This was one of my first student led passion projects. It was designed to boost school spirit and to honor educators, and students at our school. My students work in collaborative groups of 4. They first design on paper. Their designs can be in honor of a teacher or administrator who is retiring, or someone who made an impact on them during their time at school. They can also design in honor of the school and the memories they have made here. They can create a design that is important to their generation. They can design a tribute to the high schools they have chosen to attend.
It is a great graduating class activity. I allow students to work with a student from any homeroom. They leave materials in class. They also can use Google Draw and share their ideas digitally. They use Pinterest and other sidewalk chalk ideas they find on the internet.
I purchase the chalk at the end of the summer season when it is discounted. Last year, a chain store was going out of business and I was able to score boxes of 54 pieces of chalk for $1.50 each. It was incredible!
Students can bring in pastels or their own chalk. The pastel chalks really pop and take a bit more time to wash off and they are really beautiful. You will be able to spot them in the pictures on this post.
If you are looking for a fun, collaborative, team building competition, I suggest a sidewalk chalk competition. It brings the artist and little kid out in everyone.
