Chalk Flowers Grow When You Water Them

In pairs, one child draws a chalk flower on the ground and curls up on it as a seed; the other waters it with a spray bottle or watering can, and the seed grows into a giant plant. It builds body expression, caring for a partner, and taking turns.

How to play

1. In pairs, we draw a big chalk flower on the ground with a stem and leaves (3 min).
2. One child curls up on the flower as a seed; the other grabs the spray bottle and is the gardener (1 min).
3. The gardener waters the ground around them (and a bit on the arms) while the seed grows very slowly until standing (3 min).
4. The grown plant moves with the sun, wind, and rain the gardener calls out (2 min).
5. We switch roles: the gardener becomes the seed and the other takes the watering can (3 min).
6. We see how the water made the chalk colors brighter and walk through the flower garden without stepping on any (2 min).

Rules

• I water the ground and arms, never faces.
• I grow slowly, with the water.
• When we finish, I switch roles with my partner.
• I don't step on other kids' flowers.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the plant grows from the wheelchair, starting with head down and arms tucked in.
• Autism: the child can always be the gardener if they don't want to lie down or get wet; give them their own spray bottle.
• Hearing impairment: the gardener shows a card with sun, wind, or rain instead of saying it.

Learning goals

• Show with the body how a plant grows.
• Take care of a partner and respect turns.
• Enjoy water in a calm, safe way.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Sidewalk chalk: 15
• Spray bottles: 6
• Small watering cans: 6

Teacher tip

Draw a sample flower before they start and keep the chalk in a central box to avoid color fights. Play on rough pavement, never smooth tile, which gets slippery when wet.

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