Get ready for a burst of color and creativity with this chalk pastels and sandpaper – messy preschool process art activity! Perfect for little hands, this project is vibrant, fun, and oh-so-messy.
- Chalk pastels and sandpaper Messy preschool process art
- What makes chalk pastels and sandpaper so amazing?
- Materials
- Directions
- Chalk pastels, sidewalk chalk, and blackboard chalk What’s the difference?
- The mess of chalk pastels and sandpaper is worth it!
- Why messy art is essential for preschoolers
- More ideas to extend chalk pastels and sandpaper the fun
- Frequently Asked Questions
Chalk pastels and sandpaper: Messy preschool process art
Chalk = awesome.
Pastels = awesome.
CHALK PASTELS = TOTALLY AWESOME.
Then, when you pair chalk pastels with sandpaper? TOTALLY THE MOST AWESOME EVER.
What makes chalk pastels and sandpaper so amazing?
Chalk pastels are kind of like regular blackboard or sidewalk chalk…except they’re 100 more colorful. The colors are drool-worthy.
Sand paper is a coarse, textured, sensory-rich paper that looks and feels different than normal paper.
When the two combine, it’s an explosion of color right before your eyes.
I first discovered this project years ago and it’s just as much fun today as it was way back when.
Try some of these other drawing activities, too!
- Easy Pet Portraits for Kids
- Kandinsky-Inspired Pumpkin Art for Kids
- Chalk Bat Halloween Art
- Scribble Art Project for Preschoolers
Materials
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- Sandpaper – we always use the sand paper from the Dollar Tree, but here’s an Amazon version, too
- Chalk pastels – I have only ever used the Sargent brand, but it’s almost tripled in price (when I need more, I’m going to try this set of chalk pastels)
- Butcher paper or disposable tablecloth to cover the table
- Hairspray – optional
Directions
- Lay out the butcher paper or disposable tablecloth to cover your workspace.
✨ Teacher Tip: Take the time to cover your table. The very first time I used chalk pastels was indoors on an uncovered table and I immediately learned why that was a mistake. Ha!
- Set out the sand paper and chalk pastels
- Let the kids draw, scribble, and blend colors on the sandpaper.
- If desired, spray the finished artwork with hairspray to keep the chalk in place.
Chalk pastels, sidewalk chalk, and blackboard chalk: What’s the difference?
When it comes to this chalk pastels and sandpaper process art, you might be wondering what the difference is between the types of chalk. Here’s a quick rundown:
Sidewalk Chalk: This is the chunky, bright chalk you often see kids using on driveways and sidewalks and is great for big, bold strokes. The colors aren’t as vibrant as chalk pastels, but we have used this before with sand paper and it still works (it’s just not as colorful).
Blackboard Chalk: The classic classroom staple, blackboard chalk is thinner and dustier than sidewalk chalk. It’s less pigmented, meaning the colors won’t pop as much on sandpaper, but it’s still a great option if it’s what you have on hand.
Chalk Pastels: These are the artists’ go-to for vibrant, blendable colors. Chalk pastels are soft and powdery, making them perfect for creating rich, colorful art on sandpaper.
The mess of chalk pastels and sandpaper is worth it!
Yes, it’s messy, but that’s what makes this preschool chalk activity so much fun! The colors might get everywhere, but the joy on the kids’ faces is more than worth it.
Plus, the cleanup isn’t so bad when you’ve prepped your space with disposable tablecloths or butcher paper.
Embrace the mess, because in the end, you’ll have beautiful, vibrant artwork and a lot of happy memories.
Why messy art is essential for preschoolers
Messy art activities like this one are so important for preschoolers.
They allow kids to explore, create, and express themselves freely without the constraints of neatness or perfection.
This chalk art for kids is the perfect example of process art, where the focus is on the experience rather than the final product.
By letting go of the need to stay clean, kids learn to enjoy the process and discover new ways to create.
More ideas to extend chalk pastels and sandpaper the fun
If your kids loved this chalk pastels and sandpaper activity, why not try a few variations?
Sand paper grades: Experiment with different grades of sandpaper to see how the texture changes the chalk’s effect.
Wet chalk: Invite your artists to dip their chalk pastels in water to see if and how it affects the colors.
Layering: Try layering colors and blending them to create new shades.
Cut it out: Cut your sand paper into fun, seasonal shapes for extra fun.
Collaborative art: You can even make it a group project where everyone contributes to one large piece of art!
The possibilities are endless with this fun, vibrant, and oh-so-messy activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Sidewalk or blackboard chalk works too, though the colors may not be as vibrant.
Use a damp cloth to wipe surfaces and hands, and shake out the sandpaper outdoors.
It’s optional, but a quick layer of hairspray helps set the chalk and prevents smudging.
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