Cheap Chalk Play Round-Up

This is really just one suggestion: bring chalk along when you're going out with the kiddies.  Especially this holiday season when it's nice to stay outside in the cooler tropical air.

You may have already seen our chalkboard door in previous posts:

And our chalk-on-paper activity trays.

A handheld chalkboard is a regular material at Montessori schools for practicing writing.  I made one for our playroom using the back of a wooden puzzle set and spare paint from the chalkboard door project.

As you can see writing practice is not a favorite activity.

We also take chalk outside to draw on our garage steps.

In her lola's garden steps.

And in public places.  We've done this in random places like a fishing raft restaurant...

And the public park in Bonifacio High Street.  This huge rock was the scoreboard.

They drew on stepping stones.

Whoever stepped on the most drawings won - it didn't make sense but that wasn't important.

It's easy to ignore the humble chalk in today's frenzy of fancy art supplies and gadgets.  But when you whip it out at the right moment, be prepared for some pure childlike fun.

The laughter brings in the Christmas spirit that much sooner.

Now I wish I had a chalkboard wall at work!