Let's Paint the Driveway: SUMMER FUN ACTIVITIES
by Janet Schwan
Summer's almost here and our school-aged kids will soon be out for break. Got to have a plan or they'll make their own plans! That's what I imagined when I was working in daycare, so I started jotting down suggestions for myself on how to keep the kids busy. Here's a few of the great things we did that the kids loved! Lots of these ideas can work with only a few kids or in a large group such as a daycare setting or for rounding up the neighborhood kids to participate. Here's what we did:
Fun Finds
We searched appliance stores and found a large cardboard box which would make a great playhouse once a door and windows were cut out. The kids loved painting it outdoors. The little kids decorated inside while the older kids painted the cardboard shutters that we had glued to the sides of the two windows. They also painted a flower garden around the bottom. We even added a number over the door. It was kept it in the garage with our riding toys and pulled outdoors whenever they wanted to play. There was a special box inside to hold plastic dishes, a tablecloth, a doll, and assorted household items that were changed occasionally to challenge their imaginations. We also had a plastic-covered wire frame tunnel (an inexpensive toy store item) that was perfect for crawling through on the grass.
Run a Course
Some days we had obstacle course competitions in the backyard. The kids cheered for each other as, one at a time, they tried to go over the mountain (the picnic table), through the forest (around the apple tree), over the snake (the jump rope), under the bridge (under the easel), and then carry a cup of water (without spilling) to the finish line. We timed each child and gave out prizes. Courses can be made with very simple props and can be adjusted for varying age levels.
Paint the Driveway
Another activity that became a favorite among the kids on hot days was "painting" the driveway with their bare feet with buckets of water and large brushes. They created dinosaurs, funny faces, and secret messages. As soon as they were halfway down the driveway, the top had already dried and was ready to use again.
Get Wet
Swim days were most popular and everyone brought bathing suits. Two groups took turns in the pool. The little kids often looked forward to this day but didn't want to stay in very long, so we also had a water table with toys and pitchers as well as a sprinkler. One adult would supervise these activities and another would be in the pool.
Have Lunch
Picnic lunches in the yard sharpened the kids' appetites, especially when the children created their own brown bag lunches from ingredients that we provided. The older kids helped the younger ones and we hid a riddle inside each bag to be shared with dessert.
A blanket on the grass and boxed drinks completed the plan.
Blow a Bubble
It's pretty easy to find unusual bubble wands that make huge colorful bubbles and wands that make several small bubbles at once. The older children loved running with them while the younger ones tried to catch the bubbles. Play with Pets Visiting pet days were equally appreciated. Only one pet was allowed at a time and parents prepared and explained all that was needed for their pet that
day.
Take a Trip
Neighborhood field trips are also very easy to do. Some of the places most familiar to adults can be fascinating for children such as the grocery store, a farm, a nearby garage sale or even a field of wildflowers. You might have a friendly neighbor whose favorite hobby would be fun to share with them. Remember the simple things that you loved as a child and you'll invent lots of fun for any group of kids.
Janet Schwan is a retired elementary teacher and a former nursery school and daycare owner. She lives in Fairport, NY.
Genesee Valley Parent Magazine Copyright.
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