Summer

AREA SETUP

Print a variety of posters and use them to decorate the walls of your daycare. (Open thematic poster-Summer)

Stickers-Summer
(Open stickers-Summer) Print the illustrations on adhesive paper and use them to create original stickers for your group.

Task chart-Summer
(Open task chart-Summer) Print and laminate. Display the chart on a wall. Use adhesive putty to add the various tasks you have chosen for your group. Children can add a check next to the tasks as they complete them.

Summertime tree
In the back to school theme, we suggested you display a tree trunk on a wall within your daycare to accompany your themes and decorate throughout the year. To decorate your tree for summer, add tiny flowers along its branches.

Educa-theme-Summer
(Open educa-theme-Summer) Print and laminate the different elements representing the theme. Use them to present the theme to your group (and their parents) while decorating your daycare.

Educa-decorate-Summer
(Open educa-decorate-Summer) Print, laminate, and cut out the illustrations. Use them to decorate your walls and set the mood for the theme.

Garland-Summer
(Open garland-Summer) Print and let children decorate the garland elements. Cut out the items and use them to create a garland that can be hung near your daycare entrance or within your daycare.

Educa-numbers-Summer
(Open educa-numbers-Summer) Print and laminate the posters. Display them on a wall to set the mood for the theme.

Educa-letters-Summer
(Open educa-letters-Summer) Print and laminate the posters. Display them on a wall to set the mood for the theme.

At the beach
Open four large brown paper grocery bags and hang them on a wall at children's level. Apply glue and press sand in it. Let dry. Throughout the theme, children can decorate your beach with the crafts they will create. If you wish, they may also add vacation pictures.

Cut a large circle out of yellow construction paper. In another piece of yellow paper cut several narrow triangles (rays). Invite each child to decorate one ray as they wish. When they are done, they can glue the rays all the way around the sun. Display the sun on a wall. Glue a picture of each child on his/her ray. You may add stickers and even write a message. Display children's vacation pictures around the sun.

The clothesline
Have children draw or cut out summer-themed pictures. They can use clothespins to hang them on an indoor clothesline. This activity can continue throughout the theme. Variation: Blindfold children and have them try to hang summer clothing items on the clothesline. You may also use jumping ropes.

SPECIAL TOOL

This tool was created in response to a special request received. (Open binder covers-Outdoor play) Print and use to identify your activity binders.

CIRCLE TIME

Animated discussion-Summer
(Open picture game-Summer) Print and laminate the pictures in the format you prefer. Use them to spark a conversation with your group. Ask children questions about summer.

Flipogram-Summer
(Open picture game-Summer) Print and laminate the pictures in the format you prefer. Use a hole-punch to make a hole in the upper right and left corner of each picture. Stack the pictures and insert a ring through each set of holes. The flipogram is easy to manipulate. Simply show children how they can lift a picture and flip it under the stack. Name each item with your group. Use the flipogram to encourage children to talk during circle time and to ask them questions about the theme.

Suggested circle time questions:

• Name the season right before summer.
• Name the season after summer.
• During summer, is it hot or cold outside?
• Can you name a few summer activities?
• Where did you go on summer vacation last year?
• Where will you be going for summer vacation this year?

Game-Seasonal clothing
(Open game-Seasonal clothing) Print, cut out, and laminate the posters and cards. Display the posters on a wall. Children must associate each card to the correct season. Use this game to ask children questions about each season, particularly summer.

PICTURE GAME

The pictures may be used as a memory game or to spark a conversation with the group. Use them to decorate the daycare or a specific thematic corner. (Open picture game-Summer) Print, laminate, and store in a "Ziploc" bag or in your thematic bins.

Memory game-Spring
(Open picture game-Spring) Print the pictures twice and use them for a memory game.

ACTIVITY SHEETS

Activity sheets are provided for each theme. Print and follow instructions. (Open activity sheets-Summer)

Creating your own activity binder
Laminate several activity sheets and writing activities and arrange them in a binder along with dry-erase markers. Leave the binder in your writing area and let children complete the pages as they wish. At the end of the day, simply wipe off their work so the activity binder can be reused.

Educa-spots-Summer
(Open educa-spots-Summer) Print for each child. Use bingo markers to add color inside the circles. If you don't have bingo markers, stickers or cereal can also be used.

Writing activities-S like summer
(Open writing activities-S like Summer) Print for each child or laminate for use with a dry-erase marker.

