Our groove is sort of off this summer. It is our first summer after a full year of preschool and our nice little school year rhythm just feels interrupted. Add to that the fact that my baby still naps two times a day, and that means we are home a lot. Lately my 4 year old has needed a lot more supervision on ideas to keep her busy. I am having to get creative myself. If ANYONE has any other easy activities, please comment! I need help!
I found myself creating an impromptu art project the other day. I thought I might as well make it into a blog in case anyone else is bored going crazy I mean looking for a fun easy summer activity!
The pull stuff out of your cabinets and make it into an art project collage!
Supplies needed:
1. Paper
2. Magazines or in our case a Bed Bath N Beyond mailer (which incidentally has a lot of good collage items! Who knew?)
3. Scissors
4. White glue
5. Paintbrush (optional)
6. Food coloring (optional)
My daughter asked me to make the glue a color. I guess they have colored glue at school. So we ended up making different glue color combos using the food coloring which served absolutely no purpose other than being entertaining! And she had fun using a paintbrush to brush on the colored glue to stick on the pictures.
The whole project entertained her for awhile & I got a kick out of cutting out random pictures and seeing them glued on a piece of construction paper. Oh, the things that entertain me now…wow.
{I was just going to use one of these pics for my Wordless Wednesday but now that I am done writing it, I realize my Wordless Wednesday has a lot of words! For more Wordless Wednesday pictures head on over to Angry Julie Monday.}
FUN! I have a few EASY ideas that my 4 and 2 year old love when my 10 month old takes her morning nap … watering the plants outside with a squirt bottle (buy the large $1 refillable plastic squirt bottles at Home Depot – they can be entertained for a LONG time squirting those things – the plants, grass, etc.). Fill large buckets with water and use large paint brushes (inexpensive ones from Home Depot) and let them “paint” the driveway, house, porch, etc. Hope those help. Cheap and a way to stay cool now that summer is here!
I LOVE THESE IDEAS!!! Thank you!!!!!
For inside crafts I usually consult NoTimeForFlashCards.com – for outside ideas check GreenHour.org or familyfun.go.com/playtime/
Funnels are also fun with water. Your daughter would probably love building a “mouse house” or “fairy house” out of things she might find in your yard. Give her a stack of towels for forts outside. Let her help you wash the car? Mini-cooking lessons? There are all sorts of no-cook recipes out there. Play-doh (I lay down an old vinyl tablecloth on the ground outside for easy cleanup).
Michele – you are amazing – always full of the best ideas on activities for kids!
We love crafts!!! FUN! : ) Adding to my bookmarks!
Awww! I am a kindergarten teacher and have had many similar situations. The truth is the kids are usually just fine while they are there. I am sure the teacher would tell you if there was a real issue. I would suggest planning a play date with one of the other kids in the class to help facilitate a new friendship! Good luck! My little guy is only 13 months but I know it is going to be tough when I have to send him to school, it is so different as a Mommy!