Eyes on Early Years Volume 17 | Page 21

Summer fun! By Ailsa Gordon Here are some fun themed ‘days of the week’ ideas to help you keep your summer camp children busy and engaged this summer. Super Sunday – It’s the beginning of the week, possibly the first day of summer camp, and your challenge is to ensure your children have a fantastic first day which is super fun, super exciting and super special! Try having a super hero theme where the children can design and make their own super hero capes and masks from recycled materials. These can be decorated and used during role play where the children be their very own unique super hero. Make it Monday – Today should be filled with practical activities where the children can use their hands, developing their fine motor skills to make and create things. The children could be involved in baking or cooking activities, using play dough, construction and modelling activities as well as making a cool, cosy den to relax in while enjoying a book or quiet activity. Try it Tuesday – Today is all about having a go and trying something new. You can create a challenging obstacle course for your children to complete, at the end they could receive a celebratory medal or certificate. You could spend some time with children, one on one or in small groups, trying to master new skills to enhance independence such as putting on shoes, tidying up, using scissors or tasting a new food at snack time. Water Wednesday – Wednesday is all about water play. If you have a shaded outdoor area you could have some outdoor splash time. If it is too hot or space is limited the children could explore water indoors. Remember to keep the session fun, exciting and imaginative. Add different water play resources such as watering cans, pipes and tubes, nets and colanders. Recycled bottles, cups and containers can be used to scoop and pour water. Thoughtful Thursday – We are always working to develop good manners and kind and thoughtful behaviour towards one another. Today the children can talk about what they are thankful for, who they love and who they like to play with. The children could help a friend or make something special for a loved one, this could be a card, a picture or a sweet treat. Happy days = Happy summer!