Keeping Cool in the Summer Heat`
When the summer sun is blazing and the temps rise, parents and caregivers need a battle plan to manage their preschoolers playful, plentiful energy. Summer play doesn’t have to be a break from learning and developing, either! Below are some kid-approved ways to beat the heat while also nurturing their early childhood education.
Want to know our summer plans here at Clover Hill Children’s Center? Call today and schedule a tour to find out how we beat the heat!
1. Water Play is Brain Play
Splish-splashing around is a fun, cooling activity, of course, but it can also be an engaging avenue for learning experiences. Sensory based activities such as splash pads, water tables, sprinklers, or even tubs of water are all excellent examples! According the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), water play supports problem solving, vocabulary development, and even early math concepts like volume and measurement!
Cool Tip: Freeze smaller toys, like mini dinosaurs or ponies, in ice and challenge your preschooler to excavate them using droppers, spoons, toy hammers or their hands—it’s a toddler-size archaeological dig!
Sensory play is a huge part of our educational format here at Clover Hill! Schedule a tour and check out our lesson plans to see what we have planned!
2. Chill Snacks = Cool Kids
Frozen snacks are a hallmark of the warmer months–can you actually say you’ve had a real summer if you haven’t been sticky from popsicles, watermelon, or an ice cream cone at least once? Cool snacks or snacks with a high water content such as watermelon can actually help hydrate and cool your body down while out in the summer sun. There are plenty of ideas besides ice cream, too: frozen fruit, popsicles made from fruit juice or yogurt, watermelon, cucumbers, and lemonade are all great examples of cool-down snacks. Michigan State University Extension explains that “eating and drinking cold foods cools the temperature of your stomach, bringing you some relief from the heat.”
Cool Tip: Get your kiddo involved! Work together to blend bananas and freeze them into “ice cream” or let your little one help mix some ice cold lemonade for you or their class!
Snacks are a must for preschool-aged children, as all parents and caregivers know. Schedule a tour here at Clover Hill Children’s Center and check out what we have on the menu!
3. Stay Shady Outdoors
Outdoor play is essential–no matter the weather. PBS Kids highlights the importance of unstructured outdoor play, which supports creativity, stress reduction, and problem-solving skills. That being said, a shady tree can be your best friend. Tents, umbrellas, or the natural shade of trees can come in clutch on a blazing summer day. Bring out sensory bins, books, or toys to add to your shady spot!
Cool Tip: Try painting with water (or chalk!) on fences or sidewalks. The water dries fast and chalk washes easily, so kids can do it over and over again!
Dynamic play can be a saving grace when outside with preschoolers. Changing things up with different variations of activities and games can make all the difference. Schedule a tour at Clover Hill to check out our outdoor play areas and to ask our early childhood educators how they keep outside time fresh during these hot summer months.
4. Cool Minds with Cool Activities
Early childhood education doesn’t take a summer break! But you can take a break from the rays of the sun by planning a calm and educational STEM activity inside where the AC can keep you cool! Looking for some inspiration? Check out these ideas here: Summer STEM with Littles — Great for daycare, childcare, at home, or in any early-childhood scenario!
Cool Tip: Plan a cool experiment after a bit of romping around outside. Little learners will be ready for a nice cool break–perfect timing for a little project!
Our students are always busy here at Clover Hill Children’s Center–playground time, independent play, and structured lessons are all learning opportunities we love to take advantage of. Even nap time is a time of reset, rest, and retention as little brains relax and store the information they’ve been taught. Call today to check us out and see learning in action!
5. Prioritize Hydration & Safety
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children drink water regularly during physical activity, especially in hot weather, and emphasizes protective clothing and breaks in the shade. It’s easy to get dehydrated–even when not running around outside. Parents and daycare staff alike should monitor their children’s sun exposure –ushering everyone to the shade periodically and staying hydrated in order to beat the heat. Or in this case, in order to beat heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Cool Tip: Make hydration fun with lemonade, fun straws, races to take the first sip or even by hydrating through fruit like watermelon! As an added bonus, coconut water is an excellent source of hydration and can easily be added to lemonade, homemade popsicles, or even enjoyed on it’s own!
We are very intentional with the safety of our students here at Clover Hill Children’s Center. We will make sure sunscreen is applied and children are drinking water while out having some sun-fun.
Sunny Thoughts to Finish On
Summer fun doesn’t have to mean melted granola bars and cranky preschoolers. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or childcare provider, these super-cool strategies keep learning flowing while the whole crew stays safe, stimulated, and smiling. Early childhood education doesn’t need to halt for the summer—it just might get a whole lot splashier! Grab a sun hat, some sun screen, and your swimsuit and let Summer-fun be your child’s classroom!
Here at Clover Hill we welcome Summer with open arms! We are ready to play and make the most of the warm months with water play, popsicles, and some unstructured outside time! Call today to chat about our summer plans and how we can be a part of yours!