Tracing words-Summer
(Open word flashcards-Summer) (Open giant word flashcards-Summer) Print several word flashcards. Glue them on pieces of paper, laminate them, and arrange them in a binder. Show children how they can trace the words using dry-erase markers. If you wish, leave room under each word so children can try to write the words without tracing the letters.

Stationery-Summer
(Open stationery-Summer) Print. Use the stationery to communicate with parents, in your writing area, or to identify your thematic bins.

Educa-nuudles-Summer

(Open educa-nuudles-Summer) Print for each child. Have children color the sheet and use Magic Nuudles to give it a three-dimensional look. Variation: You don't have Magic Nuudles? Have children fill the spaces designed for Magic Nuudles with bingo markers or stickers. To order Magic Nuudles.

VARIOUS WORKSHOPS-Summer

Posters-Summer workshops
(Open posters-Summer workshops) Print, laminate, and display to identify your various workshops.

Workshop planning booklet-Summer
(Open workshop planning booklet-Summer) Print, laminate, and use the grid with a dry-erase marker. This essential tool will help you prepare and create the material you need for your various workshops, organize your environment, and plan per the interests of the children in your group. It will also help you analyze your weekly activities.

Workshop follow-up booklet-Summer
(Open workshop follow-up booklet-Summer) Print for each child. This booklet will help you better understand how workshops foster children's development.

Construction/Building blocks:

• Set synthetic grass on the floor within this area or, if you prefer, use black construction paper to represent asphalt.
• All kinds of wooden blocks can be used to build cabins, houses, etc.
• Use pictures of different types of houses to decorate your area.
• Create different types of trees and fill a bin with a variety of items to play under them.

Outdoor:

• Delimit your outdoor construction area with cones or rope.
• Provide large Duplo blocks for constructions.
• A car mat, toy cars, trucks, etc.

Arts & crafts:

• Cardboard and different types of paper for creating trees, suns, and a summer-themed mural.
• Empty toilet paper rolls for three-dimensional creations.
• Fine sand for collages. Use the sand to represent a beach and add seashells.
• Vegetable prints (potatoes, peppers, etc.).
• Items found during walks can be used for collages.
• A treasure box (old shoebox) that can be decorated and used to collect items found during summer months.

Outdoor:

• Delimit your outdoor arts & crafts area with cones or rope.
• Large pieces of paper and finger paints or shaving cream. You may also use whipped cream, but it may attract bugs.
• Fill a large bin with paper scraps. Provide glue sticks and let children tear and stick paper as they see fit.

Drawing:

• Coloring pages representing summer-related items.
• Coloring pages representing summer sports and activities.
• Leaf, flower, sun, and cloud-shaped rubber stamps.

Outdoor:

• Delimit your outdoor drawing area with cones or rope.
• Simply provide paper and crayons outside. Set your picnic table under a tree, in the shade.

Role play:

• Transform your area to represent a construction site. Add tools, pieces of wood, a workbench, and helmets.
• Gardening tools and accessories.
• Fill a bin with sandals, scarves, sun hats, sunglasses, empty sunscreen bottles, etc.
• Beach towels, bathing suits, umbrellas, etc.

Outdoor:

• Delimit your outdoor role play area with cones or rope.
• Create a dress-up area. Fill a bin with purses, dresses, scarves, shoes, etc.
• Sort your plastic dishes and bring older ones outside with dolls. Children will love cooking for them outside.
• Old bedsheets can be used to build tents and cabins.

Manipulation:

• Memory game with educatall.com picture game or any other summer-related memory game.
• Orange, yellow, and green modeling dough with flower, leaf, and animal-shaped cookie cutters.
• Musical instruments to produce summer music (maracas, cymbals, triangles, etc.).

Outdoor:

• Delimit your outdoor manipulation area with cones or rope.
• Make homemade modeling dough and let children use it in your yard.
• A memory game can be enjoyed on a picnic table.

Pre-reading:

• Books about summer, seasons, summer activities, summer weather, etc.
• Decorate your walls with pictures representing flowers, camping, gardening, etc.

Outdoor:

• Delimit your outdoor pre-reading corner with cones or rope.
• Set books next to long chairs and let children read in the warm summer sun.

Pre-writing:

• Connect-the-dots activities that reveal summer items.
• Various activity sheets related to the theme.

Motor skills:

• Delimit your outdoor motor skills area with cones or rope.
• Balls.
• Jumping ropes.
• Frisbees.
• Sidewalk chalk.
• Hula hoops.
• A parachute.
• Somersaults in the grass.
• A mini trampoline.
• A balance beam.
• Hopscotch.
• Summer Olympics.
• Relay races with buckets of water.
• etc.

