• Reading
  • Science
  • Math
  • Writing
  • Recipes
  • Travel

The Educators' Spin On It

Learning Games and Activities

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Deals
  • Shop
  • Contact

By Amanda Boyarshinov 5 Comments

Need an open ended, multi age activity for afterschool? Now is the time for a Teddy Bear Chalk Challenge {After School Link Up}

I don’t know about your kids – but mine comes home from school tired of sitting in a desk and following specific directions.  Don’t let the open ended playtime of summer end – continue the fun after school with “chalk challenges.”

It seems like I am forever trying to think of fun ways to provide them with open ended activities that encourage them to use their creativity, be outside, and really – just be kids. I think we have hit upon a real winner.  This project is open ended, can be connected to any story, allows for all ages to have fun while participating (the teddy bears in the top picture were drawn by a 3 year old, two 6 year olds, a 7 year old, and a 9 year old.)

All you need is some space on a driveway or sidewalk and some chalk.

The challenge works like this…

1. You call a theme
like Teddy Bears
or sea life, or jungle, or things in a restaurant, or food… you get the idea.

THEN

2. Everyone draws a picture relating to that theme.

Yes, that is it.  Pure genius! The kids worked for a good while, admire each others work, took some ideas and expanded their own drawing.  Lucky for my neighbors – the rain washes it away and we can make them some new “art” to look at another day!

If you have tried this once – expand on the idea with next weeks challenge…

  • Encourage the kids to write a saying for their illustration
  • See if they can draw a real-life and/ or pretend animal
  • Add a bucket of water and let them dip the chalk in first. This will make the chalk brighter, but will also use the chalk up faster.
  • Let them decide on the theme
  • Have them work in pairs to create one picture
Did you have a “Chalk Challenge?”  We would love to see pictures of your creations.  Snap away and send us a picture at [email protected]  We may just post it here at the Educators’ Spin On It for all to see!!!

Save

Like this idea? Pin for later or share now with a friend!

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Filed Under: Arts Tagged With: chalk, grade school, PLAY, Siblings, sidewalk chalk

About Amanda Boyarshinov

K - 12 masters reading teacher, author and mom to 3. Amanda is a National Board Certified teacher with oodles of experience in early childhood education.

« Teacher Gift Idea with Post It Notes
D.I.Y Knight Shield for Pretend Costume Play »

Comments

  1. Chelsey Marashian says

    August 26, 2013 at 7:46 am

    Love the chalk challenge! My oldest just started Kindergarten, and I didn't realize how kind of crazy those after school afternoons could be! LOL I've been trying to come up with open-ended fun for her to do once she gets home, and this chalk challenge is perfect! Thank you!

    Thank you also for sharing our science activity roundup this week!

    Reply
  2. Natalie F says

    August 26, 2013 at 10:30 am

    That's a very fun project for a big group! It looks like you have plenty of kids to participate 🙂 So excited to rejoin Afterschool as a co-host again 🙂

    Reply
  3. Lovingmama says

    August 26, 2013 at 10:33 am

    Yes – the afternoon moodies come out in our house! What is great about chalk challenges, is that you can have them create something to connect with what they are learning about at school. If the letter of the week is G – then you can try and draw as many things that start with the letter G on your driveway!

    Reply
  4. Lovingmama says

    August 26, 2013 at 10:34 am

    It is fun activity for my kiddos (3 of them) and when we have friends over!!! Glad to have you co-hosting again!!!!

    Reply
  5. Emma says

    August 29, 2013 at 2:42 pm

    I love the idea of a cha;k challenge and especially keeping open ended play going after summer.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to our Newsletter!


For ages…

Grade School
Preschool
Toddler
Baby

Search for an Activity

POPULAR POSTS

Virtual Field Trips for Kids
Valentine's Day Activities for Baby or Toddler
Easter Eggs stacked using Playdough for STEM Challenge
10 things to put in a pinata that are not candy
spring virtual field trips for kids with flowers, trees, baby animals and more
February Activity Calendar

GRAB OUR BOOK!

100 fun and Easy Learning Games for Kids Book Cover Standing

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

You Might Also Like

Homemade Valentines Day card Ideas for Kids

20 Adorable Homemade Valentines for Classmates

Valentine Activities for Babies and Toddlers from The Educators' Spin On It

Valentine’s Day Activities for Babies and Toddlers

Valentine's Day Books for kids of all ages

Top 40 Valentine’s Day Books

february activities for school ages

February Themed After School Activities for Kids

Best Place to See Dolphins in the Florida Keys: Dolphin Research Center

Best Place to See Dolphins in the Keys: Dolphin Research Center

Let’s Connect!

Kim Vij

Early childhood teacher, author, speaker and mom of 3. Kim Vij shares ways to make learning fun and parenting an adventure by sharing all kinds of easy kid crafts, activities and even recipes for kids!
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023