We have all been waiting for it, but now that it is here, what will we do? I am not talking about vacations or camps, I am talking about those lazy summer days when it’s too hot to do anything, but the kids need to have some fun! My favorite activities with my kids is the ones where they don’t know I am teaching them anything, but I really am pulling out all kind of language! I live in the south, so I always try to incorporate water into our outdoor activities, because otherwise how else would you possibly survive? Here are some of my favorite games we have played over the years:
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Water snake
- Run a strong stream from a garden hose back and forth like a snake under our child’s feet! I love making this a competition with neighborhood friend, whoever’s feet don’t get drenched…. WINS! Pull language in by asking a question before the child can jump, if they answer the question correctly, they get a jump!
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Liquid limbo
- is always another favorite… much like the snake game above, but you have the child play the high stakes game of getting wet if they are unable to limbo!
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Ball blast
- I use hula hoops or rope for this activity! Make a circle and place balls of all shapes and sizes inside the circles. Give you child the hose and challenge them to push the balls outside of the circle. To take it up a notch I add a timer! Who will have the time to beat!
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FREEZE
- Place plastic bugs, army guys or other small trinkets in your old ice cube tray or small sandwich bags, add water and freeze. Then hand a piece of ice to your child (age 3 and up) and have her melt it in her hands until the prize emerges! Talk about what they think it is, what its function is, or make up a story about it.
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Sponge and Go
- Give your child two buckets and a large car sponge (or smaller). Put water in only one bucket and have them transfer the water from one bucket to the other, only using the sponge! You can compete between kids for the fastest time or set a timer!
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Paint the driveway/sidewalk
- All you need is a bucket, filled with water and various size paint brushes! Dip the brushes in the water and draw away on the sidewalk! See how long your picture will last in the heat! Write your name, numbers, or even just letter practice!
All these ideas help kids stay active and have fun, plus it gives them a chance to use their fine motor skills and their brains! Stay hydrated and have some fun this summer!
Author: Natasha Peacock, MCD CCC-SLP