Sensory bins:

• Delimit your outdoor sensory bin area with cones or rope.
• Enjoy gymnastics in your sandbox.
• Draw a road network in the sand for trucks.
• Long jump, high jump.
• Fill and empty buckets of water.
• Races involving sand.
• Sand castle contest.
• Dig holes in the sand and fill them with water.
• Use Popsicle sticks to draw in the sand.
• Hide items in the sand and invite children to dig them out.
• Add water to your sandbox and let children play in the mud.

Science:

• Delimit your outdoor science area with cones or rope.
  
• Blow bubbles using different instruments.
  
• Blow colourful bubbles (see creative recipe section).

LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES

The flashcards may be used during circle time to spark a conversation with the group or in your reading and writing area. They may also be used to identify your thematic bins. (Open word flashcards-Summer) (Open giant word flashcards-Summer) summer, sun, vacation, beach, swimming pool, bathing suit, towel, sunglasses, ball, theme park, picnic, trampoline

Let's chat
(Open word flashcards-Summer) (Open giant word flashcards-Summer) Print and laminate the word flashcards. Have each child pick a word and present it to the group (ex. vacation). Ask them questions to see what they know about the theme.

Reinvented scrabble
(Open word flashcards-Summer) (Open giant word flashcards-Summer) Print many copies of the word flashcards and encourage children to use scrabble tiles to write the words. Manipulating the small tiles represents a great fine motor skill exercise. At the same time, children will notice which letters make up the different words.

Word association-Summer
(Open word flashcards-Summer) (Open giant word flashcards-Summer) Print two copies of several different word flashcards. On a large piece of cardboard, stick one copy of each flashcard vertically to create a word column. Cut the second copy of each word flashcard so you have the word on one side and the illustration on the other side. Attach Velcro behind each part as well as to the right of the uncut flashcards (on the cardboard). Arrange the cut flashcards on the table and encourage children to look at your flashcard board to identify a matching word and illustration. When they succeed, they may stick them next to the corresponding flashcard, on your board. This exercise will help children associate words with pictures.

Word tree-Summer
(Open word flashcards-Summer) (Open giant word flashcards-Summer) Print several word flashcards. Use a hole-punch to make a hole at the top of each flashcard. Thread a ribbon through each hole and tie a knot. Bring the word flashcards outside and encourage children to use them to decorate a tree. Every time a child adds a flashcard, invite him/her to "read" the corresponding word. Children will be happy to repeat this activity many times. Eventually, they will learn to recognize the words.

Word clothesline
(Open word flashcards-Summer) (Open giant word flashcards-Summer) Print two copies of several word flashcards. Hang one copy of each word on an indoor clothesline with colourful clothespins. Arrange the copies in a pile on a table. Let children take turns picking a word and finding the matching word on the clothesline. When they find a match, they can place the flashcard on top of the one that was already hanging on the clothesline. Help younger children manipulate the clothespins if necessary.

Word race
(Open word flashcards-Summer) (Open giant word flashcards-Summer) Print several word flashcards and hide them throughout your daycare or yard. Divide your group into two teams. When you give them the signal, children must search for the flashcards for a pre-determined period, for example three minutes. When the time is up, children must be able to "read" their flashcards to earn a point for their team. If they are unable to find the correct word, the other team can earn the point if they succeed.

Story and memory game-Summer
(Open story and memory game-Summer) Print, laminate, and cut out the cards. Children take turns picking three cards and inventing a story using the illustrations.

Game-This is my spot-Summer
(Open game-This is my spot-Summer) Print each illustration twice. Use adhesive paper to secure one copy of each illustration on the table. Deposit the second copy of each illustration in an opaque bag and invite children to pick a card that will determine their spot at the table (corresponding illustration). The illustrations can also be used to determine children's naptime spots or their place in the task train.

They're calling your number
Glue a sun or tulip on each chair at the table, making sure you have a copy of each one on hand. At lunch or snack time, invite children to come pick a sun or tulip to determine where they shall sit (corresponding number).

Summer stroll
Arrange yellow construction paper sun shapes on the floor. Invite children to hop on the shapes in a variety of different ways: on one foot, on two feet, backwards, etc. Each hop will help them work on their gross motor skills.

