As the school year draws to a close, many students find themselves drawn to the outdoors, and heads are filled with thoughts of vacation. The suggestions in this theme unit cover a variety of curriculum areas with fun, motivating activities to help wrap up the year. Some can be done online and others taken outside.
Articles
The Magic School Bus in a Beehive
How do the Magic School Bus kids communicate where nectar flowers are? By dancing like bees! Challenge your kids to dance the Honey-Bee-Bop to communicate the location of hidden flowers.
Bubbles
This learning activity provides a method for students to explore the properties of air, water, color, and light. Students experiment with different bubble wands to discover the properties of bubbles.
Hoops
Instructions for playing the ancient Greek game Hoops. Provides some history of the game.
Games Around the World
compares games played by children around the world and points out their similarities.
Song Books and Sing-Along
Students make an illustrated songbook for an end of the year sing-along used to welcome visiting parents.
Activity Plan Mixed Ages: Making Fruit-Shape Kebabs
Teach students to identify and compare shapes by helping them make fruit kebabs.
Discovering Science in Nature
Children need uninterrupted time to explore outdoors. Such experiences foster emotional connections with nature and help children develop a sense of respect for the environment and empathy for all forms of life. For more information, follow the links to "Stock Up For Science" - a list of materials to encourage exploration and scientific investigation, and "Teaching Science Skills", a list of skills to involve children in outdoor exploration.
All Activities Issue - Boxes & Blocks: Puffer Bellies and Box Cars
Church offers ready-to-use summer teaching ideas for mixed ages, in this "All Activities" issue of Scholastic Early Childhood Today. This activity fosters cooperative and dramatic play outdoors by challenging children to create a train from cardboard boxes.
Activity Plan 5-6: Native American Games
Children engage in educational games and activities about the Native American culture. This ready-to-use teaching idea for five- and six-year olds supports cooperation, social studies, and literacy skills.
Collateral
Going Bug-gy! Facts and Fun About Insects and Bugs
Max's Math Adventures
I SPY
Play these exciting I SPY games filled with hours and hours of nutritious fun. Race against the clock in I SPY Bingo or solve the I SPY Puzzler as quick as you can!
Lesson Plans
Get to The Root of It!
Offers a lesson plan about plant roots, stems, leaves, and flowers, involving direct observation and diagramming.
Giving an Outdoor Play
Take advatange of outdoor playgrounds, play space, and equipment to stage a classroom play.
- Everything You Need:
- Subjects:Summer, Summer, Teacher Tips and Strategies
