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Welcome back educators, parents, grandparents and caregivers! June is a month filled with anticipation. We wait and hope that the local gardens will produce many fresh fruits and vegetables as the days grow longer and warmer. It is a time when families begin to anticipate adventures and activities such as camping and getting back into nature. June 21 is the longest day of the year with the most daylight hours in the Northern Hemisphere and warmer weather is hoped for and expected. June 21st is also a time to learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day as we continue to take further steps toward reconciliation. Children, anticipating the Summer holidays, are excited and look forward to unstructured time to do as they like. Whether it’s visiting relatives or friends, sightseeing popular destinations, or just unplugging from daily demands, hopefully health and wellness, physical activity and good nutrition will be a priority. It is a time for parents to organize so their children can relax and enjoy fun activities such as chasing shadows or blowing bubbles or enrolling in a summer camp. Anytime is great for playdough and included here are some fun summertime ideas. Of course, June is also a time to celebrate Father’s Day and all Dad’s including Grandfathers and care-givers. AND like the children we are all anticipating the joys of a relaxing summer once school is out! 

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1.  Read and Sing together 📚

FATHER’S DAY BOOKS: There’s no one “type” when it comes to an amazing Dad. Some family structures might have two Dads or one or have a Dad who lives in a different home. There are so many great dads and grandfathers in children’s literature—sensitive, funny, encouraging, and strong, just like the real-life ones we love. Some Dads might enjoy being outdoors or watching sports or a movie. No matter what preferences Dads might have, the one father-child activity most dads enjoy and can agree on is reading. When you think about it, Fathers aren’t exactly the focus of many books so surprising him with a few books that celebrate him as the hero of the day can be the most touching Father’s Day gift. Not only will kids be reminded of how lucky they are to have such a wonderful Father, but he’ll end the day feeling extra special and appreciated.

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The following picture books are perfect for kids of different ages, so all siblings can take a turn reading with him on Father’s Day.  Check out your school and public library or bookstore to buy or borrow the following recommended books.

  • Oh, Daddy! By Bob Shea. A Dad gets his son to do what he wants by pretending to do it wrong, prompting his ever so clever son to show him the right way. Daddies . . . they can be funny and lovable and really, really silly. Oh, Daddy! 
Here are 12 of our favorite father's day books.
  • Things To Do With Dad by Sam Zuppardi. Dad’s to-do list is full of boring chores. Undeterred, his son launches a more creative approach to getting things done. Soon, dad catches on and joins the fun in this touching, almost-wordless title. 

