“Grab chalk, draw a worm that wiggles past the mailbox, and let them chase it like it’s got a secret.”
— Nana
This moment isn’t about art—it’s about wonder. A chalk worm is just a line… until your child believes it’s alive, and then everything changes.
I know you’re tired. The dishes are piled, the phone is buzzing, and your feet ache. But right now? Sit on the porch step with your little one. Grab some chalk. Let them lead. I’ve seen magic happen when we stop trying to fix everything—and just play.
What it means for your child
A chalk worm invites curiosity without rules—it’s not about drawing well, it’s about seeing the world as full of quiet secrets.
- Babies: Babies watch your hands move. Let them feel the chalk, hear the scratch, and giggle at the wiggly line.
- Toddlers: Toddlers love chasing. Let them run after the chalk line, laugh when it ‘escapes,’ and pretend it’s a baby worm lost from its home.
- Preschoolers: Preschoolers will name the worm, give it a story. Let them tell you where it’s going—maybe to the moon or under the mailbox.
- School-age kids: School-age kids will draw bigger, add leaves and raindrops. Ask them: ‘Where do you think the worm is hiding?’ And then listen.
Try this tonight
Tonight, after dinner, walk outside with your child and a piece of sidewalk chalk.
- Draw one wiggly line—no straight lines allowed. Let it wiggle past the mailbox, under the bush, toward the fence.
- Say nothing at first. Just watch your child’s face as they see it move in their mind.
- Let them chase it. Don’t correct, don’t guide. Just smile if they giggle or gasp.
Words you can use
- “Is the worm hungry?”
- “Where’s it hiding next?”
- “Can you whisper a secret to it?”
At Nana’s Place
Nana's Place cares for children from 6 weeks to 12 years old, with day, evening and overnight care at two buildings in Glendale. We'd love to meet your family. Book a tour.
Questions parents ask
How do I encourage imaginative play with simple toys?
You don’t need fancy toys. A stick, a puddle, or chalk can become a dragon, a river, or a secret trail. Just give space and time—your child’s imagination will do the rest.
What if my child gets frustrated when things don’t look perfect?
It’s okay. Let them know the worm doesn’t need to be neat—it just needs to wiggle. Process over product. Their joy is the goal, not the picture.
Is outdoor play safe for toddlers?
Yes, with supervision. Keep them in a fenced yard or on the sidewalk. Avoid sharp objects, hot surfaces, and small chalk pieces that can be swallowed. Water play? Always with an adult nearby.
