Everything You Need To Know About Sidewalk Chalk

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Spring is here!  And sidewalk chalk is back!

There are so many possibilities, when it comes to chalk.  They seem endless, actually, if you have a creative mind.  Often times, one creative activity inspires more creativity and fun.

In this “Ultimate Guide,” you will learn everything there is to know about sidewalk chalk.  And I’ll bet there are some things you didn’t know!  I will answer the following questions about sidewalk chalk for you, as well as provide LOTS of creative ways to have fun with it!

1. When was sidewalk chalk invented?
2. What is sidewalk chalk made of?
3. How are sidewalk chalk & chalkboard chalk different?
4. Is sidewalk chalk toxic?
5. What should I do if sidewalk chalk is ingested?
6. Where can I buy commercial sidewalk chalk?
7. Can I make my own sidewalk chalk?
8. How can I use sidewalk chalk?
9. What is the best way to remove sidewalk chalk stains?

When Was Sidewalk Chalk Invented?

Some say that Sharon McKay, the children’s author of the 1993 book “Chalk Around the Block,” is the inventor of sidewalk chalk.  This may be true of “sidewalk” chalk.   However, chalk, in general, has been around for a very, very long time.

Chalk didn’t become a standard tool used for teaching in schools until the 19^th century.  Prior to that, it was often used by artists.  In prehistoric times, chalk was used to make cave drawings!

“Sidewalk” chalking of streets was first seen in Europe, primarily Italy, in the 16 century.  Traveling street artists drew religious icons using chalk, coal and tile for coins. 

It was in the 1980s that artists brought street painting to the United States.  Robert Guillemin and Kurt Wenner are noted as being huge contributors to its popularity.  This is perhaps when sidewalk chalk was born.

What Is Sidewalk Chalk Made Of?

The primary ingredient in most classroom chalk is calcium carbonate, which is a form of limestone.  Limestone is derived from the decomposition of plankton skeletons. 

Pastel or sidewalk chalks, on the other hand, use a base of calcium sulfate, which is derived from gypsum.  Gypsum forms from the deposition of ocean brine.

Many sidewalk chalk ingredients list “plaster of paris” as an ingredient.  This is just a fancy name that was given to calcium sulfate in ancient times for its preparation from the abundant gypsum found near Paris.  It is a quick-setting gypsum plaster that is ground into a fine white powder that hardens when moistened and allowed to dry. 

Both chalk and dehydrated gypsum have similar properties.  Pastel chalk, however, is better used on paper and sidewalks and is often combined with clay, oils and strong pigments.

How Are Sidewalk Chalk & Chalkboard Chalk Different?

Aside from their primary ingredient, there are other differences to note between sidewalk chalk and chalkboard chalk.

For one, chalkboard chalk is much smaller than sidewalk chalk.  It is approximately .35 of an inch in diameter and 3.15 inches long, which makes it ideal for writing text on chalkboard surfaces.  It also is known to create more dust than sidewalk chalk.

Sidewalk chalk, on the other hand, is generally much larger in length and thickness than chalkboard chalk, making it more useful for artistic applications with asphalt and cement.  It also comes in many more colors.

Is Sidewalk Chalk Toxic?

Although most contaminants are eliminated from chalk during its manufacture, it is very difficult to remove them all.  As such, silica, alumina, iron, phosphorus, and sulfur, as well as very small amounts of manganese, copper, titanium, sodium oxide, potassium oxide, fluorine, arsenic, and strontium may still remain.

Chalk is not generally considered poisonous.  However, if large amounts are swallowed, it may cause some digestive problems, including:

• Abdominal pain,
• Constipation,
• Cough,
• Diarrhea,
• Shortness of breath,
• Nausea and vomiting.

The same holds true if chalk is eaten by your dog or cat.  Chalk is rather non-toxic, but may cause some digestive upset in your pet.

What Should I Do If Sidewalk Chalk is Ingested?

If chalk is ingested and any of the above symptoms are present, it is advised that you seek medical help right away.  Call the Poison Control Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) at any time in the United States and provide them with the following information:   

• Person’s age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (and ingredients)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.

Where Can I Buy Commercial Sidewalk Chalk?

During the spring and summer months, sidewalk chalk can be found in any number of places.  You are likely to find it in Walmart, Target, in the seasonal isle of your local grocery store, at craft stores like Jo-Ann Fabrics or Michael’s and, of course, online at places like Amazon.

Can I Make My Own Sidewalk Chalk?

With people being home more these days, it is possible that chalk will be sold out at your local store.  But don’t fret, you can actually make your own at home! 

In this article, the author explains that there are 5 Ways To Make Sidewalk Chalk.  To make the most common form of chalk, you’ll need:

1. Water,
2. Plaster of Paris and
3. Tempura Paint

Plaster of paris can be found at hardware stores, such as Home Depot, at craft stores, such as Michael’s and online at Amazon.

If you want to get really creative, you can add glow-in-the-dark or fluorescent paint to your homemade sidewalk chalk, instead of standard tempera paint.  The glow-in-the-dark paint will make your chalk glow-in the dark at night and fluorescent paint will make your chalk to glow under a black light!

