Bouncing Beach Ball
Inflate a beach ball and write a letter, number, shape, or sight word on each section of the beach ball. Kids take turns tossing the beach ball to one another and as a child catches the ball, they have to read the letter/number/shape/sight words that their two hands are touching on the ball.If a student does not know the letter/number/shape/etc. name, they can ask a friend for help.
Extension activity: For older students, write only numerals on the ball. After a student catches a ball s/he has to add or subtract the two numbers that their hands are touching.
Watermelon Seed Counting –Watermelons
Materials needed: Watermelons.pdf – see link above (as many as desired), dried black beans (if you don’t have beans, the children can use chocolate chips or make circles with a black crayon or washable marker.)
Print off watermelon.pdf and laminate for durability if desired. Children put dried black beans to represent watermelon seeds. Count out number of “seeds” as is labeled on each watermelon. There are watermelons created with numerals 1-10. The last page of the pdf file is blank so you can print off and label with any numerals you want your child(ren) to focus on.
Jumping/Twirling Sounds
This activity focuses on beginning and/or end sounds in words. It is easiest to focus on a particular letter sound. For example, “s” for sand. Say a word aloud for children and ask the children to carefully listen for the desired letter sound. For example, if working on the letter “s” the teacher may say a word such as “seagull.” Children need to try and determine if the desired sound “s” is at the beginning of the word “seagull” or if it is at the end of the word. If it is at the beginning of the word, have the children jump up and down in place. If the sound is at the end of the word, have the children twirl in a circle. Continue giving different summer-themed words that begin or end with your targeted letter sound. You may need to do this activity with the children many times before they begin to understand the activity goals.
Life’s a Beach
Create an area at home into a “beach.”
Some items and suggested materials include: Plastic Pool, kid sized beach/lawn chairs, sunglasses, visors, blow up plastic fish, beach towel, empty or pretend suntan lotion bottles, sand pails and shovels, plastic snorkel set, etc. To create “seaweed” you can hang green crepe paper from the ceiling. Let the children play and use their imaginations! Great for a rainy day activity!!
Want MORE ideas for SUMMER? Check out the SUMMERTIME theme available at THE PRESCHOOL TOOLBOX BLOG! It is loaded with activities to keep your kids engaged in learning and PLAY!!
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