*This post is sponsored by Oriental Trading. I received free product to facilitate my post. All opinions are my own.

At our house, summer and sidewalk chalk go hand in hand.

Oriental Trading has a HUGE selection of sidewalk chalk! Click to order sidewalk chalk online. Not only do they stock the traditional tubs of assorted colored chalk, they also carry a great selection of novelty chalk. Their prices are incredible

We were able to try Stripe & Polka Dot Sidewalk Chalk. This top-rated set of chalk is brightly colored, affordable, and FUN! My four children, who have played with a wide variety of chalk, thought the stripes and polka dots were incredible. They squealed with delight when I opened the package for them. They had so much fun experimenting and playing with the chalk – watching how it worked.

chalk

1. Patterns

Introduce your child to patterning using sidewalk chalk. Use the varied colors to create patterns using various shapes or lines. See if your child can predict what shape/color comes next in the pattern.

2. Name Writing

Learning to write your name is fun when you’re using chalk. Kids won’t notice that they are practicing when they get to use bright colorful chalk. Sidewalk chalk also allows children the freedom to write BIG – which is their natural tendency.

3. Colors

Talk about colors as you play. “Oh, you’re using the blue chalk.  I have the green chalk.”

4. Sight Word Hopscotchhopscotch

Sight word hopscotch is a fun and active way to help your emergent reader learn their sight words. Kids will commit sight words to memory while they PLAY and MOVE! Click the link for full instructions.

5. Shapes

As you play with your child, talk about the shapes that you draw. If your child draws a sun, point out the circle. Draw triangles, hexagons, ovals, hearts….When you include learning inside of PLAY, you’ll have your child’s attention and he/she are more likely to be engaged.

6.Draw a Story

When your child draws a picture, he/she is telling a story! Use their chalk drawings as an opportunity to reinforce their storytelling skills.

7. Shadows

What is a shadow? Can you trace it? What can we find that makes the biggest shadow?

Take a piece of chalk and trace all of the shadows you can find. Encourage your child to ask questions and make observations as you draw and trace together.

8. Games

Play Tic-Tac-Toe, Hangman, or Dots. See who can make the longest line. Teach your child a classic game or invent a brand new one – making up rules as you go.

There are SO many things you can do with chalk. PLAY. IMAGINE. CREATE. Get out there and enjoy summer with your kids.

Make sure to check out Oriental Trading Company on Facebook.

Follow @OrientalTrading on Twitter