Chalk pastels can be messy, so be sure to cover your child's work area with newspaper or a drop cloth.
On a boring, rainy afternoon, or when you are simply looking for a way to expand your child's artistic activities, consider letting them experiment with chalk pastels. Chalk pastels differ from regular chalk, in that they produce bolder, more-vibrant colors. Chalk pastels are also a more-serious art supply, which gives kids a sense of independence and responsibility compared to using crayons and magic markers. There are a few tips that can help to make kids working with chalk pastels easy, educational and safe.
Avoiding a Mess
Chalk pastels are appropriate for middle and elementary aged children. While older children may not need as much supervision, have an adult supervisor present for younger children using chalk pastels. This will avoid kids making a mess as chalk pastels can be quite messy. Have children wear old clothing or smocks to protect their clothing and ensure that kids wash their hands before touching walls, fixtures or upholstery as chalk pastels can stain the hands.
Additional Supplies
In addition to chalk pastels, you will need a few additional supplies to make your child's experience with chalk pastels successful. Cover the table or work surface with newspaper or an old sheet that can get dirty. Also cover the floor around the work area with newspaper, sheets or drop cloths. Because kids are quick to touch things, keep a container of wet wipes or wet paper towels close to the work area for quick, initial cleanup.
Safety Considerations
While chalk pastels are a relatively safe art supply for kids, adhere to a few safety guidelines. As children use chalk pastels, there will be a lot of residual dust, depending on how hard they press the chalk to the paper. Be sure that kids do not blow the dust off the paper as they are likely to also inhale the dust in the process. Instead, encourage kids to periodically shake their drawing outside or over a drop cloth to remove residual dust. Never let children keep food or drink around the area in which they are working with chalk pastels. Always have them wash their hands before eating or drinking after working with chalk pastels.
Working With Chalk Pastels
There are a number of simple techniques kids can utilize when working with chalk pastels. Adults can teach children about the difference between warm and cool colors. Chalk pastels will eventually begin to look muddy on the paper if cool colors are layered over warm colors. Adults can also show kids how the difference in strokes with the pastels will add diversity and depth to their drawings. Kids will likely try to press hard with chalk pastels because they produce bright colors. Kids can also learn about blending, using simple things, like tissues, rags and Styrofoam.
Preserving Work
Over time, your child's chalk pastel drawings will begin to fade as the chalk flakes and falls off the paper. To preserve your child's artwork, lightly spray the drawing with aerosol hairspray. This will bind the chalk to the paper, preserving it and allowing it to last longer.
