I love sharing the super simple art activities we do. Chalk Nature Painting with wet and dry chalk requires two things and it’s so much fun for kids. This was a very popular activity for a long time in the Reggio inspired preschool I teach at. If you have young children, I highly recommend you try it.
What you’ll need…
Materials
jumbo sidewalk chalk
a tree branch (rocks work great too)
All you need is a sizable tree branch, like you see in the pics, and some jumbo sidewalk chalk, which you can find at most dollar stores. And some water.
I would recommend starting off with the dry chalk and let your kids rub it back and forth on the branch. Different textures and surfaces on the branch will offer different experiences with the chalk. Kids just love it.
After a little time with dry chalk painting (go as long as they seem engaged) offer a small bowl of water for dipping the chalk. Wet chalk will offer a whole new sensory experience that kids love even more. They will dip and dunk the chalk and paint paint paint all over the branch.
The colors look really different between the wet and dry chalk. It’s really interesting to see.
The chalk will start to get smaller and smaller as the kids rub it over the branch, creating the perfect little grip for their small hands.
As you can see they really put their muscles into it.
The results are pretty gorgeous as well and there are so many things you can do with the branches when they are done. For one, you can chalk paint them over and over again with new colors. Other ideas might be to make a mobile, or a teepee, or maybe a temporary sculpture.
We have been working on temporary sculptures for months in our studio and the students come up with the most fascinating ideas. I’m working on a video so you can see it in action. Stay tuned!
This post is part of an ongoing nature series with 10 uber talented arts and crafts bloggers. We started here on The Craft Train with this gorgeous Leaf Mosaic Dreamcatcher by Kate. And then tomorrow click on over to Willowday to see how to make these beautiful flower crowns that I pretty much want to wear every waking moment.
Thanks for following along everyone. I really appreciate it. Hope you enjoy this series! xo Meri
Colorful sticks decorated by the children infuses at with nature. I live the idea of the sidewalk chalk being used, I’m going to do this with my singer campers…thanks so much!
Great! I hope they love it. I think they will!!
These are just exquisite Meri! I love love love them and could love to try! It’s like a ride on the rainbow, stopping by your beautiful blog!
You’re the best Gina. Thank you!!! I loved looking at the flower crown post today. All those happy girls. Just beautiful!
PS. Thank you so much of for sharing “us” up tomorrow! We’re back to the basics with a project we’ve made so many of, I can hardly choose!
I love this! What a fun way to decorate sticks!
It’s so easy and so much fun! Thanks Ana!
Oh Meri, I am gushing over these photos! Scheduled to share today. You are getting better and better at this 🙂
Wow, I just got home from a long day. So nice to read your sweet words. Thanks Meredith!! We’ve been doing this some time now huh? Thanks so much!!! xx
Hi, just ‘found you’ on Pinterest this morning! Love the chalk sticks. I just retired from teaching preschool (20 yrs which is like dog years so 140 years with 4 and 5 year olds) and now am focusing on my granddaughters, yay! They love nature stuff as much as I do. Our last project was painting rocks and making a cairn with them. We also glittered up some acorns for the woodland fairies to enjoy. Actually I enjoy them too and placed some in a bird nest on my window sill. Happy to be a subscriber and keep up the wonderful work you are doing. Kath in St. Paul, MN.
Kath, thank you so much. I truly appreciate your kind words. So happy you found my blog. And wow, 20 years teaching preschool! How amazing. You must have an arsenal of tricks up your sleeve!!! Enjoy time with your granddaughters and happy fairy land. Meri
I can’t stop staring at these branches, they are stunning. Your photos are so beautiful, too. I can’t wait to try this with my art class this fall. You make the most simple materials SING!!
Thank you Bar!!! It’s such an easy fun one. Kids really like it. THANK YOU!!!!
So cute and great for kids! Love how easy it is too!
Thanks Eden. It’s sooo easy and the kids really love it.
What a good idea! So simple and so pretty! I’ve gathered loads of sticks, I have some chalks, I will do it on the garden this weekend. Thanks for sharing it! x
Great. Hope you enjoy!