose a safe well-lit spot with a colorful background or a small city-related prop or costume, try different camera angles or a short video clip, then look at the photos or video, pick your favorite shot, and share it on DIY.org as the instructions direct.