Sidewalk Chalk Fun
I am all about fun being inexpensive and easy and Sidewalk Chalk fun, easy, and inexpensive. I really like to use Sidewalk Chalk for multiple reasons:
Sidewalk Chalk allows kids and adults to be creative without worrying about permanency. Sidewalk Chalk can be washed away with a hose and some water so mistakes just don’t matter and the pressure is off.
To use Sidewalk Chalk kids are usually down on the ground getting some sort of weight-bearing in during play. Weight-bearing simply means taking weight through your body. When you are in a crawling or hands and knees position, your body has to hold you up by bearing weight through your arms and legs. In this position your muscles are working hard to hold you up allowing you to increase your core strength primarily in your shoulders and hips. Weight-bearing exercises also provide input and awareness to the joints and can be very calming. Any chance I get to have kids work in a weight-bearing position is a big win in my book. Although hands and knees is my favorite, sitting on the ground and leaning on one arm while coloring with chalk using the other is also weight-bearing and providing the same benefits.
Sidewalk Chalk activities can be customized to each child’s preference and abilities.
Sidewalk Chalk can be modified for individuals of all ability levels.
Here is a quick list of some of my favorite things to do with Sidewalk Chalk:
Color something big on the ground. Making a large rainbow, for example, requires lots of big movements in the arm and shoulder leading to increased strength and stability.
Create a gross motor course using chalk to improve skills like jumping, walking on a line, etc. I have a FREE PRINTABLE with some great ideas for courses.
Skip to 4:46 for Sidewalk Chalk Course Ideas.
Play Hop Scotch or Tic-Tac-Toe
Play Letter or Site Word Games: Learning is usually easier and definitely more fun when combined with movement. Try drawing the letters of the alphabet or your child’s weekly site words on the ground. Then call out each word or letter and have your child run to that item. You can also point to a specific item and have your child run to and call out what it is.
Sometimes sitting on the ground isn’t possible for everyone. So, if your child needs to use a chair or wheelchair, simply pop a piece of chalk into the end of a pool noodle to allow everyone to participate.
Have fun getting creative!
Heather
PS: If you are looking for fun activities to keep your kids busy this summer be sure to check out these videos.