Giant hopscotch
Use adhesive tape to draw a large hopscotch grid on the floor within your daycare. You may, for example, use it to connect two areas. Show children how they must alternate hops on one foot and on two feet. Draw a summer-related item in each square.

Flower-filled lunch
If possible, purchase a large flower pot filled with tulips or hyacinths (fragrant flowers) with your group. Set the flowers in the centre of your table or nearby at lunch time. Variation: Print illustrations or pictures of flowers that grow during summer. Laminate them directly on the table or on a plastic tablecloth. Observe the flowers with your group, name them, and identify the color of each one.

My sunny path
(Open my sunny path) Print, laminate, and arrange the illustrations on the floor to create a path leading to various areas within your daycare. The path can lead to areas frequently visited by children throughout the day such as the bathroom, the cloakroom, etc. or, if you prefer, delimit your workshops.

Scented hand washing activity
Have children sit at your table or stand in line, with their back against the wall, close to the sink where they normally wash their hands. Purchase several different types of liquid hand soap (wrap the bottles so children cannot see the contents or labels). Fill a spray bottle with lukewarm water and use it to wet children's hands. Add a few drops of liquid soap in the palms of each child's hands and encourage children to rub their hands together. Let them try to identify the scent. Children take turns rinsing their hands at the sink.

ACTIVITIES FOR BABIES

Summer mobile
(Open educa-decorate-Summer) Print and laminate the items of your choice. Use a hole-punch to make a hole at the top of each item and use fishing wire to hang them from a clothing hanger.

Rolling balls
Set a bin filled with balls in different sizes and colors on the floor. Let babies explore its contents. They will enjoy tossing and rolling the balls, sitting on them, etc.

Barefoot grass exploration
Let babies walk barefoot in your yard. Observe their reactions closely. Some may quickly want to put their shoes back on.

Sandbox
The sandbox can be explored by younger children. Babies particularly enjoy the texture of sand. Add tiny shovels, spoons, buckets, empty yogurt containers, etc.
Variation: Let's make mud!

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

Beach party
(Open perpetual calendars-Beach Party Day) Print. Set sand tables, umbrellas, picnic tables, plastic beach chairs, etc. in your yard. Play summer-themed music and invite children to dance and play in the sand.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND MOTOR SKILLS

String activities-Summer
(Open string activities-Summer) Print for each child. Children trace the outlines with white glue before covering them with colourful string.

Lacing-Beach balls
(Open lacing-Beach balls) Print, laminate, and punch holes around each model. Children can thread ribbon, string, or a shoelace through the holes.

Follow my instructions
Use sidewalk chalk to draw a series of large circles, alternating colors. For example, you may draw a blue circle, a pink circle, and a yellow circle and then repeat this series. Give children instructions. For example, you may ask them to hop on one foot inside the blue circle, touch the floor with their hand inside the pink circle and hop on two feet inside the yellow circle. Children must try to reach the last circle without making a mistake.

Beach day
During circle time, ask children if they have ever been to the beach. Let them tell you about their experience. Suggest an imaginary trip to the beach. Pretend to pick a spot, set your beach towel on the sand, jump over waves, hunt for seashells, swim, etc.

Scuba diving
Set a large blanket or beach towel on the floor and hide a variety of summer-related items under it. Ask children to dive under the blanket, collect an object, and set it in a nearby treasure chest (box).

Sun dance
Stand in a circle with your group. Set a hula hoop on the floor, in the centre, to represent Mr. Sun. Children take turns inventing a few dance steps. Repeat each child's moves as a group.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Outdoor game cards-Summer
(Open Outdoor game cards-Summer) Print and laminate. The cards represent a variety of outdoor games and activities. Have children pick a card to determine your next activity. After a while, pick another card and change activity. Variation: Certain activities may not be enjoyed as a group or you may not have the required material on hand for some games. Simply remove these activity cards.

Sponge painting
Hang a large white paper banner on a fence and set a large piece of plastic on the ground to protect it. Prepare 3-4 containers of diluted paint and set a few sponges in each one. Children take turns throwing the sponges on the paper banner. This activity can be messy, but it's also incredibly fun!

The sun, water, and rainbows
Give each child a spray bottle filled with water. In your yard, ask children to stand so the sun is behind them. Encourage them to spray water in the air and observe the results. They should see a rainbow appear. Use this activity to talk about rainbows with your group.