  • Froggy’s Day With Dad by Jonathan London. When Froggy is in charge of planning the Father’s Day surprises, there are bound to be some messes involved, and a classic “more red in the face than green” moment – but plenty of fun, too. 
  • Dad and the Dinosaur by Gennifer Choldenko. When Nicholas loses his toy dinosaur, the one thing that helps him feel brave, his dad doesn’t hesitate to head out late at night to search for it with him. It turns out nothing is more reassuring than feeling understood. Luckily, his dad knows that even the bravest people can get scared, and it’s okay to ask for help facing your fears. It’s just guy stuff. 
  • And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell. This true story of two male penguins who became foster parents together  is impossibly sweet. The text sensitively portrays the penguins’ companionship and matter-of-factly explains why they couldn’t have their own egg like the other penguin couples. This important story honors the many ways there are to create a family – even in the animal kingdom.
  • How To Surprise a Dad by Jean Reagan. This title will get kids thinking about personalized ways to show their own dads – or other special grownups– that they care. Celebrate the love between a dad and child in this charming picture book about showing dad that they care. The pages of this book are full of tips on how to become a super dad “surpriser”, including tips for things you can make, do, or find—just for your dad. Be sure to read up on: Yummy treats and presents for a dad; What to do if he starts getting suspicious; How to prepare for the big moment (where to hide everyone, and how to practice whispering “Surprise!”) 
  • My Dad Used To Be So Cool by Keith Negley. This young narrator is pretty sure his dad used to be in a rock band and ride a motorcycle. So what happened? Let your students figure it out from the illustrations and ask them to imagine ways their own dads used to be cool. 
  • I have Two Homes by Marian De Smet. When Nina’s parents separate it is challenging as she learns to live at two homes. 
  • Daddy is My Hero by Dawn Richards. Sometimes Dads are pretty normal, and just have to do mundane things around the house.  But in the eyes and imaginations of their children, they are still amazing. 
Here are 12 of our favorite father's day books.
  • When Dads Don’t Grow Up by Marjorie Blain Parker. Even Dads can remember what it’s like to be little and how to be goofy.  Join the celebration of Dads being big kids in this playful book which follows four father-child pairs as they spend happy, silly times together, popping bubble wrap and watching cartoons and taking part in shopping cart races. These are dads who aren’t worried about looking goofy or getting their hair wet – dads who still remember what it’s like to be little. Don’t be fooled. They may look like grown-ups on the outside, but underneath they’re just like… Kids! 
Here are 12 of our favorite father's day books.
  • Because I’m Your Dad by Ahmet Zappa. Spaghetti for breakfast? Experience the love a goofy, monster Dad has for his child as they do fun and silly activities, just like the Dad used to do with his Dad when he was a child.  This is another favorite fun Father’s Day books that kids like to read with their Dads. 
Here are 12 of our favorite father's day books.
  • My Dad by Susan Quinn is a beautifully illustrated, stereotype-busting celebration of all the everyday things one child’s dad does to make him so wonderfully, daddish-ly awesome! He may not be a superhero, or an astronaut, or a secret agent… but my dad is still the best dad in the world! From baking cookies and gardening to playing make-believe and watching the sunset, a child reveals all the simple yet wonderful things he loves to do with his dad. With lyrical rhyming text and gentle illustrations, this is a joyous celebration of fatherhood that creates a special reading experience between a child and their father. Inspire a child to explore what makes the relationships in their own life special with this touching book. 
  • Home at Last by Vera B. Williams and Chris Raschka. After Lester is adopted by Daddy Albert and Daddy Rich, he develops a big problem—he can’t fall asleep. It’s the sweet dog, Wincka, who finally solves the problem and helps Lester feel at home.
  • A Tale of Two Daddies by Vanita Oelschlager.  A young girl answers a friend’s straightforward questions about having two fathers. The story ends with simply, “Who is your dad when you’re sad and need some love?” Both, of course.
  • The Family Book byTodd Parr. All kinds of families are celebrated in a funny, silly and reassuring way. Includes adoptive families, stepfamilies, single-parent families, two-mom and two-dad families and families with a mom and a dad. 
  • Mighty Dads by Jean Holub. Calling all builders, even those still enjoying trucks, cranes and diggers in the sandbox. This book takes dads and their kids to a construction site to show how fathers build things full of love, with their little ones learning right beside them. Your kids’ dad might secretly swell with a bit of pride while reading this tribute to the many ways fathers set positive examples for their kids.
  • Big Choo by Stephen Shaskan. Choo’s biggest dream is to be a brave, fast train just like his dad, Papa Pufferbelly. (Just try to say that name without smiling.) But becoming a Big Choo comes with unexpected challenges, and Little Choo will need all the bravery and strength he can muster to chugga-chugga-chug on the main line. Along the way, he learns a valuable lesson about never giving up on your dreams, even when everything goes off track. 
  • Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry. With her mom away, Zuri’s dad has to step in to style her hair, with all its beautiful kinks and curls. With lush artwork, and a heartwarming, empowering message, this book is a delightful celebration of the father-daughter relationship. 
  • The Favorite Daughter by Allen Say. When Yuriko’s art teacher calls her “Eureka” by mistake, all of her classmates start teasing her with the name. In turn, Yuriko tells her father that she wants to change her name to Michelle, but he helps her find confidence in herself and her Japanese heritage through exploring their favorite traditions. A touching tale that’s moving for any reader, this read shows the beauty of fathers passing down their heritage (and may even inspire dads to talk about their own loved traditions).

SUMMER BOOKS: Summer is just around the corner and the following books introduce this widely anticipated season of fun.

