Four Squares, Bounce Between Colors

crayola supplies

Paint Rollers
Washable Sidewalk Paint
So Big® Brush

household supplies

garden hose
paper towels
safe, paved surface
ball

Why

Bounce your ball in a colorful Four Square grid! Crayola Sidewalk Paints add a new look to this favorite, challenging game of skill.

Steps

1. Ask an adult to help you find a safe, large outdoor area on which to paint your Four Squares court. For best results, Crayola® Sidewalk Paints are designed for use on concrete or asphalt sidewalks and driveways. Test a small area to make sure the paint does not stain. Use on surfaces at least 6 months old. Make sure you ask permission before you paint.
2. Use your Sidewalk Paints and the 4-inch roller in the kit to paint a large square about 12 feet (7 m) on each side.
3. Divide the larger square into four smaller squares. Label each one with either A, B, C, and D (or 1, 2, 3, and 4), using the So Big Brush. Air-dry paint completely.
4. To play the game you need at least 4 players. Each player stands in a square. The starting square is square D or 4. The player in this square starts by bouncing the ball in the square and hitting it to any other player on the court. Hit the ball underhand.
5. When the ball heads toward another player, let the ball bounce once. That player then hits it to any other player.
6. The game continues until someone misses or fouls. A foul occurs with a spike, an out-of-bounds hit, or a double bounce. Players who foul go back to the starting square (D or 4) and everyone else moves up a square.
7. If a ball hits the line, it is a fair ball, but the person in the square with the lowest number or the letter that comes first in the alphabet must play it. If others are waiting to play and you are already in the starting square then you must go to the end of the line, and the first person in line goes to the starting square.
8. The object of the game is to keep hitting the ball back and forth without a foul. The goal of the game is to stay in square A or 1.
9. Wash off the Sidewalk Paint after 2 weeks. To remove, wash surface with the water pressure from a garden hose. Light brushing with a broom or nylon brush may be necessary to remove some paint.

When & Where

"Our scouts play this game with doubles. Each player has a partner and they switch places inside and outside the square as soon as the inside partner hits the ball. They have a blast trying not to bump into each other!"
- Myron G., scout leader.

"My children practice vocabulary words while they play. The child who hits the ball calls out a word that starts with the letter. They pick different alphabet letters for the squares."
- Angela T., home-school parent.

"We created our grid with the Crayola Sidewalk Paint Sprayer. The kids had as much fun making the grid as playing the game."
- Cassie T., mother of ages 4 and 7.

Interesting Info

Balls have been used in sports and games for centuries. An Ancient Egyptian painting shows a group of women throwing balls. Balls have also been made of different materials throughout history such as stuffed animal hides, inflated animal bladders, roots, wood, and even volcanic rock.

Safety Guidelines

Adult Assistance is required for this arts & crafts project.

Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.

Outdoor Crafts—Choose safe outdoor areas, away from traffic and dangerous equipment. Close adult supervision is required.

Sponges and Foam—Sponges, foam, and other expandable materials should not be used with children 3 years old and younger.