Our children are sponges and they learn from what they see within and beyond their home. Summer is a unique and fun time to expose our children to new ways of thinking, exploring and playing. Typically, when the school year kicks we are nonstop until a holiday, school break or until summer rolls around once more. As a school social worker, I try to think outside the box on new ways and approaches to learning, playing and summer fun for children.

Below are some activities that I’ve seen ignite new ways of thinking and doing in our youngins:

1. Bring back the board games! Sometimes summer weather can be awfully unpredictable. So whether it rains or the heat becomes just too much… Instead of flicking on a movie or show, break out the basics!

Here are some links to the games I have in my school office for counseling:

1. UNO
2. Card Game Pack
3. Candy Land
4. Chutes and Ladders
5. Connect4

Board games offer a unique opportunity for children to learn the following:

• Flexibility: We can’t always win, and sometimes we may lose more than we hoped or practiced. Our children have to be prepared for time they lose or at times they feel the game is unfair or all their friends or peers are “ahead of them” or winning.
• Honesty: At times it can be a bit tempting to cheat on a board game, and some children will try. That is trial and error. If that occurs, it gives us an opportunity to discuss sportsmanship and honesty with our children.
• Strategy: Some games require more thinking more than just clicks and spins. This gives our children a few moments to stop, to think, to review, to analyze and strategize. We may be quick to step in and help or support our children but we recommend letting them sit in that discomfort of not knowing their next move. This can ignite creative ways and approaches to the game and adds an opportunity for a child to ask for guidance on their own.

2. Chalk Time! Chalk opens the door to quality time together, creativity and silliness. There are endless opportunities to do it with just one piece of chalk. Here are some activities:

• Draw long squiggly and swirly lines over the driveway and practice balancing and walking along those lines. This gives your child the opportunity to practice their balance, patience and focus. To add some fun to it, set a time and see who can go through it fast and carefully.
• Good ole’ Hopscotch! This provides the opportunity to create the hopscotch board together. Your child will have the opportunity to practice their drawing skills, counting and teamwork. Lead by example and draw the first box, then work together to draw the whole board. Once it is completed try going through the board traditionally (1 foot, two feet) or give your balance a shot and try and go through the board hopping on one foot only! Welcome all the laughs and provide support when necessary!

3. Mindfulness Outside! Whether you are on a walk in town, on a car ride, in a grocery store or in the backyard… Try this! Ask your child to find 5 things that are white (or any color), 5 things that start with the letter B (or any letter), 5 things that are soft, 5 things that they would eat for lunch, etc. This gives your child the opportunity to think and strategize!

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