Sandbox
Play in your sandbox. Explain how a beach is really part of a body of water that is covered with sand. Use the sand to build houses, dunes, castles, etc. Provide toy trucks, plastic animal figurines, etc. Variation: Set a hose in your sandbox to create a "mudbox". This is a good activity for a Friday afternoon since the sand will have all weekend to dry out.

Silly spray bottles
On a hot summer day, give each child a spray bottle filled with water and let them spray water on each other. Two simple rules: children mustn't spray a child who does not wish to play or spray water in another child's face.

Sand treasure hunt
Select an object with your group. Pick a child who will hide the item in the sand. The other children will search for it. The child who finds it can hide the item for the next round. Variation: With your group, paint several rocks with gold paint. When the rocks are dry, hide them in the sand. Encourage children to search for gold pieces. You can provide sieves they can use to filter the sand.

Outdoor obstacle course
Use your garden furniture to create a maze. Add obstacles such as a rope children must crawl under, a bucket of water they must hop over, etc. Use the items you have on hand, such as a slide, a swing, etc. Older children will enjoy helping you design the obstacle course. Children should have to move about in a variety of ways (hopping, running, spinning, slithering, etc.).

My portrait
Each child lies on the ground. Use sidewalk chalk to trace the contour of their body. When you are done, encourage them to decorate their silhouette by drawing eyes, a nose, hair, clothing, etc.

Somersault challenge
Children stand on a start line. When you give them the signal, they must perform a series of somersaults. The first

child who reaches the finish line wins the race.

Group tag
Select a child who will be "it". He must try to catch the other children. Every time he succeeds, the child who is touched must hold the hand of the child who was initially "it". The game continues until there is only one child left.

Turtle tag
Children pretend they are turtles. Pick a child who will be "it". Every time he touches a child, the child who was touched must lie on his back with his arms and legs in the air.

Freeze tag
Select a child who will be "it". He must try to catch the other children. Every time he succeeds, the child who is touched must remain perfectly still, like a statue. The other children can free him by running under his arms.

The treasure chest
Cut an egg carton (12 eggs) in half. Give each child half a box to represent a treasure chest. Glue an illustration representing an item found in nature next to each cavity. Children search for the items and set them in the corresponding sections of their treasure chest.

Apprentice painters
Provide buckets of water and paintbrushes. Encourage children to "paint" your fences, walls, tables, toys, etc.

Car wash
You will need sponges, soapy water, towels, and spray bottles. Let children wash toy cars, bicycles, and tricycles.

Hot-air balloon
Give each child an inflated balloon. Consider their favorite color. The goal of the game is for the balloons to never touch the ground.

RELAXATION ACTIVITIES

Nature-themed relaxation
Go for a walk with your group in your neighbourhood or in a nearby forest. Bring a beach towel for each child. Take a break during your walk and encourage children to lie down on their towel, in the sun or in the shade. Encourage them to look up at the sky and pay attention to the sounds of nature.

Relaxing in the rain
On a warm rainy day, help children put their bathing suits on and take them outside. Encourage them to lie down on their back and let the rain fall on their arms, their legs, their face... Invite the to appreciate the rain's relaxing touch.

MUSICAL AND RHYTHMIC ACTIVITIES

Musical summer scene
Have children sit in a circle. Ask them to think about summer. Give one child a piece of paper and crayons and ask him to draw something related to summer. Play music. When the music stops, the child must stop drawing and pass the paper and crayons to the child sitting next to him. Continue until the paper is completely covered with drawings and admire the result.

ACTIVITIES INVOLVING PARENTS

The summer wall
(Open educa-theme-Summer) Print and display. Ask parents to provide pictures from past summers and use them to create a special wall.

Corn roast
With your group, husk several ears of corn. Cook them and invite parents to join you for lunch.

COGNITIVE ACTIVITIES

Counting cards-Summer
(Open counting cards-Summer) Print and laminate. Prepare a series of wooden clothespins on which you can paint or draw numbers 1 to 9. Children count the items on each card and place the corresponding clothespin on the correct number.

Educa-symmetry-Summer
(Educa-symmetry-Summer) Print. Children must color the picture on the bottom to make it look exactly like the picture on the top.

Educ-intruder-Summer
(Open educ-intruder-Summer) Print and laminate. Children must identify the different intruders.

Roll and color-Summer
(Open roll and color-Summer) Print for each child. This game can be enjoyed individually or as a group. Children take turns rolling a die, counting the dots, and coloring the corresponding part.

Educ-trace-Summer
(Open educ-trace-Summer) Print for each child. Children must trace the lines using a crayon of the designated color and then color the item at the end of each line with the corresponding color.