  • Summer Song by Kevin Henkes. Bees buzz, birds sing, and children roll in the grass and feel the heat of the summer sun. With striking verbal imagery, repetition, and alliteration, Kevin Henkes introduces basic concepts of language and the summer season. Laura Dronzek’s glowing paintings beautifully illustrate the wonders of summer.
  • How I Spent My Summer Vacation by Mark Teague. Most kids go to camp over the summer, or to Grandma’s house, or maybe they’re stuck at home. Not Wallace Bleff.  He was supposed to visit his Aunt Fern. Instead, Wallace insists, he was carried off by cowboys and taught the ways of the West–from riding buckin’ broncos to roping cattle. Lucky for Aunt Fern, he showed up at her house just in time to divert a stampede from her barbecue party!  Perfect for fun summer read-alouds, here’s a western fantasy with sparkling illustrations and enough action to knock kids’ boots off! 
  • The Summer Nick Taught His Cats to Read by Curis Manley. It’s not easy to teach a cat to read, but one boy tries anyway in this sweet and silly picture book debut that captures the challenges and rewards of learning to read. Nick loves to read books—and he loves to play with his cats, Verne and Stevenson. So naturally Nick decides it’s a great idea to teach his cats to read. But Verne and Stevenson don’t appreciate when Nick wakes them up with a flashcard that says NAP. Nick finally piques Verne’s interest with words like MOUSE and FISH. But not Stevenson’s. While Nick and Verne go to the library, Stevenson hides under the porch. Will Nick ever find a way to share his love of reading with his feline friends?
  • One Hot Summer Day by Nina Crews. It’s summer, and it’s hot! This is a perfect book to share with young children on a hot summer day! One Hot Summer Day is a lively and beautiful photographic concept book about a perfect summer day.This picture book is ideal for sharing in the home or classroom, and readers will feel the summer heat while exploring the sensory delights of summer, including making chalk pictures on the pavement, swinging on the swing set, slurping grape pops, and enjoying a cooling rainstorm. 
  • Summer in Saik’uz by Cecilia John.Come north to Saik’uz (sigh-kuz) located within the Dakelh (dah-kay-lth) Territory in the interior of BC and see the berries and animals and what you love about summer! This triple-language resource is written in Carrier, English and French. Download a pronunciation guide for the Carrier words in the story: Summer in Saik’uz Pronunciation Guide. Summer in Saik’uz is part of the Strong Stories: Dakelh series. These stories reflect the belief that these indigenous stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.
  • Byron Through The Seasons. This Dene-English story book was produced by the students and teachers of Ducharme Elementary School in La Loche, Sask., with assistance from local advisors and elders. Together, they wrote the story, translated it, and worked on the pictures. Their goal was to highlight some aspects of Dene culture that were vital in the past and are still important today. They wanted to emphasize culturally-significant events and attitudes. A dozen elders were consulted to provide accurate and culturally-correct information. This is a story told by Grandfather Jonas and imagined by his grandson, Byron. The balloon diagram in each picture represents the symbolic journey taken by Byron as he listens to stories of what Dene life is like during the four seasons of the year. This book recalls early aspects of Dene lifestyle, from tanning and medicine to camping and food preservation. 

SUMMER ACTIVITIES: BUBBLES

  • You Can’t Kiss a Bubble by Karen A Wyle. What can you do with a bubble? Many children – and adults – find bubbles fascinating, even enchanting. And yet they’re so different from most things we enjoy, lasting only a few moments. This little book, with its lovely and whimsical illustrations, looks at both the charm and the transitory nature of bubbles, and reminds us that we can take joy even in the impermanent. 
  • Fancy Nancy Bubbles, Bubbles and More Bubbles by Jane O’Connor. Fancy Nancy and her class are going to see The Big Bubble Show! Nancy and Bree can’t wait to go. But when Bree gets sick and has to miss the show, Nancy decides to put on a bubble show of her own. Will Nancy and her classmates be able to put on the best bubble show ever? 
  • Bubbles Float, Bubbles Pop by Mark Weakland. What makes a bubble float? Are the bubbles in your soda the same as the bubbles in your tub? What makes a bubble pop? Discover the wonder and science of bubbles in this non-fiction book.
  • We Love Bubbles! by Vikram Madan. Did you ever have a friend who likes doing something that you find completely annoying? Well, Bobo and Pup-Pup both LOVE bubbles. Bubbles are the absolute best–on that they can agree! While Pup-Pup loves blowing them, Bobo LOVES popping them…way too much for Pup-Pup’s taste. It’s getting frustrating! Pup-Pup has a clever idea to stop Bobo from popping them. But, then Bobo gets carried away…literally!

SUMMER ACTIVITIES: SHADOWS

Check out your school and public library or bookstore to buy or borrow the following recommended books.

  • Moonbear’s Shadow by Frank Asch. One sunny day Bear decides to go fishing, but his shadow keeps scaring the fish away, time and time again. Bear tries everything he can think of to get rid of this pesky nuisance. And at last he succeeds—or so he thinks! 

  • What Makes a Shadow? by Clyde Robert Bulla.When you run, your shadow runs. But you can never catch it! What makes a shadow? Where does it come from? When the sun is shining, everything has its own shadow—trees, houses, cars, even clouds and planes way up in the sky. You have a shadow, too. As the sun sets, all shadows become part of a much larger one—the night! Young readers will discover what makes the shadows they see and will be introduced to the fun of making shadows of their own. This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom.

 

  • My Shadow by Robert Louis Stevenson. Inside, outside, climbing up the stairs, or jumping into bed, your shadow may be following you! He may even be one step ahead as you run down the street! Complete with a cast of the whole family, a cat, a dog, and a teddy, this story is for everyone. Little ones who are just discovering their shadows for the first time will find inspiration between these pages, while older, more experienced kids are sure to learn new ways to play with their shadows.
  • Guess Whose Shadow? By Stephen R. Swinburne. This concept book introduces children to the basics of shadows and then leads them on a shadow hunt, playing a game called “Guess Whose Shadow?” in which young ones will discover there’s more to shadows than first meets the eye. 

