How to make signs and labels

1. Explore outdoors with learners to create a list of areas that require signs – are any areas homes for wildlife, or need looking after? What plants or seeds have been planted and need labels?  
2. Ask learners to choose a feature or plant they want to make a sign or label for.  
3. Invite learners to design the lettering for their chosen sign or label on paper. For younger learners, support them to write simple letterforms or words.  
   
   For KS3 and above
4. If creating signs from wood, prepare the wood by cutting it into suitable lengths and sizes. Older learners will then need to prepare the wood by smoothing any rough edges with sandpaper. Any sawdust will need to be brushed off before the wood can be drawn on.
5. Learners can then use a pencil to copy their design onto the wood, to create a guide. Use chalk pens or permanent marker pens to complete the sign, adding colour to help it stand out or add decoration.  
6. Signs can then be mounted on a stake, by nailing through the front of the sign into the stake behind.
7. To help learners, mark the wood on the front of the sign with pencil, by aligning the stake in the middle – this will act as a reference for placing the nails within this marked area. Small pieces of wood don’t need to be mounted on a stake – if used length ways they can be pushed directly into the soil.
8. Using these guidelines and with support learners will use a hammer to gently tap 2-4 nails into the wood (the number of nails will be dependent on how big the sign is. For small signs of 10-20cm, two nails will be adequate. For larger signs use as many as needed to secure.) Still with support, place the sign on top of the stake and drive the nails through the sign and into the stake.  
9. Place the finished sign in its desired location, using a hammer if needed to knock signs into the ground. Signs can also be attached to fences or other structures where appropriate. 
   
   For KS2 and below
10. Support learners to copy their letters onto their sign or label. You may wish to have a selection of materials to choose from – pebbles or stones, lolly sticks or wooden spoons work well.  
11. Once written (and decorated if they wish) – support learners to place their signs in the right place outdoors. Pebbles or stones can be simply laid down next to the corresponding plants, while lolly sticks or wooden spoons can be stuck into the ground.  

This activity has been adapted from RHS Campaign for School Gardening