Educ-same and different-Summer
(Open educ-same and different-Summer) Print and laminate for durable, eco-friendly use. Children must circle the illustration that is different in each row.

Bingo-Summer
(Open bingo-Summer) Print and play bingo with your group. Invite parents and grandparents to join you to celebrate summer. Store the cards and pieces in a Ziploc bag.

Educ-math-Summer
(Open educ-math-Summer) Print and laminate for durable, eco-friendly use. Children must count the items in each rectangle and circle the correct number.

Educa-duo-Summer
(Open educa-duo-Summer) Print and laminate for durable, eco-friendly use. Children must draw a line between items that go together using a dry-erase marker.

Color by number-Summer
(Open color by number-Summer) Children must color the picture per the color code.

Educ-pairs-Summer
(Open educ-pairs-Summer) Print. Children must draw a line between identical items or color them using the same color. For durable, eco-friendly use, laminate and use dry-erase markers.

Educ-shadows-Summer
(Open educ-shadows-Summer) Print and laminate for durable, eco-friendly use. Children must use a dry-erase marker to draw a line between each item and its corresponding shadow.

MORAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

Miming words
(Open word flashcards-Summer) (Open giant word flashcards-Summer) Print and laminate the flashcards. Deposit them in an opaque bag and use them for a mime game. Children take turns picking a word and miming it so the other children can identify the correct word. For example, if a child picks the word "swimming pool", he/she can pretend to swim.

Photo booth-Summer
(Open photo booth-Summer) Print the various accessories, cut them out, and glue a drinking straw behind each one. Purchase sun hats, lightweight scarves, sunglasses, etc. at your local dollar store. Create a summer-themed décor using a large piece of cardboard or curtain. Invite children to pick the accessories they prefer and pose for you. You can take individual, group, or family photos. Print the pictures and display them on a wall for everyone to see.

Sunglass bin
To celebrate the sun, fill a large container with a variety of sunglasses. You can ask parents to give you any old sunglasses they may have. Have fun trying them on with your group. Whenever you go outside, let children wear their favorite sunglasses.

Thematic box-Summer
Fill a large box with summer clothing items and accessories: shorts, tank tops, sunglasses, sun hats, empty sunscreen bottles, beach towels, bathing suits, beach balls, etc.

I am going on vacation and I'm packing...
Have children sit in a circle. Begin the game by saying, "I am going on vacation and I'm packing my bathing suit." The next child must repeat your sentence and add another item and so on. Each child must repeat all the items listed by the others before adding his own. With younger children, you may use illustrations to make remembering

the items chosen by others easier.

I can dress for the weather
(Open I am learning to dress myself) Print and laminate. Set the pieces on a table and ask children to dress their model per precise instructions. Explore summer clothing items as much as possible.

Day at the beach
During circle time, ask children if they have ever been to the beach. Let them tell you about their experience. Suggest an imaginary trip to the beach. Pretend to pick a spot, set your beach towel on the sand, jump over waves, hunt for seashells, swim, etc.

Planning my vacation
Provide several different travel magazines. Encourage children to cut out pictures of places and activities that interest them and glue them on a piece of construction paper. When they are done, they can present their dream vacation to the group.

EARLY SCIENCE/MANIPULATION/EXPLORATION

Sand dough
(Open creative recipe-Sand dough) Print.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of sand
  
• 1 cup of flour
  
• 1 cup of salt
  
• 3 tablespoons of oil
  
• 3 teaspoons of cream of tartar
  
• ½ cup of water

Steps:

1. In a pot, combine all dry ingredients.
   
2. Add liquid ingredients.
   
3. Cook over medium-low heat until a homogeneously granular (like sugar) ball forms.
   
4. It is best to use an old pot since the sand may scratch the surface.
   
5. Use the sand dough like regular modeling dough to explore a new texture.

Tracks in the sand
Press each child's hands and feet in sand dough (above). Set aside to dry. Children can paint their handprints and footprints.

Grow, grow
Plant vegetables or flowers with your group and watch them grow from day to day.

Multicoloured bubbles
Pour bubble solution in aluminum plates. Add a different color food coloring to each plate. Encourage children to blow bubbles on white paper. The result will be a multitude of colourful circles.

Colourful bottles
You will need a few empty water bottles. Fill each one with a different element associated with summer: rocks, seashells, water, sand, etc. Use hot glue to secure the cap on each bottle. Young children will enjoy manipulating the bottles.