SUMMERTIME ACTIVITIES: SKIPPING

Check out your school and public library or bookstore to buy or borrow the following recommended books.

  • The Skipping Rope Snake by Carol Ann Duffy. What can a little girl do in the jungle? Play snap with a crocodile? Join-the-dots on a leopard’s spots? Pin-the-tail on an elephant? Or just pick up a snake and skip all the way home! With its irresistible rhyme and jungly illustrations, this is a joyful, picture book from Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.

  • Singily Skipping Along by Sheree Fitch. A “body movement multi-sensory inventive language poem”. This book is playful and imaginative, asking the reader to pretend to be a tree, a whale, a spider, a cloud, and to find the many delightful ways they can move their bodies. The text uses some predictable and cumulative patterns but also includes joyful surprise patterns—and a healthy dose of nonsense—to stimulate children’s imaginations. Deanne Fitzpatrick’s hooked rug illustrations bring freedom and texture to the verse, and the result is a tactile and joyful classic book. 
  • Anna Banana; 101 Jump Rope Rhymes by Joanna Cole. How many times can you jump rope? Can you hop, skip, and double-dutch? With these rhymes and rhythms, jump rope is even more fun. There are red-hot pepper rhymes for jumping very fast, counting rhymes to keep the beat, and rhymes for jumping in and out. There are even fortune-telling rhymes that answer questions and help you predict the future! Jumping rope is not only great exercise, it’s also great entertainment. With Anna Banana, you’ll never run out of chants to use while swinging the ropes. Learn over one hundred traditional rhymes that will make rope jumping challenging and, best of all, fun! 

SUMMER ACTIVITIES: CAMPING – There’s truly nothing better than going camping and introducing your children to the great outdoors. School frequently organize camping outdoor adventures at this time of year as there are so many benefits for children. Going camping is an affordable type of vacation for families that has many benefits. Whether your style is in a camper, cabin, or tent, you and your family or class can reap the many benefits of spending time in nature.

When your class or family can’t get away from home for a family camping adventure or in preparation for an upcoming camping trip here are some favorite children’s camping books to spice up your class story time or bedtime routine. Check out your school and public library or bookstore to buy or borrow the following recommended books.

