10 Sidewalk Chalk Ideas For Summer Learning
Sidewalk chalk is an unassuming people-pleaser. Kids love it because they’re only limited by their imaginations. Parents love it because not only is it inexpensive, but it’s rare that something with so much play potential is so easy to clean up after the kids are done. If you’re looking for a way to get the kids outdoors and keep them occupied for hours with fun games and educational activities, look no further! We’ve put together ten creative ways to shake the summertime blues with all the colors of the rainbow.
Shadow Art
Tracing shadows is a fun way for kids to learn about shadow science while they express themselves. This is a great art project AND science-oriented activity for everyone from toddlers to teens… you might even enjoy it, too!
https://rhythmsofplay.com/shadow-art-outdoor-science/
Stained Glass
Chalk art at its finest! With just a roll of tape, you can create a geometric design and let your kids take turns making lines. You can also leave some shapes uncolored and see if anyone from your neighborhood comes along to add their own colored panel. This is a fast and fun way to make some really striking sidewalk art while practicing cooperation and learning about geometry.
https://www.yourmodernfamily.com/stained-glass-sidewalk-chalk-art-with-kids/
DIY Sidewalk Chalk
The more you make chalk art, the more chalk you need. If your chalk is getting broken or worn down, here’s a recipe to cook up your own quick-driving chalk using recyclable materials you already have around the house. This recipe calls for paper towel tubes, but you can also use aluminum foil or plastic wrap rolls.
https://www.playfullearning.net/resource/make-your-own-sidewalk-chalk-2/
Interactive Art
Interactive art is a win-win for the whole family - the kids get to dream up almost limitless scenes and scenarios, and you get a one-of-a-kind photo you’ll treasure for years! Look around online to see what other people have come up with for a little inspiration.
https://onelittleproject.com/sidewalk-chalk-ideas/
Mazes
One of the best things about sidewalk chalk is that it doesn’t have to be a sedentary activity. Get your kids moving with a maze. You all might be surprised with how just how big and involved sidewalk chalk mazes can be!
https://handsonaswegrow.com/preschooler-activity-a-big-maze/
Pictionary
Pictionary: Grab your Pictionary game and use some asphalt as your sketch pad!
Pictionary has been a party game favorite for years, and now you can bring the fun home any time, just use some asphalt for your sketch pad! You don’t need to have the boxed game to come up with themes and ideas, but it’s readily available on Amazon if you prefer to play the traditional way. (Non-affiliate link.)
Constellation Art
Get your kids excited about astronomy by showing them how to create their own constellations, solar systems, and outer space pictures with sidewalk chalk. This is a fun way to introduce an awesome concept in a way that makes kids appreciate the scope of the universe without making it feel “alien.”
http://creeksidelearning.com/constellation-art-with-rocks-and-sidewalk-chalk/#_a5y_p=1917104
Puddle Art
Like most things kids love, sidewalk chalk only gets better with water. Don’t let a rainy day get you down when you can create striking watercolor-like art with a little wet chalk. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even let the kids splash through the brightly colored puddles when they’re done.
https://lemonlimeadventures.com/sidewalk-chalk-art-spring-puddles/
Exploding Sidewalk Chalk Baggie
Kids love movement and color. This experiment activity combines both in a way that’s literally bursting at the seams with beauty. Let your kids get hands-on with this science project that’s guaranteed to make an impression and make them bug you to do it again and again.
https://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/05/play-recipe-sidewalk-chalk.html
Sports Courts
The great thing about sports is that almost all of them are just lines on a field or a court and a ball. Sidewalk chalk can’t help you with the ball, but it can definitely create football fields, basketball courts, volleyball nets, and more! It’s even a handy way to keep score.
https://princesspinkygirl.com/sidewalk-chalk/2/?crlt_pid=camp.xIngw6JWgp0C&utm_content=buffer5f96a&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_campaign=bufferThese are just a few of the ways you can brighten up your summer with sidewalk chalk. Deceptively simple, sidewalk chalk is really only limited by your imagination. One of the most fun parts of art is coming up with your own games and activities. Get creative!
Whenever I get in a creative slump I know I can turn to my Kindergarten Crate for ideas and complete activities to get the ball rolling.
Not sure what Kindergarten Crate is?
It's the exclusive subscription box just for Pre-K, K, and first grade teachers! You can find more information at www.kindergartencrate.com. Use the code: CHALK to sign up and get 10% off your first order!
Not a teacher? Kindergarten Crate makes a great gift, too!
Now get outside, get creative, and continue your fun summer learning!