Day 42: Weekends in Kodachrome (Chalk)

Day 42
Duration: 40 minutes

Over the past year, I've been thinking a lot about what I would like you to experience as you grow up.  What is it that makes a child happy? Content? Family-oriented? Courageous? As a teacher, I've looked into the eyes of my students and seen those that have embodied all of these qualities and those that have yearned for more.  I've started to take the time to discussed childhood memories and upbringings with members of our family. What do they remember growing up?  What stands out as a defining moment in their life? What fun it is to dig into the past! 

This is your Mommy on the left with Aunt Nikki and Grandma!

One thing that you may not know about your Mommy is that learning about people fascinates me. As a sociologist, (for those of you under 2, it is people who study a group of humans) I am in awe of all of the changes that has happened in society, even over the past 50 years. I think about all the aspects of childhood that has changed. 

Aunt Debby, your Grandma, and Great Grandma

Just based on my perspective I have noticed that people don't usually live close to their extended family, there is not an urgency to get outdoors and play, and technology has become an integral part of a kid's everyday life. As a mother and a teacher, I've found that these three aspects of adolescence have a definite impact on the adults that children will become.  I'm not saying that this way of living is wrong, by any means.  I am simply saying that I feel that when your grandparents were little they felt that closeness to family and to the natural world that most do not feel today.  They didn't spend hours on end watching television or playing video games. They got outside, visited with relatives, and enjoyed some good old family fun.

Your Grandpa, Uncle Tony, and Aunt Marie

That is what I wish for you.  Here's what I did to help bring this dream to light.  I interviewed several family members and friends from another generation and asked them what were the simple joys they experienced as a child outside?  I had so many wonderful responses that I decided to make the next several Saturdays and Sundays our "Weekends in Kodachrome."  We will be experiencing these games or activities that they played when they were young.  We will be reliving their nostalgic moments in childhood.  And so it begins a new series.

Chalk

Several of the people I talked to recollected playing with chalk.  Hopscotch was a favorite among most, as was simply drawing pictures on the sidewalk.  So, we broke out the chalk, grabbed the Grands and headed outside. 

We decided to start with the classic game of Hopscotch!  You thought it was so funny when each of us gave you a preview of how to play.  Then, we let you join in!

Grandpa showing you how it's done.

Daddy guiding you through your first round.

On your own! You mostly liked playing with the rock!

After a few round of Hopscotch, we all enjoyed dabbling in a bit of chalk drawing.  It was almost therapeutic and did make me think about times I made creations with chalk as a child.

      
Of course, we will revisit the Hopscotch as much as we can as you get older and grow in your ability to understand the rules. Drawing with chalk, as I learned, is also something you never outgrow.  What is extra special about these activities is sharing them as a family, both immediate and extended. I am looking forward to continuing these recollections tomorrow.  Stay tuned!


To follow all of our "Weekends in Kodachrome", join us on  Facebook or follow our Outdoor Fun! board on Pinterest!