summer activities

  • Summer Fun!

    It has been hot hot hot around here, and it definitely feels like summer! I wanted to share some previous posts that offer some fun ideas for summer activities that will keep you busy while you beat the heat! Water Play with Preschoolers Water Play with Infants and Toddlers Summer Activities for Preschoolers Summer fun – Activities to do at home (or school) Summer fun – Activities to do around town I hope that you will use some of these ideas to make memories that last a lifetime!

  • Ideas for observing clouds

    Yesterday I shared some questions to ask that might inspire a cloud investigation. Today I wanted to share a couple of ways that you can have the children document their observations. I should start with this warning: you can’t really put these activities on your lesson plan because you have to wait for a day when you actually have clouds to observe. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve planned this activity and there were no clouds in the sky, or the opposite happened and the sky was covered by one great big cloud, which makes it difficult to observe.  Just take my word for it and let this…

  • Questions to ask about clouds

    I am not going to complain about the beautiful summer-like weather we’ve been having lately! It’s made me want to spend every waking minute outside – which has resulted in a lovely sunburn, but that’s not the point. I wanted to share one of my favorite activities that you can do with any of the children that you happen to be around this summer, while squeezing in some extra outside time. I love to explore the clouds, but I don’t really take a traditional approach to learning about clouds.  I don’t teach the children the proper names for different types of clouds, and while I might do some experimenting with…

  • Fun summer activities

    Have you started planning for summer yet? Whether you’re looking for lesson plan ideas or fun things to do with your own children, here are some amazing ideas that I’ve been collecting: Twirling Twig mobile from Babble Dabble Do Aluminum foil river from Filthy Wizardy Outdoor play food from Munchkins and Moms Block Shadows from the Pinterested Parent Pineapple ice pops from Eats Amazing It’s no coincidence that all of these are outdoor ideas – we had a hint of beautiful summer weather for about a week in April, and ever since then it’s been rainy and chilly. I’m ready for sunshine and grass between my toes – I think…

  • Summer Ideas for Year-Round Preschool Programs

    I’ve learned more about the preschool world in the last year than I ever thought was possible, and the one thing that never ceases to amaze me is the sheer number of different schedules for preschool programs.  I’ve always taught at year-round programs, which pose their own challenges: The children rarely get a break or vacation from the program The teachers rarely get a break Teachers have to engage the children in more activities because they are there for more days The teacher and children’s day are often longer than a typical school day They also come with some really great perks: once children learn the routine they don’t have…

  • Ideas for exploring fireworks

    When you say 4th of July, the first thing most people think of is fireworks. Watching fireworks is definitely the most memorable part of the entire holiday, and though children aren’t able to touch them, they are certainly able to experience them. Fireworks can also be a little scary – especially if children are close enough to hear the loud booms and feel the ground shake beneath them.  This is why it is a great idea to explore fireworks with children before the 4th so that they have an idea of what to expect. Here are ten ideas for exploring fireworks with little ones; Watch videos of fireworks that include…

  • Teaching Patriotism

    The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays, I love spending time with my family and making time to just enjoy summer. I think this is probably true for most people, but there is more to this holiday than barbecues and fireworks, it’s about pride and love for our country – Patriotism.  There is something about the 4th of July that makes us all feel united in celebrating together, no matter what state we are from, what age we are, or what we look like.  There are many many ways to teach patriotism to young children, and celebrating the 4th of July is a great reason to talk…

  • Quick and easy 4th of July activities

    Where did June go?! The 4th of July is approaching just a little too quickly, and I know I’m not as ready for the holiday as I’d like to be, so I thought I’d share some of my favorite ideas from last year to help us all prepare for upcoming patriotic parties and picnics! Check out this post from last year, it’s full of game, snacks, and crafts that are perfect for celebrating Independence day with little ones!

  • Ice Cream Activities for Preschool

    Have you ever explored ice cream in the classroom? It’s an irresistible topic, and a great way to engage children in activities that include a ton of academic topics.  Here are some of my favorite ice cream activities to use with preschoolers;  Ice Cream centers: This set includes 5 activities that are sure to keep your students busy (and probably giggling).  Children can create their own ice cream flavor and write about the ingredients, answer questions about ice cream, graph their favorite flavors, and complete an ice cream glyph.  It also includes a dice game where students get to roll the dice and collect cards to “build” an ice cream…

  • Summer activities for preschoolers

    Now that the calendar says June, I am in full swing for summer! I wanted to share some great ideas for preschool age children, and I’ve got a huge collection on my Preschool Summer Ideas pin board. Whether you have students all summer, are running a day camp or VBS, are babysitting, or are looking for fun things to do with your own children, I’ve got a great collection of ideas on this board.  Hop on over and check out the crafts, water play, Fourth of July games, snacks to beat the heat, camping fun, and large motor outdoor activities. Share a link to your summer pin boards in the…