5 Ways to Use Sidewalk Chalk for Learning

When the sun is shining, the grass is green, and summer is on the horizon, it can be hard to keep students' attention in the classroom.  Why not take your classroom OUTSIDE?  One great way to keep the learning alive outside is to use sidewalk chalk!  My name is Shelly Rees, author of Appletastic: Blossoming in Fifth Grade, and I am happy to share some ways that you and your students can use sidewalk chalk for learning!  Students LOVE using sidewalk chalk, so head on outside and try one of these ideas:

1. Vocabulary Word Practice

Write a group of vocabulary words on the sidewalk.  Call out a definition and have students stand by the word to which it belongs.  You could also give each student an area and a piece of chalk, read a definition, and have them write the word!

2. Math Problem Practice

Have students write specific types of math problems with their chalk.  Then, blow a whistle and have them move to another problem and solve it. Blow the whistle again, and students move to a solved problem and check it with the inverse operation.  Repeat the process.  Students love the fast pace of this activity and it's wonderful practice!

3. Character Mapping

Have you and your students read a good story or novel lately?  Take them outside and allow students to trace each other on the sidewalk.  Then, have them write a main character's name above the outline.  Next, students write various adjectives to describe the character.  This not only helps students to better identify with their character, but it also helps students develop their vocabulary and use of synonyms.

4. Spelling Word Scramble

Move outside for spelling word practice.  There are several ways you can approach this. Give each student their own space, call out a word, and have them write the word. You can also allow students to scramble a spelling word, move to the next word and solve the scramble, then repeat! 

5.  Create a Timeline

Studying a particular sequence of events in history, a novel study, or science?  Why not have students work in small groups to create a timeline of those events?  It's fun, engaging, and academic! My students recently created timelines of the major events of the Revolutionary War. It was a nice break from our normal classroom routine, and it provided great reinforcement of what we had been learning.  Win!

Sidewalk chalk isn't just for artwork anymore!  Grab a container of those colored chalk sticks, take your students outside, and get to work! Enjoy!