Little birds
You will need string, an empty 2-litre milk carton, scissors, and paint. Cut a small window in the milk carton, about 4 cm from the bottom. Make tiny holes at the top of the milk carton and thread the string through it so you can hang your birdfeeder. Paint the milk carton and fill it with seeds. Hang it in a tree and watch the little birds that will visit it with your group.

Water is vital
Purchase dried fruits or vegetables and pour them in a clear plastic or glass container filled with water. Experiment dehydration and rehydration with your group. Set apple and orange slices out to dry. Serve dried fruit at snack time. Water your plants with your group and explain how water is important for plants too. Finally, invite children to drink a tall glass of water.

CULINARY ACTIVITIES

Homemade ice cream
(Open creative recipe-Homemade ice cream) Print.

Ingredients:

• Crushed ice or ice cubes
  
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
  
• 1 cup of milk
  
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla
  
• 6 tablespoons of coarse salt
  
• 1 medium freezer Ziploc bag
  
• 1 large freezer Ziploc bag

Steps:

1. Spoon ice into the large freezer bag until it is half full. Add coarse salt. Seal the bag.
2. Combine sugar, milk, and vanilla in the medium freezer bag. Seal the bag.
3. Place the medium bag in the large bag and seal it.
4. Shake the bag for 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Open the small bag and enjoy!

***You may replace the vanilla flavour with another flavour if you wish.

Miniature frozen yogurt cones
Purchase miniature ice cream cones. Fill them with frozen yogurt (any flavour). Set them in the freezer for 24 hours and enjoy!

Refreshing cupcakes
Prepare cupcakes with your group. Once they have cooled, spread blue icing on them to represent water. Add a jelly ring to represent a float and insert a gummy bear in the centre.

Magic summer potion
(Open creative recipe-Magic summer potion) Print.

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream per child
  
• Frozen fruit
  
• ½ cup cold water
  
• 1 envelope unsweetened Kool-Aid powder
  
• ½ cup of sugar
  
• 1 litre of lemon-lime soft drink (Sprite)

Steps:

1. Combine water and sugar.
   
2. Add contents of envelope of unsweetened Kool-Aid powder.
   
3. Add soft drink.
   
4. Deposit one scoop of ice cream in a large cup or bowl.
   
5. Add frozen fruit.
   
6. Pour the mixture on top of the ice cream.
   
7. Enjoy with a spoon.

Fun melon slices
Cut thin watermelon slices. Provide cookie cutters and let children press them in the pulp to create fun shapes. Eat them at snack time.

Picnic
There is nothing better than a picnic at your local playground or in your backyard. Invite each child to bring a food item from home to share with the group. Let children prepare their own sandwich.

Summer lemonade
Ask children to count four lemons. Cut each one in half. Ask children to count them again. Cut the lemon halves in two again and have them count them one more time. Have each child squeeze the juice out of one lemon wedge into a bowl. Add two cups of honey or sugar. Dissolve the honey or sugar in 1 cup of warm water. Add four cups of cold water, plenty of ice cubes, and lemon wedges.

ARTS & CRAFTS

Puppets-Summer
(Open puppets-Summer) Print the various models on cardboard. Ask children to cut them out and decorate them with arts & crafts materials. Glue a Popsicle stick behind each one to complete the puppets.

Models-Summer
(Open models-Summer) Print the models and use them for your various projects and needs throughout the theme.

Mandalas-Summer
(Open mandalas-Summer) Print for each child. Encourage children to color the mandalas to help them relax.

Stencils-Summer
(Open stencils-Summer) Print and cut out the various stencils. Children can use them to trace and paint summer items throughout the theme.

Summer mobile
(Open mobile-Summer) Print. Have children color the items and decorate them as they wish. Cut them out and use string to hang them from a clothing hanger or use the number eight model provided as a support.

Pompom caterpillar
(Open caterpillar-black and white) Print. Arrange colourful pompoms in a row to represent a caterpillar.

Painted flip flops
Purchases dollar store flip flops. Pour a small quantity of poster paint in a cookie sheet or shallow container. Children wear the flip flops to walk in the paint and then on a large piece of white paper.

Sand drawing
Invite children to use white glue to draw a design or shape on paper. Have them sprinkle sand over their drawing. Shake any excess sand off the paper and into a garbage can or bin. Variation: You can mix your sand with powdered paint to add a touch of color.

