Write a story for DIY Times - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Write a story for DIY Times

Write and illustrate a short DIY Times story about a simple project, describing materials, step-by-step instructions, and basic safety tips for readers.

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Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to write and illustrate a DIY Times story

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Homemade BIRD HOUSE | Full-Time Kid | PBS Parents

What you need

Adult supervision required, coloring materials such as crayons markers or colored pencils, eraser, glue stick, materials for your chosen project such as popsicle sticks tape yarn, paper, pencil, scissors

Step 1

Pick one simple DIY project to write about such as a bird feeder paper rocket or friendship bracelet.

Step 2

Gather all the materials for your chosen project and place them neatly on a table.

Step 3

Think of a catchy title and write it big at the top of your page.

Step 4

Write one short sentence that introduces what your project makes and why it is fun.

Step 5

Write a clear materials list for your readers using short words and exact amounts.

Step 6

Write 4 to 8 short numbered steps that someone else can follow to make the project.

Step 7

Write 2 or 3 simple safety tips that readers should follow while making the project.

Step 8

Draw one small illustration for each instruction step next to the matching text.

Step 9

Label each drawing with a short caption or arrow that shows what the picture is doing.

Step 10

Add color and fun decorations to your page to make it look like a magazine.

Step 11

Read your story out loud so you can hear any words that sound odd.

Step 12

Fix any unclear words or pictures so your instructions are easy to understand.

Step 13

Ask an adult to check your safety tips and help if you need a photo or scan.

Step 14

Share your finished DIY Times story on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share

Help!?

What can we use instead of hard-to-find materials listed in the materials list (for example embroidery floss, wooden dowel, or craft glue)?

If you don't have embroidery floss, a wooden dowel, or craft glue from your materials list, substitute thin yarn or dental floss for string, a pencil for a dowel, and school glue or a glue stick for craft glue, and write the exact amounts so the 4–8 numbered steps still work.

My reader can't follow a step or the drawings don't match the text—how can I fix that?

Follow the instruction to 'Read your story out loud,' then rewrite the unclear numbered step using shorter words, redraw the matching illustration with an arrow or short caption next to the step, and have an adult check the safety tips and clarity.

How can I adapt the project for younger children or older kids?

For younger kids, simplify to 4 short numbered steps, use pre-cut materials and bigger illustrations and an adult helper as noted in 'Ask an adult,' while older kids can add exact measurements to the materials list, 6–8 detailed steps, and more advanced decorations.

What are some ways to enhance or personalize our finished DIY Times story?

Enhance your DIY Times story by adding photos or scanned step images as suggested, creating a colorful magazine-style title and decorations at the top, and including one extra safety tip or a creative challenge for readers to try.

Watch videos on how to write and illustrate a DIY Times story

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Kids Carpentry: Build a simple Birdhouse

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Facts about children's creative writing and DIY projects

♻️ Many fun craft supplies are recycled household items like cardboard, jars, and paper rolls.

✍️ Great stories often start with a short, catchy hook that makes readers want to keep reading.

🛠️ DIY stands for "do it yourself" and covers projects from tiny crafts to big home improvements.

🎨 Simple illustrations can help readers follow steps faster — pictures + words make a perfect team!

🦺 Wearing goggles and asking an adult for help with hot glue or sharp tools prevents most craft accidents.

How do I help my child write and illustrate a short DIY Times story about a simple project?

Start by picking a simple, safe project (bird feeder, sock puppet, paper kite). Have your child list materials and write a brief title and one-sentence introduction. Break the project into 4–8 clear, numbered steps using short sentences. For each step, add a simple illustration or photo and a one-line caption. Finish with basic safety tips and a short ‘what we learned’ note. Review together, then bind or staple pages into a mini magazine for sharing.

What materials are needed to create a DIY Times story with illustrations?

You’ll need basic craft and writing supplies: plain or construction paper, pencils, erasers, colored pencils or markers, ruler, scissors, and glue or tape. Optional items: camera or phone for step photos, stickers or magazines for collage, stapler or hole punch and string to bind pages, and a clipboard. Have adult supervision for any sharp tools, and keep a small first-aid kit nearby for minor scrapes.

What ages is this DIY Times story activity suitable for?

This activity suits kids roughly 5–12 years with adaptations: ages 5–7 need simple steps, heavy adult help, and drawing support. Ages 8–10 can write short instructions and illustrate independently with minimal editing. Ages 11–12 can include measurements, photos, and safety notes, and draft a polished mini-article. Adjust complexity, length, and supervision based on your child’s reading, writing, and fine-motor skills.

What are the benefits of having my child write and illustrate a DIY Times story?

Creating a DIY Times story builds communication, sequencing, and planning skills while boosting creativity and fine motor control. Writing clear steps improves logical thinking and vocabulary; illustrating helps visual storytelling. Including safety tips teaches responsibility. Sharing the finished mini-magazine fosters confidence and collaboration if done as a group. It’s also a screen-free project that can encourage reusing household materials and experimenting with hands-on problem solving.

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