On going Art Experiment: Chalk Painting

So this may seem too obvious to even make a post about, but if you aren't already doing utilizing this project, then this is for you. And if you are, I have some ideas to take it to the next level. We seriously do this almost everyday at my house. Endless entertainment, helps strengthen muscles for writing, opens up creativity, teaches about colors, cause and effect.. it's more than just fun!

You'll need:

Chalk

Water in cup

Paintbrush

Optional:

Sponge

Dishsoap

Directions:

Fill up a paint cup, or other safe use cup with water. Show your child they can get the chalk wet from the cup and totally change how the chalk colors. Also show them they can get the paint brush wet and draw over either dry chalk or wet chalk to totally change that as well. Let them explore and see what they like best. We love to draw on our play house. What could your child draw on in your backyard? Toddlers need big, wide motions in drawing, so taking this vertically is very beneficial for their development.

It's also just as much fun to "clean" the chalk (or dirt) with water painting. Just a cup of water and paint brush can be as much fun as adding chalk to the mix.

Once your child has that down, experiment with adding some dish soap to the water, mixing different chalk colors by water painting over dry or wet markings, or by getting the chalk wet to color with other wet chalk. It makes it more like water color, and super easy to mix. You can put your soapy water in a water table or sensory bin, add a sponge, and see where that takes them as well. We will draw on stumps and then pick up the color with a soapy sponge to rub it all over.

Even further, preschool-agers will love to crumble up chalk to make into a dust. We will use the handle of the paint brush (or something else blunt or sharp) to shave off pieces into a dry cup. Then they'll smash the pieces in the cup to make a dust, then add water to make a thicker "paint".

Honestly, a piece of chalk, a paint brush, and a cup of water can go a long way when your child's creativity is engaged. Get outside and get creating!