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