Category — Summer

A fun way to preserve special summer memories is by using a tin lunch box. You can find them at craft stores and they come in various shapes and sizes.

Use permanent markers and stickers to decorate the outside then use a clip magnet on the inside cover to hold all the photos. You can make a booklet with your photos or just stack them together and secure with the magnet clip. Put souvenirs, postcards or other memorabilia inside.

You can also use a tin box you already have and paint it.

I came across an activity that Kimberlee Woodward, a teacher in Michigan, used in her classroom that I thought would be fun for a family reunion or a family gathering. Each person has 3-5 different-colored paper strips on which they write a different talent. They create a mini paper chain by linking their talent strips together. Now, get the whole group together and taking turns, each person reads their talents. Link the individual chains together using extra strips of paper. Now you have one long chain. Talk about what the chain demonstrates. For example: All our family members have talents. If we help and support each other we can accomplish more. We’re a stronger family when each individual is willing to share their talents.

Print out an ice cream cone pattern for each family member. Each person cuts out the single scoop ice cream cone and writes their name as shown in the picture. Put the cones on the refridgertor or a bulletin board so everyone can see them. Cut out the remaining scoops and put them in a place that is accessible to all members of the family. When a member of the family catches someone doing a good deed, write the deed on an ice cream scoop and attach it to their cone. Watch the ice cream cone get taller and taller as good deeds are being done.
Download Ice Cream Cone

Kate, Kimball & Megan painting their pots. Kate must have thought the paint was a treat because she wanted to lick the brush.

Megan & Logan planting their flowers.

Grandma Liz with her sweetie pies and their creations.

Download Lady Bug Pattern
This is a fun way for kids to practice math facts. Print out copies of the lady bugs for each math problem you want to create. Cut out the main body and the wings. Attach with a brad where indicated with a circle. On the wings write a math problem such as 5 x 7 or 12 + 3. Write the answer on the body. When the wings are together your child solves the problem. To check to see if the answer is correct, separate the wings.

Now that summer is upon us, people want to be outdoors. You can share the outdoors with your children in many ways. Hiking is great because it gives you a chance to talk, explore the world of nature and get physical exercise. Planting a garden can be combined with learning math by estimating and measuring the garden area, how far apart to plant the seeds and measuring the amount of water needed. Visit the beach and gather shells and small rocks to make a collage. Use your imagination to find fun, no cost activities to share with your children in the great outdoors.

This is a fun and easy way to play catch with kids. It’s especially great for younger children who may have difficulty catching with their hands. You can even play inside the house.
Materials:
1 gallon milk carton with handle (empty, of course)
Ball or bean bag
Directions:
1. Cut out a section of the milk carton large enough to catch a ball or bean bag. Be sure to leave the handle intact so you can hold the catcher.
2. Take turns tossing the ball and trying to catch it in the milk carton catcher.

The Saturday after school is out, for me and my grandkids, we have a “School’s Out Party”. Everyone comes for dinner and I use all the extra napkins and other items left from special occasions throughout the year. Nothing matches but that’s the fun. We even have party hats. The highlight is when I give each child a bag filled with activities and projects for the summer. This doesn’t have to be expensive. I collect items over the course of the year that I find on sale. Some items I make myself. It’s always a fun event.