Starting at an early age learning about the earth can make a huge impact on your child. This chalk activity is a playful way to begin conversations about the earth and all of the elements you find on it that we need to take care of. With just a few items your child is on their way to learning how to be eco-friendly.
We’re excited to be hosting the 100 Days of Play on our site today! We’re always looking for ways to make playtime fun and meaningful. This project will be packed full with ideas for playtime from some of your favorite kid bloggers and hopefully you’ll discover some new ones to you too!
We’re heading outside for our playtime today. Outdoor play is a key element for playtime with children. With Earth Day just around the corner, here’s a simple game to play with your child to learn about the Earth and all the elements that surround us in a playful way. This play idea uses two basic tools of childhood play chalk and a ball, two of our favorite toys with kids!
Grab a ball and some chalk and that’s all you will need! Of coarse we’re always adding “Our Educators’ Spin” on things …. so for older kids you can even write the beginning sounds or words on a piece of paper to make it a print rich game.
Elements of Nature Game with Chalk
Directions:
To start the fun you can create the various elements of nature with your child with chalk on your sidewalk or driveway. Have your child take a ball or bean bag and encourage them to make the ball touch the element you call out by tossing it towards that object. You can start to add beginning sounds and words to the game with children ages 3-6. For younger children create matches of elements with bean bags.
Elements of Nature Chalk Game Suggestions:
- Sun
- Moon
- Stars
- Clouds
- Plants {tree}
- Water {waves}
- Land {grass or dirt}
- Animals {snake, bird, turtle, cat, dog, fish… whichever is easiest}
- Planet Earth
While you’re playing you can also talk about the different continents of the World. Of course drawing with a 2 and 6 year old may make our Earth not quite accurate but if you use Amanda’s method you could have an accurate replication of a Map of the earth.
For More Ideas for Chalk Fun & Earth Fun
As a classroom teacher and mom of 3 I can’t tell you how important PLAY is to your child and to all of our children. One of the most common questions I’m asked about as a teacher is how can I prepare my child for school and my answer is PLAY. Here’s some research and Ideas to support Play with your child.
Articles and Ideas for the Importance of Play
- 10 Things Every Parent Should Know about Play from NAEYC
- 10 Quotes About the Importance of Play from One Perfect Day
- The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Childhood Development from the American Academy of Pediatrics
- Top 10 Pinterest Boards of Play Obsessed Moms hosted by Growing a Jeweled Rose & More
- Playtime Pinterest Boards hosted by The Educators’ Spin On It
- 100 Days of Play Pinterest Board from Sunscholars and Red Ted Art
- Connecting Family Through Creative Play Workshop
- Playing with Parenting Improves Academic Acheivement
- Join the Play Group Community on Google +
- Play Ideas from The Educators’ Spin On It
For more idea visit a special project called 100 Days of Play Blog Hop
I love that you are incorporating fun and play, education, and Earth Day all in one! A great activity for these nicer spring and summer days. And what kid does not LOVE playing with sidewalk chalk?!! Thanks so much for sharing and being a part of our 100 Days of Play! Your post is linked and shared!!!
Thank you so much for sharing this great idea at the Discover and Explore themed linky. I absolutely love the Elements of Nature Chalk Game…literacy, science, gross motor, art and fun all in one! I'm excited to see what you link up next week for the Gardening with Kids theme.
Love the Chalk game – such a great idea! I'll be featuring you on the Discover & Explore feature post this week!