Chalk and wipe
Draw letters or shapes with chalk, then wipe it clean with some sensory water play.
An ideal independent play activity for those sunny days when kids need a bit of creative fun and you can use some extra time to yourself!
This combines art, sensory exploration, and a little splash of water play.
Start by using sidewalk chalk to draw anything they like on the ground or a low wall - letters, numbers, patterns, shapes, or mini murals!
Then, grab some water, squeezy bottles, water guns, or droppers, brushes and sponges to scrub their artworks away.
This setup lets them...
Materials
Prep
Step 1:
Choose an outdoor area, like a pavement or brick wall, and have chalk, brushes, and a water bucket ready.
Step 2:
Pick a sunny spot so the surface dries easily, and the wet effect is extra satisfying.
Play
Step 1:
Draw freely on the ground or wall with chalk, creating letters, numbers, shapes, characters, or patterns.
Step 2:
Dip brushes or sponges in water, then begin scrubbing or “painting” over the chalk. You can add squeezy bottles, squirty guns or droppers for extra fine motor fun.
Step 3:
Watch as the chalk washes away, creating unique fading effects or clean areas to start over.
Extend
Target practice: Draw shapes, numbers, or letters and call out which ones to squirt or erase - great for active learning and listening skills.
Shadow Drawing: In the morning or afternoon, draw outlines around each other’s shadows with chalk. They can then “erase” or “fill in” their shadow with water as the shadow moves.
Mini Car Wash: Gather toy cars or figurines, and have them roll through the chalk, leaving chalky tracks, then “wash” their wheels or the toys themselves.
Chalk hopscotch or obstacle course: Draw out paths, mazes, or jumping prompts that they can follow - then wash it all away at the end.
