Photo Credit: Beth L.
Have you ever walked down Main Street USA and an idea popped into your head? This happened to me during a trip to Walt Disney World in May 2009. While walking out of the Main Street Bakery, we saw a Cast Member “painting” something in the street. We did a double take and captured the image above. Although not in a classroom right now, the teacher in me is constantly churning lesson plans in my head.
Yes, seeing this gave me some ideas. This Goofy creation got me thinking about using the technique inspire my own children and/or future students. I held onto the idea for a year. Then, when we went back to Disney in February 2010, it came back to me. Last summer, I took the boys out on a mission. We were going to buy some inexpensive paint brushes. It was time to get my boys some tools to have some fun and learning Disney style. Once we had everything, it was time for some summer fun and learning.
Before we went outside, I showed the boys the photo to explain what we were doing. I told them they were going to be artists and our driveway was going to be Main Street USA. I think you will agree that both of my boys were thrilled.
Photo Credit: Beth L.
I have to admit that first time was less about learning and more about fun. The boys quickly realized that it was more fun to fling water at each other.
Fast forward almost a year. I asked the boys to go outside to be water artists again. I showed the boys what we were going to do again. This time I started the fun and made something quick and easy.
Photo Credit: Beth L.
Of course, there was a problem. Thanks to the heat, my Mickey Mouse kept disappearing. Enter a chance to check in with my seven year old son. I asked NHL why I was having problems with the water. Without missing a beat, he replied that the water on the ground was evaporating. This allowed us to chat for a bit about what evaporation means and he was able to recall terms like liquid to vapor. It was a proud science teacher moment.
Of course, this was way over the head of my newly four year old son. With JSL, I was able to talk to him about shapes that he saw. He was able to count the number of circles in Mickey Mouse, tell me which circle was bigger than the other, and more. Then, he was able to paint items for me. When I asked him to show me a triangle, he drew the lines with care and showed me what it would look like.
Photo Credit: Beth L.
Yes, this was a fun item to do in warm weather. I could see utilizing this in a classroom lesson or home school. As you can see, it can be switched around to be developmentally appropriate for varying age levels.
What would you draw if you had a paint brush and some water while creating Main Street USA at your house? Inquiring minds want to know!
Contributed by: Beth L. (NDM#183) Beth is the DDL Education Blogger. She is also the creator of The Angel Forever.
Beth was born and raised in upstate New York. She is a happily married teacher, now SAHM to her two young sons. As a child, she and her parents would go to Walt Disney World nearly every year, creating a love for all things Disney that flourished well into adulthood.
Beth worked hard to convince her husband to spend their ten day honeymoon at Walt Disney World in 2001. In May 2009, Beth’s dream of taking her two boys to see the magic came true. It was a three generation experience, including the original Disney dreamers, her parents. Now her entire family has been bitten by the Disney bug and eagerly anticipate their next adventure to Florida.
Beth’s love for all things Disney has helped to inspire her at home, in the classroom, and beyond. She always has a camera close by to catch magical memories for her blog, TheAngelForever.com
This is great Beth! We too love it when talented cast members paint with water on Maine Street! This is a great idea to do at home! I think we just might try it today actually! Thanks!
Thanks Molly! The boys have had a lot of fun with this and it brings back great memories. There are so many possibilities with this project. Have fun and let me know if you do this with your kids.