Chalk Wall: Leave Your Line and Walk the Gallery

Each student writes a line and draws a doodle about the lesson on the schoolyard ground in chalk; then the class tours the gallery, walking and stretching at each piece. Students reflect on what they learned and value others' contributions.

How to play

1. Everyone grabs a piece of chalk and claims a rectangle of ground in the area the teacher marks (1 min).
2. Write a sentence starting with "Today I…" and add a small drawing (3 min).
3. Gallery walk: the class strolls around reading; at each stop they do a different stretch the teacher calls (3 min).
4. Each student draws a star next to two classmates' lines they liked (2 min).
5. Return the chalk to the box and read out a line that got lots of stars (1 min).

Rules

• Lines are about the class, never negative about other people.
• Walk in the aisles without stepping on anyone's writing.
• Chalk is used only in the marked area.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students who struggle with writing: draw only, or dictate their line to a classmate.
• Wheelchair users: write on a bench or on a whiteboard on the wall; leave wide aisles in the gallery.
• Visually impaired students: a partner reads lines aloud to them and they dictate their own.

Learning goals

• Reflect on the lesson.
• Value classmates' contributions.
• Calm down while walking and stretching.

Equipment for a class of 25

• sidewalk chalk: 30

Teacher tip

Check with the school before using chalk outdoors; it washes away with rain or a bucket of water. If it rains, use butcher paper taped to the gym wall.

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