Have you and your children been playing with chalk all summer? Here is a fun way to change it up a bit. I am all about less waste and using every little bit of paint, crayons, chalk, etc. This is the perfect way to use up all those small pieces of chalk left over from this summer’s outdoor fun. This is great as a science experiment, or art project and the first step resembles the practical life lesson in Montessori. (grating soap)
Age:
3 and up (for the grating portion) the painting portion is greatest for all ages.
What you need:
- Pieces of chalk
- Water
- Container where you will make the paint (you can use a cupcake pan)
- Paintbrush
- Water
- Grater
How to:
1. Collect all the pieces of chalk you want to use. Separate them by color.
2. Grate each of the chalk pieces into a small container. Make sure to keep all the yellows together, the blues together, etc.
3. When your chalk has been grated ad a little water and mix. Add small amounts until you have the consistency you desire.
4. Then let your child play, paint and explore. My children started painting, dumping the color, and watching them mix together. They guided the entire process and had a blast.
Objective:
The grating of the chalk works on many skills. They are working on their hand-eye coordination, grip muscles, and hand strength. It is a great opportunity to work on the scientific method by asking them what their hypothesis is and what they think will happen when they add water to the chalk. It’s a great way for them to work on colors if you use primary colors. They can watch colors blend into each other and create new colors.
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