We'll outline below how to make a stepping stone and what materials you will need in addition to one of the Make Your Own Stepping Stone or Word Stone Kits which will be used in this learning exercise. If you are a teacher or a parent, you've selected a very fun project, one you and your kids will enjoy doing and enjoy using for a very long time to come.

Step 1: Prepare your work area, since you will be mixing your lightweight batch of concrete (included in the kit). Note: you will need additional concrete to make more stepping stones out of the forms included in the kit. Lay a plastic sheet on a flat surface where you will be working. Try and select an area which can remain un-disturbed for a few days as your stepping stones can setup. Take a black plastic trash bag (if you have one handy) and cut the edges to yield a large square plastic piece - fold it in two if you can so that you have a more durable work surface.

Step 2: Open the starter bag of lightweight concrete and add 3/4 cup of water and about a tablespoon of tint (as desired) to the bag. Mix the concrete and close off the bag with a twist tie, squishing it all around until it is well mixed. Pay attention to the corners of the bag so that they do not get clumpy with "un-squished" concrete. Add a few drops of water (it does not take much) so that your mix is somewhere between the consistency of "soft serve ice cream" and "hard ice cream." (It's always fun to serve some ice cream after the main event!)

Step 3: Dump the concrete mix from the bag to the form, pushing the concrete down into the form with the trowel. Be sure it gets flat and does not have any holes or openings within the mix on the sides or the bottom. It helps to push the mix down into all four corners of the garden stepping stone.

Step 4: Arrange the letters the way you would like them to appear on your garden stone on top of the concrete without pressing them down! Once they are arranged properly and to your liking, then press them down one at a time and remove them. Re-use the letter form if it is needed in the word you have chosen.

Step 5: Slowly lift the form straight up and off the concrete. If your concrete is firm, you can lift it all of the way up and remove. Smooth the stepping stone with your fingers for a light touch and rounded effect if needed. Then let the stepping stone dry for 48 hours as it cures. Note: if you are making your garden stone outside, lay a plastic sheet over it so that it stays a bit moist from the hot sun. If inside, keep little fingers away from it once completely finished!

Making stepping stones is a fun and easy project for kids of all ages. Whether you choose fingerprints or footprints, the garden stone will last a long time. Teaching kids about gardening and horticulture involves all types of projects, and includes those that keep hands busy. If you would like additional ideas for teaching kids gardening and horticulture, please visit our store at www.hortikids.com and browse our categories and Learning Directory for other fun ideas and projects.

Making HortiKids one Kid at a Time!