The ocean
Use a blue plastic shower curtain to cover a wall. Cut fish shapes out of Kraft paper. Glue pairs of identical fish back to back, leaving an opening near the tail. Children can decorate the fish and stuff them with cotton balls or newspaper. Hang the fish in front of your blue wall along with strips of green crepe paper to represent seaweed. Take pictures of your group in front of this ocean-themed background.

Sun catchers
You will need one CD per child. Have children decorate it with tissue paper, cellophane paper, markers, feathers, or other accessories in summer colors. When they are done, hang the sun catchers in front of a window and admire how they reflect the sun's rays.

Torn paper rainbows
(Open rainbow) Print for each child. You will need seven different colors of construction paper (colors of the rainbow). Have children tear each color into tiny pieces. Have them glue them in the different sections.

My rainbow
Deposit a few drops of diluted poster paint on waxed paper. Give each child a drinking straw. Have them blow into their straw to disperse the paint. Repeat with a different color. Continue with every color of the rainbow.

Foot painting
Let children use their feet to paint on a large piece of heavy paper. Washable poster paint works great for this activity.

Footprints
Pour a small quantity of poster paint in a bin. Have children step inside the bin and then on paper. Let dry and hang on a wall to decorate your daycare.

Little birds
You will need string, an empty 2-litre milk carton, scissors, and paint. Cut a small window in the milk carton, about 4 cm from the bottom. Make tiny holes at the top of the milk carton and thread the string through it so you can hang your birdfeeder. Paint the milk carton and fill it with seeds. Hang it in a tree and watch the little birds that will visit it with your group.

Mud paint
With your group, collect soil and sand. Add water to create mud. Provide paintbrushes and let children paint away. Children can wear bathing suits for this activity. Simply hose them off when they are done!

Sand painting
Invite children to mix sand and powdered paint. Pour each different color into an empty soap bottle. Children use white glue to draw on paper and sprinkle their drawing with colourful sand. If you prefer, you can also purchase colourful sand in big-box stores.

Nature craft
Collect a variety of items found in nature with your group (rocks, grass, flowers, branches, etc.). Use the items for a collage.

Colourful bottles
You will need a few empty water bottles. Fill each one with a different element associated with summer: rocks, seashells, water, sand, etc. Use hot glue to secure the cap on each bottle. Young children will enjoy manipulating the bottles.

Fireworks
Give each child a large piece of cardboard and several different colors of poster paint. Children splash the paint on the cardboard to represent fireworks.

Musical summer scene
Have children sit in a circle. Ask them to think about summer. Give one child a piece of paper and crayons and ask him to draw something related to summer. Play music. When the music stops, the child must stop drawing and pass the paper and crayons to the child sitting next to him. Continue until the paper is full and admire the result.

COLORING PAGES

(Open coloring pages theme-Summer) Print for each child.

DIFFERENT WAYS TO USE THE COLORING PAGES

Identical coloring pages-Summer
Print the same coloring page for each child and an additional copy for your model. Color only certain parts of your picture. Present the model to your group and ask them to color their picture to make it look exactly like yours.

Coloring binder-Summer
Print and laminate several coloring pages and arrange them in a binder with a few dry-erase markers. Leave everything on a table for children to explore.

Musical drawing-Summer
Play musical drawing with your group. Give each child a coloring page. Have children sit around a table. When the music starts, they must pass the coloring pages around the table. Every time the music stops, they must color the picture in front of them until the music starts again.

Homemade puzzles-Summer
Give each child a picture to color. When they are done, cut each picture into pieces to create unique puzzles.

Complete the drawing-Summer
(Open complete the drawing-Summer) Print for each child. Children must draw the missing items.

I am learning to draw-The ocean
(Open I am learning to draw-The ocean) Print and laminate the model sheet. Invite children to practice their drawing technique on the model sheet before attempting to draw a tree on their own.

Creative coloring-Summer
(Open creative coloring-Summer) Print for each child. Have children complete the drawing as they see fit.

SONGS & RHYMES

(Open songs & rhymes-Summer)

By: Patricia Morrison Sung to: Singing in the rain

Summer

I'm swimming in my pool
Just swimming in my pool
What a cool sensation, I'm happy in the sun
I'm floating around, just my buoy and me
I'm happy as can be, splish splashing for fun
Let the clouds whisk on by, may the sun always shine
Come on and join me, the water's so fine
I'll swim over to you, we'll bask in the sun
And go swimming in my pool
Just swimming in my pool

Havefun

The Educatall team