Chalk Around the Block

Lisa Arsenault is an elementary-school teacher in Ajax.

Developed for the medium of chalk, this is a games and activities manual
for 4- to 9-year-olds. The chalk is included: five large colored
sidewalk chalks in a cardboard holster that fits on a child’s belt. A
short history of chalk, safety tips, and measurement conversion tables
preface more than 30 art and science activities and games, which are
grouped according to age suitability and accompanied by explicit
directions and illustrations. Games include several versions of
hopscotch, tag, and other running games and games of strategy.
Activities promote artistic endeavor or scientific experimentation.
Interspersed throughout are interesting anecdotes about chalk.

This manual is appropriate for use in the school as well as the home.
Several suggestions for classroom learning activities are provided along
with anecdotal insertions designed to generate classroom discussion.
Because most of the activities and games are learning as well as fun
experiences, classroom use of this manual would ensure a productive and
enjoyable session in the playground.