Homemade Outdoor Chalkboard!

The recent wild rainy weather gave us an unexpected opportunity.  On the down side, we had a part of our garage come away from the wall {with a panic to get it fixed before the rain continued to bucket}.  On the up side, we had a piece of timber replaced and sealed with an opportunity to create our very own outdoor chalkboard!  I've seen so many cute variations of an outdoor chalkboard on Pinterest and became excited that we could do this too!

I believe we had a piece of plywood attached and sealed to the garage {so my builder tells me} that would withstand future wild weather.  The position was at the back of our garage right next to an attempt at a vege patch.  Not a lot of room for the kids to stand, however it was enough.  If I had chosen where the hole in my garage was, I would have preferred it to be horizontal and within arm's reach for the kids...but alas I couldn't dictate that one.  A chair to reach the high parts would have to suffice. 

The kids and I painted the board with a primer {Dulux} and two coats of chalkboard paint {White Knight}, allowing it to dry in between each coat.  I was actually a little surprised at how expensive these paints were so don't expect a cheap project here.  We had quite a large surface to cover {about the size of two full size doors}.  The final board is so much bigger than any easel we have owned and allows multiple children to draw simultaneously!

I added some clear 3M hooks to either side of the chalkboard, then hung small buckets for chalk and a duster.  So cute {says me anyway}! 

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This chalkboard has been a great activity for the kids to do on their own or with friends who come to visit.  Mr almost-5 years is showing an interest in letters and drawing simple pictures. At times I will encourage him to use a "tripod" grasp with the large chalk.  Drawing is such a great way for kids to develop visual motor planning and fine motor skills.  It allows children to experiment with spatial awareness, developing the awareness that shapes can be recognisable when drawn a specific way.  Pictures and letters can be recognised when lines and shapes are placed in certain positions.

Rubbing the board out has probably as many benefits as actually drawing on the board.  Using the eraser is a great whole body movement encouraging "heavy work" and feedback to the muscles and joints.  Working on a vertical surface also helps to stabilise the shoulder girdle and promotes wrist extension, which are important when preparing for handwriting.

This has been a great project that was simple to create. We have some chalkboard paint left over and I'm thinking what other surfaces I can paint!

Do you have a place for an outdoor chalkboard? Do your kids like drawing?

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Have you been following Your Kids OT on Facebook and Pinterest?  I share lots of great ideas, real-life stories and photos! Find Your Kids OT on Facebook and Pinterest.  Here are some of the recent things I have been sharing...

Brain Breaks and RTI by Your Therapy Source

The UNSAFE CHILD: Less outdoor Play is causing more harm than good by Children and Nature Network

Awesome Math Art: Transforming Ninja Star by What do we do all day?

Why I let My Child Climb The Slide by Pink Oatmeal found on Pinterest

Tips & Strategies to help Children with Poor Tolerance for Tooth Brushing by Tools to Grow OT found on Pinterest.

Wool and Weaving art found at a school I visit.

Edison chopsticks...school readiness for Mr almost 5 years.

Scratch and Sniff Paint by Kids Activity Blog

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