AM T2.02Chalk on a Chalkboard
The child makes marks with a thick piece of chalk on a small chalkboard and wipes the board clean.
Safety
- Use chalk labeled non-toxic with the AP seal, and choose low-dust chalk if a child or adult in the room has asthma.
- Chalk breaks: remove any piece small enough to fit the small parts test cylinder (1.25 in. × 2.25 in.).
- Fix a wall chalkboard securely, and check that a standing board cannot tip over.
Presentation
- 1
Carry the tray and board to the table, or stand with the child at the wall board.
- 2
Pick up the chalk and make two or three slow strokes. Do not draw a picture.
- 3
Hand the chalk to the child and step back.
- 4
Let them make marks in their own way. Say what you see: 'You made a long line.'
- 5
When the child is finished, wipe the board with slow strokes from top to bottom. This is the point of interest: the marks disappear and the board is ready again.
- 6
Hand the eraser to the child and let them wipe.
- 7
Show how to put the chalk in its dish and return the tray to the shelf.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Colored chalk, one color at a time
- Draw with dry chalk on a damp board
- Thick chalk on the ground outdoors
- Wash the board with a damp sponge and dry it with a cloth
Control of error
The board: it shows every mark, and marks left after wiping show where it still needs to be wiped.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Makes marks with chalk without pressing so hard that it breaks
- Wipes the whole board clean
- Returns chalk and eraser to their places
- Chooses the chalkboard from the shelf without prompting