Have you noticed an increase in the number of adorable chalk drawings adorning the sidewalks on your quarantine strolls around the neighborhood lately? Cooped-up kids (and more than a few adults) are taking to the sidewalks to throw down a little artwork or a few inspirational words for neighbors to appreciate as we all get in whatever outdoor steps we can. Since we’re all about connecting with others in every way possible during the pandemic, consider kicking that sentiment up a notch by organizing a neighborhood chalk walk.
I’ve come across a few different variations on this idea since many of us brought all of our working, schooling and parenting into our homes. Much like we suggested with the social-distancing scavenger hunt, you can coordinate a day, time and whatever other parameters you’d like with your neighbors. Pick a theme (stained-glass chalk art is having a real moment right now)—or just let folks draw what they want—and decorate the sidewalk outside of your home for the enjoyment of everyone who takes a walk from now until the next time it rains.
If you want to go all out and also make it educational, you could follow the example of this mom in Ohio did and create a “Literature Chalk Walk.” It sounds overly complex and yet now has nearly 80 participating families, according to Cleveland.com:
Monday through Friday, children are asked to read a book. Children have a choice to draw the cover, a character or a scene in the book. Once they have chosen, they are encouraged to chalk on the sidewalk in front of their home by 3 p.m. each day, Gallagher-App said. Families can walk, ride their bikes or drive around the neighborhood and guess the books children have read based on their drawings.
The next day, children are asked to write the title next to the drawing, revealing what book they read.
Rather than making the kids do all the work, you could do it for them and provide a way for them to unleash some of their pent-up energy—like Jody Baudistel Goudreau, who created a whole damn chalk obstacle course for the kids in her neighborhood:
Here’s another good one, which proves that some kids take “obstacle courses” more seriously than others:
Finally, you could skip the neighborhood coordination and the detailed obstacle course construction altogether and simply hand your kids a piece of chalk when you take your next walk. Pause at the end of each neighbor’s driveway and have them draw a heart or a smiley face or jot down a few hopeful words. It will brighten the day of anyone who sees it, and your kids will feel good about secretly spreading a little joy.
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