Sidewalk Chalk paint

One day after a rainfall, there were large puddles on the pavement in our yard. The children were enjoying themselves splashing and jumping in the water. One child had the idea of bringing a marker to the puddles and trying to color in it. The colors spread through the water in a very interesting way; however, the action had to be redirected so that our marker would not get ruined. This idea inspired me to think of a way that we could follow the children’s interest in an appropriate way.

In Extended Care, during the week of October the 7^th, we created sidewalk chalk paint! The children helped to fill the squeeze bottles with corn starch, water, and watercolors using funnels. I talked to the children about how we used a mixture of dry and wet ingredients to create something new. This simple recipe provided an opportunity for the children to experience cause and effect through observing the mixing of ingredients and colors.  The children were able to use their fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination while carefully pouring the ingredients into the bottles and then squeezing it out onto the sidewalk. Here is the recipe if you would like to try making it at home:

 

• Cornstarch and water in equal parts
• Liquid watercolor
• Squeeze bottles (can be found at Family Dollar)

 

 

The children enjoyed squeezing the paint and stepping on it with their bare feet. Some children began to carefully squeeze out shapes and name letters. We watched the colors mix together and were able to find some colorful footprints!