Write Your Favorite Quote
Choose a favorite quote, copy it neatly onto a decorated poster or card, then explain in a short paragraph why it inspires you.
About this activity
Choose a favorite quote, copy it neatly onto a decorated poster or card, then explain in a short paragraph why it inspires you.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Choose your favorite quote that makes you feel happy brave or inspired
- 2
Step 2
Read the quote out loud two times so the words stay in your mind
- 3
Step 3
Practice copying the quote neatly on a scrap piece of paper
- 4
Step 4
Pick the paper or poster board you will use for your final poster or card
- 5
Step 5
Use a ruler and pencil to draw light guide lines on the final paper
- 6
Step 6
Lightly write the quote on the final paper following your guide lines
- 7
Step 7
Trace over your pencil letters with the marker or black pen to make them bold
- 8
Step 8
Wait a moment for the ink to dry then erase any pencil guide lines carefully
- 9
Step 9
Decorate around the quote with coloring materials and stickers so it matches the feeling of the words
- 10
Step 10
Write a short paragraph explaining in simple sentences why this quote inspires you
- 11
Step 11
Read your paragraph out loud to check how it sounds
- 12
Step 12
Fix any spelling or punctuation mistakes you find
- 13
Step 13
Share your finished poster or card on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I do the "Write Your Favorite Quote" activity with my child?
Start by choosing a short quote together and talk about what it means. Have the child lightly pencil the quote on a poster or card, using a ruler to keep lines straight. When happy, trace with a pen or marker and erase pencil marks. Let them decorate with color, stickers or small drawings. Finish by writing a one-paragraph explanation about why the quote inspires them. Display or gift the finished piece as a keepsake.
What materials do I need for the "Write Your Favorite Quote" activity?
Gather a poster board or blank card, pencils and eraser, a ruler for straight lines, and fine-tip pens or markers for writing. Add colored pencils, crayons, paints, stickers, washi tape, and glue for decorating. Optional items: stencils, stamps, decorative paper, scissors, and laminating sheets or a simple frame to preserve the finished work. Keep scrap paper nearby for practice and layout planning.
What ages is the "Write Your Favorite Quote" activity suitable for?
This activity works well for ages about 5–12. Younger children (5–7) may need help choosing short quotes and with writing or tracing, while older kids (8–12) can select meaningful quotes and write a short paragraph independently. Adapt complexity by offering simpler language, pre-printed quotes, or extra artistic choices. Adults can support handwriting, spelling, and discussion to make it age-appropriate and rewarding for any child.
What are the benefits of doing the "Write Your Favorite Quote" activity?
This activity boosts reading comprehension, handwriting practice, and creative expression. It encourages children to reflect on values and emotions while practicing summarizing ideas in a short paragraph. Decorating develops fine motor skills and aesthetic choices, and sharing the quote can build confidence and communication. The finished poster makes a meaningful keepsake that reinforces positive messages and can spark family conversations about role models and goals.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
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).