Today marks my first official day out for the summer. I generally have this rule where the first day out is declared “stay in your PJ’s day”. That didn’t happen today and I am completely ok with it. Because the weather is so beautiful I decided that today would be a perfect day to take care of the weeds in the garden. The boys, of course, were outside with me the entire time. They are such great helpers and tend to ask tons of questions. I believe in teachable moments and I also believe in hands on learning. Today was a great example of that and inspired me to share with you all the top 5 ways we keep our kids exploring science throughout the summer.
1. Start a Garden. You may not have all of the space in the world, and you may even be thinking that it is too late to start a garden. I am here to tell you that it is not too late and you DO have space. Even if you are in an apartment you could create a small container garden using an empty plastic storage container. Because we are so far into the summer you will need to purchase plants that are all ready started. A garden opens up the doors for so much discussion and hands on learning about science. Davis was asking me about the worms in our garden this morning. I was able to explain to him their importance as well as how the plants grow. I call that a two for one!
2. Catch Lightning Bugs (Fireflies). Even if you are not close enough to an open space, try to find a park or field one night for this. I promise you that not only your kids will have a blast, but you will have a blast! This is our nightly ritual. The boys stay out catching and releasing until I an barely see their faces. This is something I remember doing when I was little. Again, the door for discussion will be opened on how these little fellas light up. Graham explained to his brother what bioluminescence meant (I had to google it).
3. Pick Strawberries. Depending upon where you are from, now until August is the best time for picking strawberries. Gather a basket and head to a farm. Not only does this open the door to talk about where our food comes from, but the kids get to see the hard work that goes into it. Come prepared with your facts on how long it takes a strawberry to grow, how many seeds and maybe even how long it takes a strawberry to decay (I have boys… they think about those things).
4. Find or Create Cool Bug Books. Some of our favorite books feature diagrams of what each bug looks like from the inside out. Graham is a total facts guy and really gets into these. They also list some important ways these bugs operate. Check out the Bouncing Bugs books. If you are feeling particularly crafty why not make your own bug book? Have your kids go on an adventure outside to find cool insects. Once they are done they can draw and diagram them.
5. The Magic School Bus on Netflix. I can remember reading these books, but the shows must have come out a bit later. The boys have found these and absolutely love them. I just pull up Netflix Kids and there is Ms. Frizzel. They would probably watch an entire season in one sitting if I let them. The Magic School Bus teaches kids everything from technology, to animals and insects to the human body.
What are your ideas for keeping your kids minds engaged and focused on science and the world around them?
My boys would be happy to get a jar and collect bugs all summer long. Ew.
My son is currently scared of bugs. 🙂 I did, however, include him in the garden planting process, and it’s been fun to show him what is growing. He is obsessed with the blueberry bushes at my mom’s house, so I can’t wait until they are ripe and we can pick them!
Great ideas for the summertime. I wish there was a spot near me to pick strawberries.
Those are great tips for summertime. I hope to do them with my boys.
WE actually were outside last night catching fireflies! The best part was the competition between my husband and I to catch the most!
Fantastic ideas. We used to catch fireflies. So fun
So many of these say summer to me. I was bummed to find out that our local strawberry farm isn’t allowing picking this year because the county changed some stupid rules!
I love these ideas! I always loved making a garden, having a part in letting the plants grow. It’s a fun thing to do as a kid!
I love these ideas. I have always wanted to pick strawberries!
I would love to pick strawberries its on my bucklet list seriously!
These are such great ideas! I’m going to o them all with my son!
I love seeing all your outdoor exploring time in pictures, and it makes me wish it wasn’t so hot here! My boys love Magic Schoolbus, Wild Kratts, and Beakman’s World on Netflix, which are all science themes.
We do a lot of this already, as a family. I tend to naturally be that “have fun while learning” type of mom it seems. I love lightening bugs, we also planted our first garden this year and we also planted our first strawberry plants 🙂 The home we bought a year ago, has two blueberry bushes too!
These are great ways to keep kids exploring science this summer. We planted nonGMO popcorn, so we’re watching it grow. I love the strawberry idea, as well as the bug books. We’re doing magic schoolbus for curriculum next school year, so I have to hold off on that.
I remember the Magic Garden! And gardening is a great way to develop an interest in science.
we are growing mint, basil, tomatoes, oregano and cilantro in our garden. I have a lot more patience for a container garden.
Starting a garden sounds like an awesome idea! We are moving next week to a house with a yard….cant wait to plant things!
My oldest son loves bugs,creepy crawlies anything like that so he would be collecting things for hours,As long as he keeps them outside i am happy lol.
These are great tips! I think starting a garden would be great!
Oohhh, a bug book! That’s my favorite. My son would love that one. Very cool idea.
My son loves the Magic School Bus! We enjoy doing science experiments at home
My daughter has been all about catching bugs in a jar. I tell her we work under the catch observe and release policy.
These are some great ideas for this summer! I love keeping the kid’s learning!
Ok, I didn’t know the Magic School Bus is on Netflix! You’ve got me excited!
Catching lightning bugs is something every child should do at least once! So fun! My kids adored the Magic School Bus series. How awesome that it’s on Netflix!
We’ve been watching the Magic School Bus here lately. I love that my son loves something I used to!
I really want to go fruit picking. I think it would be an awesome activity for everyone!
we missed strawberry picking. it literally rained and thunder stormed everyday last week when our farmed opened up.
My daughters love Sid & The Magic School Bus! Both are great shows and I love that my daughters learn!
My kiddies love the Magic School Bus. I love watching it too because it brings back childhood memories.
We are going berry picking soon. Our strawberries are already gone, but there are blueberries and blackberries now. My oldest is going to a camp next week that’s all about science and engineering.
That is a fun way to spend a summer day. A garden would be great to do.
We do at least three of the things on this list. My kids also like going to places like the museum, which keeps the learning going as well.
I really want to try my hand at gardening one year. My husband tried one a couple years back but he works a lot of hours and couldn’t devote the time to it necessary.
I’ve seen a bunch of those Garden for Kids kits at Walmart lately and have thought about getting one for my niece. My niece and nephew both love the Magic School Bus but I didn’t know it was on Netflix, I’ll have to tell my sister-in-law.
I love doing everything on that list. Gardening is awesome with kids, catching fireflies brings back good memories.