Inside or outdoors, chalk is a loose part that’ll keep interested children busy playing and creating for hours. This stuff supports trajectory, enveloping, enclosing, and other schema play as well. It’s also a useful tool for practicing early language and numeracy skills.

I’m so old, I remember having to clean erasers when I misbehaved in class, and thinking it was fun. And misbehaving a second time, so I could do it again. I also remember having to go to the board to complete math problems or write spelling words with a tiny white stick of the stuff. I’d hold it too tight, and it’d snap in half. I had very little practice writing on a vertical surface. My chicken scratch was barely legible, and I’d end up being scolded for my horrible handwriting–because neatness counted. It made me anxious and flustered and hate school.

This post has really taken a dark turn. Who knew part of my nearly life-long academic malaise could be traced back to sticks of calcium carbonate? Anyway, chalk is great and kids should get to use it, but how about you make it fun instead of dread-inducing for the little tykes? Give them the joy I never got from the stuff.

Here are some related DIY posts we’ve pulled together here at Playvolution HQ on making your own sidewalk chalk, making chalkboard signs, and making chalkboard panels.

Chalk At Play

Contribute content to Playvolution HQ
Brought to you by Explorations Early Learning

Browse Trainings

Please leave this field empty

Stay Updated

Receive regular play, professional development, and caregiver self-care updates.

Email Address *

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Author

Tasha Johnson

Explorations Early Learning | Website

After nearly 30 years working in early learning programs, Tasha now devotes her time to making Explorations Early Learning and Playvolution HQ work, quilting, and taking care of her pet duck, Tape.

• Tasha Johnson

  https://playvolutionhq.com/author/tasha-johnson/

  

  July 3, 2021

  Sewing Bobbins
• Tasha Johnson

  https://playvolutionhq.com/author/tasha-johnson/

  

  July 3, 2021

  Shower Curtain Rings
• Tasha Johnson

  https://playvolutionhq.com/author/tasha-johnson/

  

  July 3, 2021

  Sorting Trays
• Tasha Johnson

  https://playvolutionhq.com/author/tasha-johnson/

  

  July 25, 2021

  MBC_0004 Drunk And Sticky In The Sandbox
• Tasha Johnson

  https://playvolutionhq.com/author/tasha-johnson/

  

  July 3, 2021

  Plastic Food Containers
• Tasha Johnson

  https://playvolutionhq.com/author/tasha-johnson/

  

  July 3, 2021

  Plastic Beads