  • Blackflies by Robert Munsch. One day Helen wakes up and it’s SPRING! The snow has melted and the sun is shining. But Helen knows that the blackflies will be coming out soon. So she does what any smart kid would do: she sends her little sister outdoors to check! When the blackflies and mosquitoes carry her away, Helen tells her dad, who rushes outside and is carried away himself. Now Helen needs to rescue BOTH of them, along with a wolf and a very clever bear. Munsch “uses a narrative shared with him by a First Nations family he met in Fort McMurray in 1996, and utilizes illustrations by First Nations artist Jay Odjick to help tell the story.”  
  • Backyard Street Buddies: Backyard Camp-Out by Jerdine Nolen. When twins Jada and Jamal find their parents’ old tent in the garage, they plan a backyard campout with neighborhood friends. A rustling in the bushes leads to a big surprise! The backyard campout is coming and Jada and Jamal Perkins have never slept in a tent before. Neither have their best friends. Camping is going to be so much fun. Or is it? It’s really dark in the backyard. And what’s that noise? It’s coming from the bushes.  Crunch! Crunch! Crunch!  Scrunch! Scrunch! Scrunch!  Will an unexpected visitor ruin the Bradford Street Buddies campout under the stars? Grab a flashlight and find out in this neighborhood adventure. 
  • When We Go Camping by Margriet Ruurs. This story highlights the magic of a day spent camping: waking up to the morning chill, quietly observing creatures from water striders to elk, boating, swimming, berry picking, and campfire cooking. Lush paintings and rich text capture it all. In this beautifully illustrated book, one busy family finds lots to do from sunup to sunset. At the campsite, there’s wood to chop for the fire and fish to catch and there’s lots of time to explore, climb rocks, splash in the lake, and discover animals in the shadows of the woods. As afternoon turns to evening, supper needs to be made, and just before bed, stories are told around the campfire.This book is as instructional as it is delightful. Readers can turn to the glossary for more details about the wildlife depicted on each page
  • Gone Camping: A Novel in Verse by Tamera Will Wissinger. Lucy, Sam, and Grandpa pack the car and head to the woods for a camping trip. A grab bag of poetic formats chronicles their adventure, from the standard cinquain and haiku to lesser-known types of verse, like the what-if poem and the charm poem. Back matter includes an extensive and engaging guide to writing poetry.
  • Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems by Kristine O’connell George. This collection offers a range of poetic forms describing many quintessential camping moments, from “Mosquito Song” to “Moose Brunch” to “Two Voices in a Tent at Night”. Everything that happens when you go camping can be an adventure, from getting dressed inside your sleeping bag on a chilly morning to meeting a moose to sharing secrets in a tent at night. The captivating poems and pictures in Toasting Marshmallows will leave readers with wonderful memories of a camping trip—even if they’ve never been on one! 
  • Pete the Cat Goes Camping by James Dean. In Pete the Cat Goes Camping, Pete can’t wait to go hiking, fishing, and eat s’mores by the campfire. But when he hears about the mysterious creature named Bigfoot, Pete can’t help but wonder: Is Bigfoot real? Kids love exploring the outdoors, and they’re sure to enjoy this funny story about Pete the Cat going camping for the first time (and overcoming his small fears). Pete the Cat Goes Camping is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts of Level One books support success for children eager to start reading on their own. 
  • Don’t Feed The Bear by Kathleen Doherty. Bear loves his snacks, but what trouble will he get into next? Hungry Bear and a park ranger go head to head in a humourous tale of what happens when unsuspecting campers feed the wildlife. It’s Bear vs. Ranger in the funniest food fight ever in this entertaining picture book. Mac and cheese, carrot cake, meatball stew: Bear loves when campers leave him grub. The park ranger does not. Smackity smack, Ranger pounds a sign into the ground: DON’T FEED THE BEAR! Upset—no more chewy cookies? No more juicy burgers?—Bear quickly crosses out the “don’t.” Now, it’s war in the park! But when both Bear and Ranger end up losing out, will they finally call a truce? 
  • Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping by Mélanie Watt. Scaredy Squirrel isn’t exactly the bravest of woodland creatures, but he decides to pack up all his most important supplies and venture out into a nearby campground to see the natural world. After preparing and planning for every conceivable danger, Scaredy squirrel sets off just beyond the safety of his home tree for an epic – but safe – adventure of watching movies about camping from the comfort of a television set. However, his plans to watch the outdoors on TV falter quickly when he realizes that there are no outlets to be found in the great outdoors. In an attempt to find an outlet to power his television, Scaredy Squirrel ends up dealing with countless obstacles, proving to himself that he is brave enough to enjoy the world beyond his tree, after all. 
  • Flat Stanley Goes Camping by Jeff Brown. Flat Stanley is back for more adventures in this installment of his globetrotting saga. In Flat Stanley Goes Camping, we tag along as Stanley and the entire Lambchop family head out on a camping trip in the woods.Things get a little frightening, though, when Stanley and his brother encounter a skunk and run off to try to avoid its stinky spray. They soon find themselves teetering on the very edge of a large cliff, left to figure their own way out of yet another sticky situation. 
  • S is For S’mores by Helen Foster James. The perfect learn-to-read guide for outdoorsy children. Why should “s” be for soccer when it can be for “s’mores’? This A-Z guide puts a fun camping-related spin on learning vocabulary. Written especially with the young camper in mind, S Is For S’mores is a great introduction to the wonderful world of camping and outdoor adventure for little children. This A to Z book is a great way to help young kids learn more about the natural world through fun facts and stunning pictures that are perfect for campers of all experience levels. 
S Is For S’mores - Helen Foster James on white background
  • Llama Llama Loves Camping by  Anna Dewdney. Llama Llama is a fan favorite, thanks to the recent Netflix debut, but this book takes our beloved furry friend back into print and on an epic adventure to spend a night outside. But, Llama Llama has never spent a night outside before and he’s quite scared to be so far away from home. In this book, our adored group of young farm animals heads out on their first camping trip. Along the way, they quickly learn that things that seem scary at first can actually be fantastically fun, and a perfect way to challenge ourselves to try something new. 
Llama Llama Loves Camping - Anna Dewdney on white background
  • Fred and Ted Go Camping by Peter Eastman. P.D. Eastman’sThese beloved canines, Fred and Ted, are back for more fun in this adventurous children’s book. We follow  follow along as the duo’s different approaches to nearly every situation result in humorous consequences.This book offers a comical look at life in the great outdoors. It features fun illustrations and simple words to help young outdoor lovers learn to read all while getting excited for their next camping trip. 
Fred and Ted Go Camping - Peter Eastman on white background
  • Maisy Goes Camping by Lucy Cousins. In this quick read, Maisy heads out on a country camping trip with a whole group of friends in tow. Unfortunately, the group quickly learns that camping isn’t as easy as it might seem. Whether it’s getting a camp set up or just fitting the entire group inside the tent at night, Maisy’s camping adventure is a hilarious book for the youngest of outdoor enthusiasts.

Maisy Goes Camping - Lucy Cousins on white background

  • Survivor Kid: A Practical Guide to Wilderness Survival by Denise Long. Written by a search-and-rescue volunteer, this guide uses a relatable and encouraging tone to teach survival skills, like finding food and drinking water, staying safe from animals and bugs, and building fires and shelters. 

