Play Checkers on the Sidewalk

crayola supplies

household supplies

Why

Play checkers in a HUGE way—outdoors! Make a life-size game board you can walk on and invent your own giant checkers.

Steps

  1. 1. You need 24 giant checkers, 12 for each player. With an adult, choose items with which to make your set of outdoor checkers. Paper plates and paper bowls work well. Decorate one side of your checkers in two different colors or styles with Crayola Markers.
  2. 2. Turn the checkers over and draw a same-color crown or star on the other side, so you can use that side when your piece gets to be a king.
  3. 3. Use Crayola School Glue to attach a large wooden bead, recycled snack cup, or some other type of handle in the center of each checker. Air-dry the glue.
  4. 4. With an adult, find a large, safe outdoor surface on which to create your checkerboard. A checkerboard is eight squares long and wide—that’s 64 squares! Remember, the checkerboard squares need to be a little larger than your checkers.
  5. 5. Use your Crayola Chalk ‘n Roll™ to lay out your checkerboard. Or create patterns with recycled cardboard so your friends can help trace the squares with Crayola Sidewalk Chalk.
  6. 6. Fill in every other square with Sidewalk Paint using a Sidewalk Paint Roller. Or use Mega Sidewalk Chalk to cover large areas. Decorate the squares and add borders if you like.
  7. 7. When the paint is dry, you are ready to play! You might think of new rules for the outdoor game! Who wants to play a checkers round-robin tournament to find the best checker player in the neighborhood? Wash within 2 weeks with a garden hose or rain.

When & Where

"We got permission from the principal to make a huge, colorful checkerboard in a corner of the playground. The older children play Chess with their friends as real-life playing pieces!"
- Tracey R., after-school volunteer.

"We love to play outdoors. My niece and nephew made a terrific rainbow checkerboard and the wildest paper plate checkers you ever saw!"
- Jonah L., uncle of 7- and 9-year-olds.

Interesting Info

Checkers is a very, very old game. Ancient checkerboards had only 25 squares but today’s 64-square board has been popular for more than 900 years.

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.

Recycled Containers—Must be clean and safe. Do not use containers that contained bleach or other harmful chemicals (for example, household cleaners, dishwasher or laundry detergents). Do not use recycled metal cans that have sharp edges (for example, lids removed by household can openers).

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

© 2000 - 2006 Binney & Smith, Inc.