“Magic paint” spelling practice

Using “magic paint” is a super simple, low-cost, and virtually no-mess way for kids to practice spelling words or sight words.

What is “magic paint,” you might be asking?

Do you really want me to spill my big secret?

(Okay, I’ll tell you, but only if you promise not to tell the kids!)

“Magic paint” is. . . water.

That’s right, just plain old water.

What makes it “magic” is that it “paints” great on most sidewalks or driveways, and it cleans up just as quick as the sun can evaporate it. The “paint” literally disappears like magic!

So the next time it’s a warm day and your child is bored of doing her spelling practice indoors with a pencil and paper, invite her outside to “paint” her spelling words on the driveway or sidewalk using magic paint!

Note: You can find more ideas for supporting children’s literacy skills on my Literacy Activities for Kids page.

Well now that you know the secret to “magic paint,” you’ll understand how easy this is to do. All you need are:

• Container of water
• Paint brush
• Driveway or sidewalk to “paint” on
• Optional but nice to have: sunshine

Once you are outside, give your kids a paint brush and have them practice their spelling words by writing them on the sidewalk.

If the day is really warm, the words will disappear from the sidewalk just as soon as your child finishes writing them.

But disappearing words aren’t a problem.

In fact, they simply make it possible for new words to be painted in their place.

How will you use magic paint to inspire your kids with their spelling and/or sight words?

More literacy resources

More literacy posts from Gift of Curiosity:

• How to teach syllable counting
• Sight word ball toss game
• Writing with shaving cream
• Sight word tic-tac-toe
• Sight word magic

You can find more ideas for supporting children’s literacy skills on my Literacy Activities for Kids page and my Reading, Writing, and Spelling Skills Pinterest board.