Spring & Summer Fun Ideas.....

 

I get so excited when I know the weather is going to 

heat up and we're goingto be going outside every day.  

Our winters are so long so the excitement of planning

activities for the summer becomes one of my favorite parts 

of being a daycare provider.  The summer weather has gotten

off to a slow start. 

The weather has been rainy and cool in South Dakota.

Once the weather stays above 70 degrees we will be outside

every day after nap. We go outside from 315pm-515pm.  I try

to find some new activity every yearto make or try for

my 4-5 year old's to play. 

Water activities is always one of their favorites.  I set it

up during nap twice a week. I use large clear totes with 

yellow ducks, blue star noodles, the kids use strainer scoops

to scoop them out and put in a bucket. 

I have a totes with magnetic fish and fish tot e that has nets. 

This year I made a water tube wall with small totes that have

plastic measuring cups to scoop water and pour into top of funnel

to run down the tube. It's a great way to cool off while learning

some much needed motor skills.  

The bubble bucket got an update so I can set it out and the kids
 
can blow bubbles anytime.  This has been such a great addition to

our outside toys. I added a waterproof rug and homemade sunshad

to the baby area beside the shed. This area is great for the 

toddlers to go back and forth to play and explore the yard.  

The metal airplane that I got last fall is one of their 

favorite outside toys.  It definitely makes them take turns and 

learn how to share.  The sandbox is the all time favorite, 

dinosaurs and cars are always a go to.  

I decided to leave the kitchens inside the one side of the shed, we call it

the playhouse, the kids love cooking me food and bringing it to me to try.  

I'm working on storage for toys and supplies on the shelves in the shed. 

It will make it easier to rotate toys.  

We spend a lot of time outside; hula hoop jump, we are tossing bean bags
 in the hoops. Red Light/Green Light & What time is it Mr. Shark?  

Everyone takes turns even the 2yr old's it's hilarious. 

             The kids love holding up the signs themselves and turning them,

              they have figured the game out quickly.

                          We have several birthdays this summer.  

                              Each child gets their own party. 

                         They love to celebrate with their friends.

    Summer crafts include April showers, Father's Day Dino-Mite!,

    lightening bugs, a fish and Summer party blower frog. 

Mother's Day Craft

  Themes are a great way to introduce a book and talk about the item 

we are making.  I have been saving boxes so the kids could use them 

to build towers,car wash or a house. 

I never realized how much fun they could have with boxes. 

Best part they are free and easy to replace if they get crushed.  

I have a few scooping games that can be used with or without water. 

Bowling Creamer Pins is a fun birthday game outside,

All of I put my toys back in the shed if we are going to get rain,

this is extra work but the toys stay in good working order so 

this cuts back on replacing toys every year.  

I'm looking for ideas that keep my 3,4,5 yr old's busy, learning 

and having fun. Our summers always go by so quickly. Picnic lunch, 

ice cream sandwiches and of course fresh fruit are part of our 

summer plans.  I gave my 4 school kids that when to school this 

fall a note and a wooden cross. We are to lead our children to Jesus.

I would love for you to share craft ideas, toys or activities 

that you do to keep your kids busy. 

Enjoy Your Summer as it comes to an end.  Continue Loving What You Do!

Psalm 127:3 Children are a gift from the Lord