[Childcare] August activities: sensory play to enjoy summer, crafts, songs, and hand play (fingerplay), etc.
August is so hot that it’s hard to play outside.
But there are plenty of games you can enjoy indoors! In addition to water play—synonymous with summer—why not try activities that get everyone excited? There are games that let you enjoy cool, refreshing textures, as well as hand games and dances inspired by summer traditions.
Activities that capture the atmosphere of summer festivals or test-of-courage events are also recommended.
There are so many games kids can enjoy, so try a variety and make fun summer memories!
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[Childcare] August Activities: Sensory play to enjoy summer, crafts, songs, and finger plays (1–10)
Making sea creatures
Let’s make some sea creatures that can also be used for summer wall displays.
First, draw sea creatures on white drawing paper.
Make them fairly large; since these lines will be the outlines, you can use crayons that resist paint.
Once the drawing is done, use water-based color pens to draw random patterns on aluminum foil.
Place the foil on top of your sketch paper and rub; the pen colors will transfer onto the drawing, creating beautiful hues.
When it’s finished, cut around the outside of the picture.
The slightly blurred colors make for a very pretty and fun artwork.
Fireworks crafting activity
When you think of summer, many people probably think of fireworks.
How about drawing a picture of fireworks? We’re going to try a unique way of using paints.
First, prepare some paints, brushes, black construction paper, and a cup of water.
Using a brush dipped in water, drop paint onto the black paper so it looks like fireworks.
Once you’ve placed a good amount, blow through a straw to spread the paint.
If you blow in different directions, it will look like the fireworks are bursting outward.
The colors blend together beautifully.
Give it a try!
Crispy Slime Pretzel
Just like candy! Here are some ideas for crispy slime pretzels.
They’re super cute to look at, too! We’ll show you ideas for making crispy slime.
When you think of slime, many people probably imagine a soft texture that stretches out.
This time, let’s transform slime into a crispy form and have fun with it.
What you’ll need: molds, a melamine sponge, candle wax, parchment paper, and toothpicks.
Be sure to work together with a parent or teacher when making this.
The finished crispy slime looks just like candy, but please play with it without putting it in your mouth.
[Childcare] August Activities: Sensory play to enjoy summer, crafts, songs, and hand games (11–20)
Ice Paint
Let’s enjoy a cool activity: Ice Painting.
Simply put, you draw on ice using paint.
We usually draw on paper or cardstock, so this offers a fresh and fun sensation.
Make a large block of ice and treat it like a canvas.
From there, add colors with your favorite paints.
Watch how the melting ice blends the colors and how the colored water flows.
If you rinse the ice with water, the paint washes off cleanly, so you can enjoy drawing on it again and again.
Beat the summer heat! 3 fun ice play ideas
Here are three ice play ideas.
First, freeze some watered-down paint and use it to draw pictures.
Second, freeze marbles inside ice and try to get the marbles out.
Third, melt a large block of ice mixed with paint.
They’re all simple, so please give them a try.
Drawing with ice feels different from usual and is a lot of fun.
For the marbles, try melting the ice by pouring water on it or rubbing it with your hands to add warmth.
For the last activity, make blocks in various colors so you can also enjoy playing with colored water.
Summer festival pretend play
I think many teachers are planning pretend summer festivals in July.
There are so many fun booths: a beanbag toss shop, a mask shop, a doll scooping game, and an agar play shop where kids can enjoy sensory play.
Children take turns as shopkeepers, and they can collect stamps as they visit each booth—guaranteed to get them excited by the special festival atmosphere.
It’s also a great chance to learn social skills through the shopkeeper experience.
Finish off with shaved ice to really soak up the festival mood! Adding a French fries stand or yo-yo fishing is also recommended.
Bubble play
Foam play is perfect for a July event.
Prepare a pool or a large basin so the children can have a blast.
Once you make the foam, use a whisk or a stick with rounded ends to mix it.
The mixing process is so fun that both adults and children will be totally absorbed! It’s also recommended to add color to the foam to make “juice,” pour it into plastic bottles, and turn it into a pretend juice shop.
Please be careful to prevent accidental ingestion, such as putting foam in the mouth, and enjoy playing safely!