Naturally Educational » Summer
Backyard Science – #SmartSummer Challenge Week 3
It is Backyard Science week here for the Smart Summer Challenge*. I have been so excited for Week 3 of the Smart Summer Challenge! Science and art are just such natural parts of a young child’s play that it is just so easy to point out these opportunities for learning…right in our own backyard! I could have filled the entire summer with experiments, crafts and art projects, book lists, games, and more for this theme. Here … Read entire article »
Filed under: Ecology, Science, Smart Summer Challenge, Spring, Summer
5 Picture Books About Summer
Summer Beat, by Betsy Franco, explores the rhythms of summer in onomatopoeic verse. The kids really related to the breezy feeling of summer freedom. The sound words are fun for my beginning reader and my son loves the fireworks display at the end! Summer Is Summer, by Phillis and David Gershator, follows a group of multicultural friends as they enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and sensations of summer. The simple, spare text paired with … Read entire article »
Filed under: 0-3 (Babies and Toddlers), 1-2 (Toddlers), 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergartners), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), Featured, Science, Summer, Weather
Let the Sun Shine In!
The solstice was yesterday but traditionally Midsummer was celebrated on June 24 and we’re spending the whole week welcoming the summer. We made a hand print sun for our window. I have this great paper that is thicker than tissue paper but more translucent than construction paper. We love it because it is thin enough to glow in our windows but sturdy enough to survive toddler and preschooler handling. This is a simple way to welcome the … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergarten), Featured, Science, Summer, Weather
Weaving the Sun
Today is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. We have the most hours of sunlight and the fewest of darkness. Today marks the first day of summer for the Western calendar. For ancient people, this was midsummer (as in A Midsummer Night’s Dream) and St. John’s Day and was celebrated on June 24th. Summer began on May Day. Today we welcome the sun as our hemisphere tilts … Read entire article »
Filed under: 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), Featured, History and Culture, Home Arts, Science, Summer, Visual-Spacial, Weather
Happy Father’s Day
We made these fun Father’s Day photo cards with the kids spelling out “Daddy” and “Papa”. We got the idea from the very awesome Amy of Crunchy Domestic Goddess! The kids even learn how to spell “Daddy” and “Papa”! And if you make this card every year, it will be a fun way to see the children growing and developing. For more great Father’s Day DIY gift ideas from bloggers, including a few you could whip up … Read entire article »
Filed under: Featured, History and Culture, Interpersonal, Spring, Summer
Jellyfish Craft
We’re on the shore of the Long Island Sound so we frequent the beach and the local aquarium and draw a lot of inspiration for our learning from the sea. When I noticed a cool school craft my friend did with her friend, I asked her to guest post while I am on “maternity leave”. Jellyfish are such lovely and ethereal creatures–even though you don’t want to bump into them at the beach! Here is … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergartners), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), Ecology, Featured, Guest Post, Science, Summer
We Teach Summer Craft and Activity eBook
As if it isn’t enough that Amy Mascott runs a very informative and fascinating education blog, Teach Mama and founded a vibrant community for educators and parents, We Teach….now she has collated a ton of great summer crafts and activities into an eBook. It is a privilege to have been included in this great book! The best part? It is free! All you have to do is join We Teach (also free!) and you will … Read entire article »
Filed under: Educational Blogs, Featured, Summer
Father’s Day Craft Gifts
Here are some of our crafts that make fun presents for dad or grandpa! Mosaic Coasters Photo Pencil Holders No-Sew Sachet (Guest Post from Jamie of Red Ted Art ) … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), Featured, Summer
No-Sew Lavender Sachet (Guest Post)
While I am on a brief “maternity leave”, I am welcoming some of my favorite activity, craft, and education bloggers to share a post on Naturally Educational. Today, Maggie of Red Ted Art shares how to make “no-sew” lavender bags. Personally, lavender is one of my favorites for both its scent and colors. Every summer we enjoy the lavender labyrinth at Garden of Eve and bring fresh lavender into our home! Hello! I am Maggy and … Read entire article »
Filed under: 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), Featured, Home Arts, Smell, Summer
Growing Bean Plants
It is that time of year when kids grow like weeds and everything is verdant, sprouting and budding. We’ve been studying the water cycle and now we are learning about the plants the grow after the early spring showers. Question: How do seeds become plants? My daughter hypothesized that they need light and water and that the roots would come out first. Materials: seeds (we planted beans since they sprout so quickly) glass jar (so you can observe the growth) potting soil … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergartners), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 9-11 (Elementary), Ecology, Featured, Science, Spring, Summer
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About the Author
Candace Lindemann is a published children’s writer and educational consultant. She holds a B.A. from Yale University and an M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Working with school districts around the country and some of the most well-known companies in the education industry, Candace creates custom strategies, textbooks, and lesson plans. Her articles have appeared in print and online.
While Candace’s degrees prepared her for a career in education, she’s found that the best preparation for parenting is on the job training.
Contact Candace via e-mail, read her full biography, or connect with her using the social media icons below or on Google.
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