Calendar of Events
SUMMER TIME ACTIVITIES
The most important thing to do this summer is to enjoy it! Childhood is such a special time, and unfortunately it is very short. Children need to experience and enjoy their childhood. Summer is the perfect time to do this. Allow your child to play and play and play some more. Play is the work of children. Do things with your child and as a family. This is the time when you are building your family memories.
Summer is a great time to turn off the TV. Here are some other suggestions that may help your child use the summer to continue his or her learning while having fun with you:
Religion – take time to talk to your child about God. Summer is full of God’s gifts in nature. Explore these; talk about them and praise and thank God for these blessings. Pray with your child. Talk about the bible stories you know or read new ones to them.
Go to Mass as a family. This can be difficult for young ones; however all of the children have had experience with the Good Shepherd in the Atrium so ask them to make silence and walk with their Atrium feet. You may be surprised as how well they will do. At Mass, sit up front where they can see and talk about the parts of the Mass. Encourage them to sing and remember to be patient!
Large motor – Outdoor play helps to strengthen and develop large muscles by running, climbing, skipping, bike riding, playing catch, etc.
Fine motor – Rainy day activities are good for fine motor skills. Encourage your child to cut, paste, string beads; play with play dough, use pencils, crayons, sidewalk chalk, etc. Practicing name writing and printing numbers and letter can help them remember these skills over the summer. Fill a tray with salt or shaving cream and let your child draw. This makes it a lot more fun!
Reading readiness – Share books together and read, read, read to your child. Practice letter sounds. Perhaps you could write simple stories or put your child’s thoughts into sentences. Play rhyming games. Identify opposites and position words (under, around, etc.).
Math – Sort, measure and classify objects using household items. Count everything! Name shapes and talk about different sizes.
By making these activities into a game, your child can still have fun while learning. Whatever you do over the summer will help to reinforce the skills your child will need for school.
Enjoy your summer!
Blessings to you and yours,
Mrs. Cindy McLaughlin
The most important thing to do this summer is to enjoy it! Childhood is such a special time, and unfortunately it is very short. Children need to experience and enjoy their childhood. Summer is the perfect time to do this. Allow your child to play and play and play some more. Play is the work of children. Do things with your child and as a family. This is the time when you are building your family memories.
Summer is a great time to turn off the TV. Here are some other suggestions that may help your child use the summer to continue his or her learning while having fun with you:
Religion – take time to talk to your child about God. Summer is full of God’s gifts in nature. Explore these; talk about them and praise and thank God for these blessings. Pray with your child. Talk about the bible stories you know or read new ones to them.
Go to Mass as a family. This can be difficult for young ones; however all of the children have had experience with the Good Shepherd in the Atrium so ask them to make silence and walk with their Atrium feet. You may be surprised as how well they will do. At Mass, sit up front where they can see and talk about the parts of the Mass. Encourage them to sing and remember to be patient!
Large motor – Outdoor play helps to strengthen and develop large muscles by running, climbing, skipping, bike riding, playing catch, etc.
Fine motor – Rainy day activities are good for fine motor skills. Encourage your child to cut, paste, string beads; play with play dough, use pencils, crayons, sidewalk chalk, etc. Practicing name writing and printing numbers and letter can help them remember these skills over the summer. Fill a tray with salt or shaving cream and let your child draw. This makes it a lot more fun!
Reading readiness – Share books together and read, read, read to your child. Practice letter sounds. Perhaps you could write simple stories or put your child’s thoughts into sentences. Play rhyming games. Identify opposites and position words (under, around, etc.).
Math – Sort, measure and classify objects using household items. Count everything! Name shapes and talk about different sizes.
By making these activities into a game, your child can still have fun while learning. Whatever you do over the summer will help to reinforce the skills your child will need for school.
Enjoy your summer!
Blessings to you and yours,
Mrs. Cindy McLaughlin