How Can I Use Sidewalk Chalk?

Honestly, the number of ways to use sidewalk chalk is only limited to your imagination.  Following are some of the ways chalk is commonly used.

1. Chalk Mandala:

A mandala, Sanskrit for “circle,” is a geometric design that is both a spiritual and ritual symbol of Asian cultures.  Externally, the mandala is a visual representation of the universe.  Internally, it can be used as a guide for meditation.  Either way, mandalas exhibit beauty and wonder. 

Using stencils and patterns, when drawing with chalk, creates beautiful pictures.  Check out the stencils in the link above for some great ideas.

2. Wet sidewalk chalk:

This is my daughter’s favorite way to play with chalk.  (Although not my husband’s favorite, as the chalk tends to stain our patio!)  By getting the chalk wet, a chalky paste is created and the colors are much more vibrant.  Chalk drawings will last longer using this method of art.

3. Hopscotch:

Hopscotch was one of my favorite activities to use chalk for when I was a girl.  And it clearly has been for many other girls for centuries.  All you need is a piece of chalk, something small to toss and you’re set for fun! 

The link above provides rules (with pictures) for how to play hopscotch, as well as some variations.

4. 4 Square:

In this link, you’ll find the official rules for playing 4 square.  Although this game can be played on a court, you can also create your own court using chalk.  In fact, that’s the only way I have ever played 4 square! 

When I was a kid, we played using royalty designations.  You can also use number or letter designations for the ranking of players, with the number 1 or letter A being the highest rank.

5. Even or Odd Game:

We found this game in one of the workbooks we used for homeschooling last year.  It was really fun. 

Two or more children can play this game.  Have the children draw a circle on the sidewalk or pavement.  Divide the circle in half and label one side “even” and the other side “odd.” 

The children take turns tossing a pebble, rock or stone into the circle.  If it falls on the even side, the child must choose an even number greater than 10, but less than 20.  If it falls on the odd side, the child must choose an odd number greater than 10, but less than 20. 

All of the children then race to gather an even or odd number of objects.  The first child to return to the circle and show the correct amount of objects wins.  (For example, 12 flower petals, or 15 leaves.  Each child can gather whatever object they want, so long as the number is correct.)

For many more ways to use chalk, see these fantastic articles for ideas!

101 Genius Sidewalk Chalk Ideas To Crush Summertime Boredom

The sneaky educational ideas this mama has are fantastic!  She lists lots of ways to use chalk outside to make learning exciting.  I absolutely love it!  She also provides ideas for bringing indoor board games outside, which sounds like lots of fun, too.

10 Awesomely Fun Sidewalk Chalk Activities

This mama also has lots of great ideas.  I really love the ultimate hopscotch game she and her daughter conjured up.  They’ve really taken this old favorite to a new level!

8 Active Chalk Games

This mama lists some favorite old games in her article and gives a pretty good explanation on how to play them.  She also has a few new ideas, such as “Avoid the Shark,” which sounds like great imaginary fun!

What Is The Best Way To Remove Sidewalk Chalk Stains?

If you’ve ever worked with sidewalk chalk, you know how fun it is.  That also means you know how messy it is!  If you’re child has ever fully enjoyed working with chalk, they may have been covered in it from head to toe (clothes and all)!  And perhaps they have even tracked it into your home and onto your furniture and carpet.  (Ahem!)

Clothing Stain Removal

If you have ever experienced this, you are not alone.  In this article, the author recommends the following method of getting the stain out:

1. Shake or brush any loose chalk dust from the clothing outside.
2. Lay the clothing on a clean white towel.  Dip a second clean white towel into rubbing alcohol and blot the stain until color no longer comes out of the clothing.  Rinse the clothing well.  (Test an interior spot on the clothing with rubbing alcohol, first, to be sure the item is colorfast.)   
3. If a stain is still visible.  Apply liquid laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid or stain remover to the stain.  Wait 15 minutes or longer before washing the clothing, as usual.
4. Wash the clothing in HOT water, or the hottest temperature according to the care label instructions on the item.
5. Air-dry the clothing until you are sure the stain is gone.  If a stain is still visible after air-drying, repeat the steps above.  DO NOT put stained clothes in the dryer until it is certain the stain has been removed, as the dryer may set the stain into the clothing, making it permanent.

(See the article for more advice on how to remove chalk stains from carpet and upholstery.) 

I sure hope you have learned some new things about sidewalk chalk.  And I hope you have also found some new ways to enjoy it this season!  Happy chalking!

What did you learn that you didn’t already know?  Did you learn of a new way to enjoy sidewalk chalk?  Please share!

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Resources:

1. A Brief Look At The History of Chalk Art
2. How Products are Made:  Chalk
3. Plaster of Paris
4. Swallowing Chalk
5. What Is The Difference Between Sidewalk Chalk & Chalkboard Chalk?
6. 5 Ways To Make Sidewalk Chalk
7. 101 Genius Sidewalk Chalk Ideas To Crush Summertime Boredom
8. 10 Awesomely Fun Sidewalk Chalk Activities
9. 8 Active Chalk Games
10. How To Remove Chalk Stains from Clothing, Carpet and Upholstery