Writing in plain language is a strategy I use to help communicate all kinds of topics. After healthcare and education, one of my next favorite topics is design. Specifically designing with kids. Below are instructions for a design project I did with my kids. Short sentences, bullet points, and imagery for the win!

DESIGN PROJECT

When my dad was diagnosed with cancer, we made the hard choice to move back to North Carolina. Before we left Atlanta, we took a long weekend to relax and recharge in Cape San Blas, Florida. We camped right on the water and spent our days paddle boarding and catching butterflies.

Inspired by the Buddhist tradition of prayer flags, we spent time creating our own version. We dyed the squares of fabric in the traditional order of color, and drew pictures of animals we loved. Blue, white, red, green, and yellow. It was a beautiful and healing experience, and something we’ll always remember fondly.

Give it a try!

(6 hr project, Ages 5-12)

• Cotton fabric
• Tye-dye (OR purchase colored flags)
• 3″ animal or nature stencils
• Fabric markers
• Twine

1. Start by cutting the fabric to make flags (8″ x 12″ or any size will do).
2. Tye-dye the flags with colors of your choice.
3. Make sure you have somewhere to dry your freshly dyed flags.
4. Find a stencil your child can trace.
5. Use a fabric pen so the color won’t fade.
6. Cut two small holes in the top corners of the fabric.
7. Thread the flags onto a piece of twine and hang!