Summer Fun Activities to Keep Learning

It's hard to believe that we are so close to the end of the school year, and summer days are ahead.  Our kids are ready to take a break from their schoolwork, and they have definitely earned a break!  Even though summer is much more laid back, the learning does not have to stop.  Our preschoolers have grown and learned so much this year, and we want them to keep that learning going, even while on their summer break.  So, how do you do this?  No worries, we have a great list of ideas that can be incorporated into your summer plans! 

To Keep Those Reading and Letter Recognition Skills Sharp

So, you are driving down the road on the long road trip, enjoying the scenery, and then you hear the words, "I'm bored!"  Our favorite activity for road trips is the Alphabet Game.  Start with A and work your way through the entire alphabet, using road signs, license plates and billboards. 

Check out the Library!  The Central Arkansas Library System has a fantastic Summer Reading Program, even for preschoolers.  You will find everything from weekly story times to activities for the whole family.  Preschoolers can get their own library card, so give them the responsibility of keeping up with their card and then checking out their own books!  They will love it!

Get Into Groceries!  As you are making out your grocery list, let your preschooler help write some of the letters and point out letters already on your list.  When you get to the store, ask them to help you find the items on your list, giving them hints like, "We need Peanut Butter.  Let's find the jar that has two words: the first word starts with a P and the next word starts with a B."

1, 2, 3 Math

Number Game  Similar to the Alphabet Game for road trips, but this time you are looking for a specific number of objects.  Start with #1 and work your way up to #20.  Find an object that is in groups of whatever number you are looking for.  For example , "We are on #5, let's find 5 of something.  Oh look, 5 birds!"

Go Old School with a Lemonade Stand!  This was one of my kid's favorite things to do on a summer afternoon or whenever we had a garage sale.  It does require some hands-on parent help, but this can be such a fun way for kids to learn about math through counting and making change.

Don't Forget Science!

Create a Weather Chart  Our last favorite thing to do to keep our learning going is through Science.  We LOVE making weather charts in preschool, so start a summer chart and each day mark whether or not it is cloudy, sunny or raining.  Have your preschooler help write the temperature (check it at the same time each day for an accurate chart) and then talk about your findings!

No matter what you have planned this summer, learning can always be incorporated into your summer fun! Be creative and share any ideas you have with us! We hope everyone has a fantastic summer!