How to Organize a Public Chalk Street Walk
Have you noticed that during your quarantine walks in the neighborhood, the number of charming chalk drawings decorating the sidewalks has increased recently? Co-minded children (and more than a few adults) take to the sidewalks to drop a little piece of art or some inspirational words for neighbors to appreciate as we all do our best. Since we all strive to connect with others in every possible way during a pandemic, consider taking that mood up a notch by taking a walk around the area.
I have come across several different variations of this idea, as many of us have brought all our work, study, and upbringing to our homes. Just as we suggested in the case of a scavenger hunt with social distancing , you can coordinate the day, time and any other parameters with your neighbors. Pick a theme ( stained glass art has a real moment now) – or just let people paint what they want – and decorate the sidewalk outside your home to please everyone who walks from now until the next time it’s raining.
If you want to do your best and make it educational , you can follow the example of this Ohio mom and create a Literary Walk on Chalk . It sounds too complicated, according to Cleveland.com, but there are now about 80 families involved:
From Monday to Friday, children are asked to read the book. Children have a choice: draw a cover, a character, or a scene in a book. After making the choice, Gallagher-App said they are encouraged to write with chalk on the sidewalk in front of their house by 3:00 pm every day. Families can walk, ride bicycles, or travel around the neighborhood and guess the books the children have read from their drawings.
The next day, the children are asked to write a title next to the picture to indicate which book they are reading.
Instead of forcing the kids to do all the work, you could do it for them and let them release some of their pent-up energy – like Jodie Baudistel Goodro , who created a damn chalky obstacle course for the kids in it. district:
Here is another good example that proves that some children take obstacle courses more seriously than others:
Finally, you can skip the neighborhood coordination and detailed obstacle course construction entirely and just hand your kids a piece of chalk when you head out on your next walk. Pause at the end of each neighbor’s driveway and ask them to draw a heart or smiley face, or write down a few encouraging words. It will brighten the day of anyone who sees it, and it will be good for your children when you secretly spread a little joy.