The Camping Trip by Jennifer Mann. Ernestine is beyond excited to go camping. She follows the packing list carefully (new sleeping bag! new flashlight! special trail mix made with Dad!) so she knows she is ready when the weekend arrives. But she quickly realizes that nothing could have prepared her for how hard it is to set up a tent, never mind fall asleep in it, or that swimming in a lake means that there will be fish — eep! Will Ernestine be able to enjoy the wilderness, or will it prove to be a bit too far out of her comfort zone? In an energetic illustrated story about a first sleepover under the stars, this story reminds us that opening your mind to new experiences, no matter how challenging, can lead to great memories (and a newfound taste for s’mores).

  • Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping by Peggy Parish. Amelia Bedelia is known to take things a bit too literally, so it’s no surprise that she ends up experiencing a few mishaps during her first camping trip. When Amelia heads outside for the first time on a camping adventure with Mr. Rogers, she doesn’t quite realize that “pitching a tent” doesn’t mean throwing it into the bushes. Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping is a cute and ingenious way to get kids excited about camping that’s perfect for toddlers and new readers that are starting to put together simple sentences. This fun book is entertaining for parents and children, alike, and is a sure-fire way to have a few laughs before bedtime. 
Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping - Peggy Parish on white background

SONGS

Songs can be good for a child’s physical development as well as their emotional development. Research shows that there are physiological benefits for children when singing. It is good for the respiratory muscles and optimizes breathing. It not only energizes but can also provide a physical workout.

SUMMER ACTIVITY SONGS:

CAMPING

SKIPPING SONGS

BLOWING BUBBLES

GOING TO THE BEACH

SHADOWS

FATHER’S DAY

ACTION AND MOVEMENT SONGS

2. Create together: Puzzles, Crafts, Drawing and Constructing 🧩 

Crafts where children can create open-ended products, frequently focus on the development of fine motor skills, cutting, pasting, tearing, and positioning. These are functional tasks that require fine motor strength, coordination, grasp, precision, and manipulation of craft materials and tools. As summer approaches you may wish to start saving and stocking up on some of the following items: paper bags, newspaper, paper towels, shredded paper, plastic food containers, clothes pins, cardboard boxes, tissue boxes, wrapping paper, post-it notes, coffee filters, pom-poms, various grades of paper, scissors, glue (Squeeze glue works well for hand strength development), beads, pipe cleaners, paper clips, straws, cardboard, yarn, buttons and cupcake liners. Children can create and enjoy while working on skills like fine motor dexterity and strength, line awareness, scissor skills, language, self-confidence, problem-solving, tool use, and more. Below, you’ll find crafts for kids that can be used to promote many of these skills. 

SUMMER ACTIVITIES:

  • Children will get a giggle out of this experiment as they learn how to make their own laughing cups.
  • Beach, Nature Walk and many more downloadable Checklists for children to take on trips. They can mark off each item that they find. 
  • Going to the Beach? Read more about Rock balancing or stone stacking where children can enjoy balancing rocks on top of each other in various positions to produce beautiful land art sculptures. The aim of the game is simple: encourage your kids to find a bunch of similarly sized rocks or stones and balance them. This game teaches kids about balance, shapes, focus and concentration. 
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artfulparents.com
  • Read the directions to engage children in creating pictures with Frozen Paint Cubes on a hot summer day.
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  • Create your own Bucket List of Summer Activities:

SHADOWS – The following activities teach children about light, seasons, how shadows are made and how they change throughout the day.

BUBBLES – Who doesn’t love bubbles? Children can learn how to make their own bubble solution or how to make a homemade wand to make large bubbles or how to make bubble snakes or more.

Dailycalm.com

Read on to find more fun bubble activities:

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CuriOdyssey.org

FATHER’S DAY:

craftsbyamanda.com
  • This Father’s Day Gift – 10 Things I Love About Day – is the perfect way to show how much children love and care for this special care-giver. Read instructions here to create this popsicle stick idea.

3. Explore, Engage & Interact together 🌍

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY – JUNE 21, 2022

INDIGINOUS LEARNINGS:

