Summer Break Activity and Snack Cart
Summer is here along with mixed emotions. One part excited to not have to worry about homework and backpacks. Mixed with one part worried about the lack of routine and eventually running into a wall while playing camp director. Each summer I have every intention to lean into the season, accept the chaos, and dream of staying on task with summer reading. However, it seems these ideas slip through my fingers just like sand on the beach.
This year I am trying something new. My daughter is 8 years old, and ready for some degree of independence. While I am planning on spending lots of time with her, I recognize we are both going to need a break. Also, work emails still happen and so do the needs of the house. So this year I am implementing the Summer Cart.
This cart consists of answers to two major complaints we as parents hear during the long summer days. Those are, “I am bored” and “I am hungry.” This 3 level cart will hopefully help kids make their own choices and jumpstart some creativity. Along with giving me 20 straight minutes to complete a task uninterrupted. Let me outline it below!
First level: “I’m Hungry”
This is where I am putting snacks out that are easy for her to grab. There is a limit just like at school. You can snack in-between 10 and 11:30am. Why? Because she will then just eat snack after snack, never eating real meals. I mean wouldn’t we all?
Some of our favorites are listed below. You could also try:
Fruit Snack Trail Mix from At the Kitchen Sink (also a great activity to do together !)
Second level: “I’m Bored”
Most of the time boredom is the product of kids just not knowing what to do. They have tons of toys and crafts, but the decision itself is overwhelming. Or how many times do you forget about the small boxes of legos or random crafts you received as gifts that find themselves stuffed in the back of the closet. Or maybe you have a drawer full of forgotten play-doh tools. All of these things if put out front and center become “new” toys.
Have you ever cleaned up the playroom and found that the kids are now motivated to play? Sometimes its simply that they can’t sift through the mess. Even for us adults, I am guilty of forgetting what we actually have on hand to be creative with.
Also, keep in mind, make sure these are things that they can handle themselves for the most part. If you are using it for independent craft time, you want to make sure it is age or level appropriate.
Take it a step further by writing ideas on note cards or popsicle sticks to help prompt them.
Below are some of my favorite craft sets that I am putting out for Siena this summer.
Third level: “I’m Motivated”
In the mood to earn a reward or tackle some school work? True, she has to at least read 20 minutes and day along with finishing a spelling or journal entry. Beyond that if she wants to earn some extra points or is feeling studios she has plenty of things to choose from.
I love the Brainquest or Tinkeractive workbooks listed below. What is so cool about Tinkeractive workbooks is they include projects to do not just worksheets.
Another choice I add to the mix is Bible verse memorization. This also helps prompt discussion when she comes to me with a verse she has memorized. Anything that helps you have conversations with your littles is an added bonus!
Memory Verse Download- Link to printable verses