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It's that time of year again. Kids have been counting down the days until school lets out for the summer, and parents are thinking about how to get through the summer with some kind of serenity.
So, how can we keep our kids active, entertained, and learning without having to pay for daily excursions?
1. Get your kids involved when choosing their activities and events!
When your children have a choice in how their time is spent, they are much more likely to enjoy it. Ask about what they'd want to do, and get them involved in the conversation when you are discussing family plans.
2. Keep a routine.
It's part of the fun to get away from your typical routines during the summer, but many children flourish when they have set bedtimes and schedules. Every day, set aside time for things like independent play, swimming, reading, going outside, and a somewhat later bedtime as part of this summer routine.
3. Don’t compare yourself to others.
You'll be overloaded with photographs and videos of other families' fantastic summer vacations and plans as you navigate through social media. While seeing the extravagant and well-curated lives of other parents and families can be inspiring, it's all too easy to start comparing yourself to them, which can make you feel bad about your own more modest goals. Your kids will love a simple, hands-on activity just as much as they will spending quality time with you. This moment in time with them is what is most important.
4. Explore your community!
The summer is a great time to check in with your local community centers and libraries for summer programs and events that are being held. There are a ton of fun and free events that your whole family can enjoy without needing to travel far!
5. Avoid overscheduling.
It's tempting to cram as much as possible into the summer months, but September will be here before you know it. No matter how old your children are, some quality downtime at home during the summer is both inexpensive and relaxing.
We'll be sharing our favourite summertime daily activities for preschoolers, toddlers, and young children throughout the month of July. Make sure to come back each week to see what new activities have been added!
July 1st
Check out this simple ‘Canada Rocks’ project by Happy Hooligans if you're looking for a quick and easy Canada Day craft for your little ones.
Smooth stones and acrylic paint are all you'll need!
July 2nd
Making paper aircrafts is a fantastic STEM (STEAM) activity for children!
July 3rd
Make a summer memory board with images and items that your kids enjoy. These could be small mementos from your summer vacations or small sketches of their recollections of days spent together. Get a large corkboard and write down all of your memories on it with them.
July 4th
This adorable strawberry handprint craft is great for toddlers, preschoolers, pre-kindergarteners, and kindergarteners! We love how easy and fun it is to do, and it also makes a wonderful souvenir of their small hands!
July 5th
Are you looking for a fun way to encourage your child's creativity and independence? Make these delicious fruit kebabs!
This recipe is not only a fun, refreshing, and healthy treat, but it also encourages your child to try new textures and flavours.
July 6th
Early reading experiences, opportunities to build vocabulary, and literacy-rich environments, are the most effective ways to support the development of pre-reading and cognitive skills that ensure that children are prepared for school success.
SUMMER SUPPER BY Rubin Pfeffer
This is a lovely book about so many good things. So many pictures that are all about food, veggies, and gardening.
July 7th
Happy National Chocolate Day! Today is one holiday that we love celebrating—try out our chocolate-themed activities that encourage the development of early math skills like counting, data management, and memory recall!
July 8th
Let the kids play “mad scientist” mixing colours!
July 9th
We have a great pick for you today! Set aside some reading time and listen along to The Surprise Party by Pat Hutchins.
July 10th
In your outside play area, set up a simple balance beam:
Smaller rocks, such as stepping stones, can help with the development of a child's sense of balance.
In an outdoor play area, a well-placed log would form an excellent natural balance beam.
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