  • Nathan shares a seasonal cultural activity that only occurs at this time of year – Harvesting Cedar Bark.  In this video (10:20 min.) Nathan takes us on the land in Katzie Territory to witness the harvesting of cedar bark.  Students might reflect on the teachings Nathan shares or use this as an example of an exposition or “how to” text.
  • Teach children about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission written by Cindy Blackstock and Illustrated by Amanda Strong by reading and discussing this downloadable e-book: Spirit Bear: Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams. 
  • Read the book Blackflies by Robert Munsch or Byron Through The Seasons. This Dene-English story book was produced by the students and teachers of Ducharme Elementary School in La Loche, Sask., with assistance from local advisors and elders. They wrote the story, translated it, and worked on the pictures to highlight some aspects of Dene culture that were vital in the past and are still important today. To produce the book, over 400 hundred students and a dozen elders were consulted to provide accurate and culturally-correct information. The story is told by Grandfather Jonas and imagined by his grandson, Byron. The balloon diagram in each picture represents the symbolic journey taken by Byron as he listens to stories of what Dene life is like during the four seasons of the year. This book recalls early aspects of Dene lifestyle, from tanning and medicine to camping and food preservation. 
  • Learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day which takes place on the summer solstice, June 21. It’s a special occasion to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Learning about Indigenous Peoples, places and experiences is a step forward each Canadian can take on the path to reconciliation.

SUMMER PROGRAMS & CAMPS: Read about some benefits of enrolling your child in a Summer Camp or Program.

Here are a few recommendations:

  • Here is a list of the top summer camps in Metro Vancouver from Vancouvermom.ca which includes everything from soccer to cooking to acting to yoga – well worth checking out!
  • VSO Summer Explorers Camps – hurry to sign up as there are only a few spots left.
  • UBC Summer Camps for children – there are only a few spots left and there are charges for each program.
  • Geering Up Camps are all about making Science, Technology, and Engineering hands-on and exciting. Each day is a dynamic mix of hands-on activities, demonstrations, tours, mentors, and design challenges. We are coming back full force in 2022 with the return of Online Camps in addition to In-person camps in Vancouver, Kelowna, North Delta, Richmond, North Vancouver, and South Surrey.
  • SFU Summer Camps – are categorized into Sports, Recreational and Educational. Again there are limited spots left.
  • Check out the BC Soccer Camps. 
  • Check out your local Community Centre as they have many programs available for children.
  • YMCA Summer Camps – Many of our summer day camps operate out of YMCA Kids Club locations throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. Participating youth will experience a week of traditional day-camp fun, with 90 minutes of physical activity daily, Play it Fair games, arts & crafts, literacy activities, water games, a theme day and specialty programming. 
  • Big Sisters of Lower Mainland Summer Camps offer children some great experiences.
  • Do your children enjoy Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) activities? Check out the Young Engineer Richmond Summer Camps.

SUMMER FUN: PLAY DOUGH AND LOOSE PARTS: There are many benefits for children who engage with play dough. It advances their fine motor development building up hand muscles as well as enhances their eye-hand coordination. It encourages creative open-ended imaginative play turning ideas into shapes. Play Dough can promote stress relief and can be calming as children pummel, roll and squeeze. It supports literacy and numeracy development as it is a great way to practice numbers and letters. Finally it promotes playtime and if playing with others can enhance social skills.

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Interested to engage children in more Playdough Fun to enjoy this summer? Collect some of the loose parts suggested above for children to create as they use their imagination and enjoy inviting children to share in the following activities.

  • Playdough is for the Birds! Playdough Bird Craft for Kids – Creating playdough bird nests is a way to celebrate the new birds flying around in your neighborhood. Together with your child, gather some sticks, leaves, berries, pine cone pieces, grass, or whatever else is of interest to them and then support them to build their own bird’s nest. (howweelearn.com)
  • Ocean Playdough and Loose Parts – Sparkly playdough, along with some shells, gems, and other beach-themed loose parts, makes for a wonderful summer-sensory activity. (theimaginationtree.com)
  • Summer Theme Play Dough -This setup with loose parts is a fun summertime invitation to play! With scented playdough, little umbrellas, and tiny cocktail picks, children can create and serve some summer, pretend-play drinks. (Learn4Kids.com)
  • Ice Cream Play Dough Tray For this activity, all you need are a few little bowls, playdough, and a bunch of loose parts like pom-poms, beads, cut up straws, and some spoons. A great invitation for children to create colourful sundaes! (Engaginglittles.com)
  • Playdough Flowers Counting Activity – This is wonderful for adding in a bit of summertime learning as children practice fine motor skills as they roll and shape their flowers, then practice their number skills as they count and add the right number of petals to their flowers. (messylittlemonster.com)
  • Scented Kool Aid Watermelon Playdough – This playdough recipe uses Kool-Aid to give the playdough a wonderful summery scent! Children can also use some black beans or sunflower seeds to add “seeds” to their watermelon, practicing fine motor skills and some counting as they place the seeds. (123Homeschool4Me.com)
  • Sunflower STEAM Activity with Homemade Playdough – This activity breaks down the process of making playdough into a wonderful STEAM learning experience for older children—mixtures, solutions, and substances. Children will enjoy using seeds and pipe-cleaners to make some playdough sunflowers. (STEAMpoweredfamily.com)
  • Ice Cream Shop with Edible Playdoh – This edible “playdough” is made from frosting, powdered sugar, and a bit of food colouring. It is very sweet, so keep that in mind as children eat while they create! (lifeonlavender.com)
  • Scented Lemonade Playdough – Nothing says summer more than freshly squeezed lemonade or the smell of freshly squeezed lemonade. Make some playdough and add in some lemonade Kool-Aid mix, along with some yellow food colouring, and you’re set for a summertime, sensory experience.
Preschool Play & Learn

