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Learning Together Joyfully: Summer Fun #1

Welcome back educators, parents, grandparents and caregivers! June is a month filled with anticipation. 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 summer weather is expected. June 21st is also a time to learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day as we continue to take steps toward reconciliation. It is a time for parents to support their children to organize their time so they can relax and enjoy fun activities such as camping or enrolling in a summer camp and… appreciate all the free time once school is out! 

1.  Read and Sing together đź“š 

Campingforfoodies.com

SUMMER ACTIVITIES: CAMPING – There’s truly nothing better than going camping and introducing children to the great outdoors. Many schools organize for outdoor camp experiences for their classes. Going camping is a relatively affordable vacation for families that also has many benefits. Whether your style is in a camper, cabin, or tent, you and your children can reap the many benefits of spending time in nature. There are many benefits children gain from a camping experience. Camping teaches basic survival skills as they learn about fire safety, how to build a fire, what plants are edible, and basic outdoor safety.  It builds self-esteem and confidence as children learn to be independent, make mistakes, learn from them, and solve problems. Camping helps them unplug as they get outdoors and away from technology and take a step toward a healthy balance. It helps connect families and friends as they have time to share stories, real or imagined, around the campfire creating bonds, connections and memories to last a lifetime. It teaches respect for nature and allows children time to enjoy a slower pace of life and appreciate fresh air, plants, and wildlife. Camping teaches children that less can be more because it is all about simplicity and offers kids experiences not “stuff”. 

When you can’t get away from home or the classroom for a family camping adventure or in preparation for an upcoming camping trip here are some favorite children’s camping books to read aloud and enjoy together as you spice up your classroom or bedtime routine. You can also 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.”  
  • 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. 
  • 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. 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 with a 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. Different 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 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 memorable moments of a family outing with vivid paintings provide a cast of characters and the perfect setting. The captivating poems and pictures 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. 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). Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts support success for children eager to start reading on their own. 
  • Don’t Feed The Bear by Kathleen Doherty. (Read by a Forest Ranger) Bear loves his snacks, but what trouble will he get into next? Hungry Bear and a park ranger go head to head in a humorous 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. 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 MĂ©lanie 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, he 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 this book, 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 favorite, as our beloved furry friend is off 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. These beloved canines, Fred and Ted, are back for more fun and adventures. We follow along as the duo’s different approaches to nearly every situation result in humorous consequences. This is a comical look at life in the great outdoors featuring fun illustrations and simple words to help young outdoor lovers learn to read as they plan 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 young 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 — eek! 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 our minds 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. This is an ingenious way to get young children excited about camping and it is also great for 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. 
Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping - Peggy Parish on white background

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

  • The Longest Day by Wendy Pfeffer. Summer is the glorious time when butterflies emerge from silky cocoons and daylight hours stretch longer and longer. With lyrical prose and vibrant illustrations, this book takes us on a journey through the history and science behind the summer solstice.
  • 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, we are introduced to basic concepts of language and the summer season. The 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 a fun summer read-aloud, 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 Curtis 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! This lively and beautiful photographic concept book is 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. 

SONGS to enjoy and introduce the topics about camping, summer and going to the beach.

SUMMER:

GOING TO THE BEACH

CAMPING

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

SUMMER ACTIVITIES: As summer approaches you may wish to start saving and stocking up on some of the following Items that children can use to create open-ended crafts. Your collection might include: 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 in a bottle is best for hand strength development), beads, pipe cleaners, paper clips, straws, cardboard, yarn, buttons and cupcake liners – to name but a few! When you are looking for activities for your children to enjoy, consider some of the following ideas:

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  • Bug Hunting – Going outside and searching for bugs and insects can be a thrilling experience for kids. They can take a magnifying glass as well as a pen and paper, to record what different bugs look like and where they live. 
  • Have an ABC scavenger hunt: Write the ABCs on the edge of a paper plate and give one plate to each child. Walk around the yard or neighborhood. When they see something that starts with that letter (e.g. Bird – B), they mark off the B on their plate. 
  • Download these printable Scavenger Hunts including a blank template for you to fill out for your children.
  • Learn how to make simple Paper Flower Crowns with your children.
  • Read the directions to engage children in creating pictures with Frozen Paint Cubes on a hot summer day.

SUMMER PROGRAMS & CAMPS: There are many benefits for children to enroll in a summer camp.

Here are a few programs and camps worthy of consideration:

  • 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 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. They are 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 – 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.
  • 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!
  • Do your children enjoy Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) activities? Check out the Young Engineer Richmond Summer Camps.
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY – JUNE 21ST, 2022

INDIGENOUS 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 the 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.
  • Learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission with your children by reading this free e-book Spirit Bear: Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams based on a true story written by Cindy Blackstock.
  • Read the book Blackflies by Robert Munsch or Byron Through The Seasons.
  • 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 MĂ©tis peoples. Learning about Indigenous Peoples, places and experiences is a step forward each Canadian can take on the path to reconciliation.
    • Use this interactive map to find activities happening in your community.

4. Healthy Living: Movement & Nutrition đź‘­

Turbofuture.com

SUMMERTIME provides many opportunities for children to play and enjoy the outdoors. If the weather is not cooperating, click on some of the movement activities below. Working in the garden or shopping at the local grocery store provides many opportunities to discuss where food comes from and to reinforce healthy eating. Here are some recipes where children can actively participate in their preparation on camping trips or appreciate on picnics.

MOVEMENT:

NUTRITION:

  • Carrot Zucchini Veggie Puffs – Another healthy way to use veggies and involve children in garden-to-table (or store) preparations. (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. (insanelygoodrecipe.com)
carmyy.com

5. Reflect: Thoughts of the Day about Learning đź’­

Wow4u.com
homeworkoutchallenge.com
SummerShowArt.com