Sidewalk - Chalk - Story Quilt

Found this adorable art idea from Flax & Twine and thought it could be a cute reading/literacy activity for your kiddos this summer! While you may not have divided sections of concrete at your disposal, this works just as well with a chalk grid!

Supplies You'll Need

• Sidewalk chalk
• A selection from your classroom library
• Flat section of sidewalk or pavement

While we love the brilliant colors and freely created patterns displayed at Flax & Twine, we also imagined students having a blast with a directed project, creating colorful story quilts {by themselves, in small groups, or even as a class!}. First, read a story - a new literature selection or a class favorite - then have your kiddos to think about one or more of the following ideas/prompts as they design a 'quilt square'...

• Who was your favorite character?
• What was your favorite part of the story?
• Illustrate an alternate ending to the story.

You might even consider using a 'compound prompt'. For instance, here's a three-part quilt prompt: 1) Have students select a color that best represents the book as a whole, using it to outline their square, 2) Just inside the colored lines, invite student to draw a repeating pattern of three symbols that best represent the book, and 3) In the center of the square, have your preschoolers draw their favorite scene or character from the selection.

Your preschoolers are sure to have a blast exploring and thinking critically about literature, creating beautiful art work and designs, and learning outside in the sunshine and fresh air!