School may be out, but fun learning activities can continue all summer long! Have the kids ditch the screens and grab some chalk. With sidewalk chalk, children can practice reading, writing or math skills while still having a blast. They can write their names, write messages to friends and family, draw pictures or make obstacle courses. The creative options are almost endless! Writing, drawing and playing with chalk enhances numerous physical skills such as balance, hopping and running. Kids can also practise skills with word and number games’ like word ladders, sight word games or skip counting.

Today’s chalk is not the stuff you and I may remember from our childhood. Now there’s glitter chalk, neon colours, cartoon-themed colours, liquid chalk and even chalk holders to help with grip! Large chalk pieces help little hands have a firm grip and don’t break as easily. Alternatively, you can make your own chalk by following this recipe.

Read about the many chalk games kids can play and the learning benefits of each:

• 6 Learning Games Using Sidewalk Chalk
• 15 Crazy-Cool Ways Kids Can Learn With Sidewalk Chalk
• The Best Sidewalk Chalk Activities for Kids
• How You Can Use Chalk to Encourage Summer Learning
• One piece of chalk, 8 active games