SUMMER FUN: SKIPPING or JUMPING ROPE

Do you remember skipping as a child? Lots of friends, rhymes, double jump, skip jumps, hop jump and many more exercises – it was lots of fun! Why not let your kids have the same fun and enthusiasm.  Introduce skipping to children around the age of 4 or 5, and look for the immense benefits it can provide to your children on an emotional, mental and physical level. There are many reasons why Skipping or jumping rope, a classic kids’ activity, has been around for generations and is still popular and relevant today. Skipping involves children in motor planning, strength, range of motion and concentration skills. In today’s world where children are increasingly engaged with electronic devices, it is important to encourage them to participate in more physical activity to maintain their health and well-being and to promote good physical development. Jumping rope is a great summer activity to keep you fit and active. Read more about Why Every Child Must Have a Jump Rope.

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4. Healthy Living: Movement & Nutrition 👭

MOVEMENT: SKIPPING – Jump for joy, summer is here! It not only gets the heart pumping, but it also strengthens bones. Jumping rope is a great summer activity to keep children fit and active. There are many benefits for children to learn how to skip. It promotes cognitive and emotional development as endorphins boost mood, memory & mental alertness; it also promotes relaxation and induces a sense of well-being. Their self-esteem and confidence builds as their skills improve, they make new friends, and try new things. It enhances collaboration, creativity and friendship as kids or groups are involved in teamwork. Children enjoy better balance and coordination as they practice jumping on the balls of their feet. Their overall muscle strength and strong bones are built in a fun and engaging way. Skipping, a fun and affordable activity, is portable, done anywhere and gets kids outside moving and burning off energy. Jumping rope is the perfect summer activity. All you need is a rope and a little bit of space. Encourage kids to start jumping with the following fun activities:

  • Read about some more Jump Rope Games your children can enjoy.
  • Games to Play:
    • Encourage children to see how long they can jump?
    • Have them keep track of how many minutes they jump each week and see if they can increase their time each day.
    • Encourage them to have a jump rope contest with friends. Who can jump rope for the longest time without stopping?
    • Do Double Dutch with friends.
    • Play your favorite song outside and see if children can jump the entire time.
playlearngrowtogether.com

NUTRITION: SUMMERTIME SNACKS. Along with all the benefits for children to cook at any age, here are favorite healthy recipes for kids to get into the kitchen and assist with the preparations. 

  • Fruit Swords – a healthy snack of local fruit either picked from the garden or at from the store that is easy to prepare.  (rainydaymom.co.uk)
  • Frozen Fruity Yogurt Bites – This simple recipe can be made by children of all ages and abilities and is a great way for children to make a healthy snack. 
  • Carrot Zucchini Veggie Puffs – Another healthy way to use veggies and involve children in garden-to-table (or store) preparations. (sugaraunts.com)
  • Frozen Fruit Kabobs – These are perfect for children to cool down during the hot summer months. A healthy alternative to popsicles, this is a recipe that younger kids can easily make. Use fresh fruit that your child loves, but also consider introducing children to new fruits such as kiwi, star fruit, mango or pineapple.  (sugaraunts.com)
  • Smashed Potatoes with Tomato and Avocado. Children can help prepare this tasty side dish recipe, which combines almond/avocado/lemon/basil – it blends well with the salt and oil of the potatoes. (theottoolbox.om)
  • Quinoa Lettuce Wraps – Kids can be hesitant to try new foods that look different or have  a different texture.  Involving children in preparing foods can help ease anxieties about trying that new food. It can also be a perfect time to work together to talk as they create. (Sugaraunts.com)
  • Kid Friendly Antipasto Skewer Recipe – Antipasto can contain many different ingredients so modify it to meet the tastes of your family or use what you have on hand. Use your garden-fresh cherry tomatoes, olives, cheese, and sliced deli meats such as salami. (theottoolbox.com)
  • Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie – with just 5 ingredients, this protein-packed treat can be made by you and your child any day of the week. (insanelygoodrecipes.com)
  • Ants on a log – this old classic recipe is a fun way to get children interested in “playing” in the kitchen and eating their veggies. (healthylittlefoodies.com)
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Reflect: Thoughts of the Day about Learning 💭

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2 Replies to “June & July: Anticipation”

  1. Great list of resources and lots and lots of great activities for kids and their families! Bravo

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