Summer BORED Acronym- Read a book.

I love this BORED acronym. I will be addressing each of these items, over the next few days... sorry, not in order though. Today- R- read a book!

We love books at our home. I taught preschool and so was fortunate enough to have a lot of books donated to me as well as purchased a lot of books along the way, so my girls have a nice library full of classics and fun, random books. They have a book shelf full of books as well as both of them have a basket of books in their rooms and we have a basket of books in our front room as well. We visit the library frequently and love checking out new books. Books can get expensive, so join your local library and check them out. Also, check with your library, but I know mine does a book sale every year where they sell old library books to make room for some new ones. We have got a lot of nice books for .25- $1.00 that way. Also, check yard sales!

I have a toddler and a preschooler at home. We read books daily before naps and before bedtime. It is part of our routine that both girls enjoy. My 3 year old is loving reading Disney Princess books right now and my 16 month old loves any book with animals, especially doggies. Do you have a reading routine? What are some of your children's favorites? I will have to share some our favorites, but will save that for another post.

I have several friends with elementary school age children, who find summer kind of difficult having their children home all day and trying to entertain them.  Reading should be part of their every day. If they are bored have them refer to the BORED acronym. Here are some links to reading logs, reading programs to check out. Make reading time part of their every day and make it fun!

Check with your local library for a summer reading program as well. My 3 year old is so excited to complete her reading chart so she can bring it back to the library for a free book and a ticket to a local museum. Book stores also have story times that can be fun during the summer. I know our local Barns and Noble has a cute pajama time story night, which we will be attending as well as a 5 Little Monkeys Storytime/craft.

For daily reading at home take a look at some of the links for some ideas to make reading something they look forward to and enjoy.

For older kids that can write or even children that can draw, create a reading journal to write book reviews. Follow this link to find the "READ" letters to download as well as a reading and a downloadable rating system.

Reading chart for little ones. Follow the link for free download.  Includes June, July and August. 

Check out these fun photo bookmarks. 

NoTimeForFlashcards.com (check out the link) has 25 great books ideas with family outings. I know we will be checking out and doing some of these activities this summer.

Summer Reading Bucket List

Check out Barns and Noble's Summer Reading Program. Your children can earn a free book. 

Pottery Barn Kids also has a weekly story time as well as a summer reading program where they can earn a free book. If you have one near you, check it out! Follow the link to find a store near you for events as well as the summer reading challenge book list.

For the extra ambitious, could you make me one of these too?! Click here for a tutorial for a fun reading teepee. Now, who wouldn't want to relax and read in a teepee?

Beyond Toddlers: Summer Fun Ideas for the Older Ones

I would have loved this activity as a kid! 

Button Frames- Would be fun for them to decorate frame and put a fun summer memory photo inside it.

How cute are these Origami Bookmarks?

A lemonade stand is a must!  Follow this link for a tutorial on how to make this easy stand. 

Making friendship bracelets was one of my favorite activities growing up and some of my fondest memories. Check out this easy tutorial for a classic.

Toddler Summer Fun Ideas

Fruit kabobs- Cut up your child's favorite fruits and have them put them on toothpicks or even wooden kabob skewers, for mini fruit kabobs. Grapes, orange pieces, kiwi, watermelon, cantaloupe... children always seem to eat the food they contribute to better! Such a yummy, fresh snack! 

Have a "Car Wash". What kid doesn't love to play in water? Bubbles are always an added bonus!

Painting with water- such a simple activity that is sure to keep your little one busy and cool

Ice Chalk | half cornstarch, half water, plenty of food coloring, pour it into ice cube trays, and freeze

Sun Catchers- Supplies: tissue paper, contact paper, scissors, hold punch and string.

Have children cut or tear tissue paper and stick to contact paper, cut out a shape, hold punch and hang in a window and watch the sun shine through it! 

Oatmeal Play

Oatmeal play. We started out with three bowls- one with water, one with dry baby oatmeal and one with already made oatmeal. We ended up adding spoons and measuring cups. My 9 month old loved eating it. She was hesitant at first to even touch it but she warmed up quick and had fun exploring. My 2 year old also loved it. She had fun mixing and mushing. She thought it was the best thing ever. Ideally this would be the best outside so you could just hose the mess down along with your kids, but since it is too chilly here we put a large towel down to help with the mess so we could just throw it right in the washing machine. The kids went straight into the bath. It was messy, but it was so much fun!

Playdough Spaghetti Os

I saw a picture of this activity on pinterest with no link, but thought it would be a great fine motor activity for my two year old. Playdough, cherrios and uncooked spaghetti. So simple and kept her entertained for a good little while. She also enjoyed eating them as she played. 

Ultimate Edible Finger Paint

This edible finger paint was a success. My almost 9 month old played in it for a good 20 minutes and probably could have kept playing if I didn't have a two year old who needed my attention. Clean up took just a couple minutes. So much fun. 

What's Cookin' Wednesday: World's Best Cooked Playdough

I got this recipe from an instructor of mine in one of my child development classes many years ago and it really is the best. I have tried several other recipes and always regret doing so.  

2 cups flour

2 tbs cream of tarter

2 cups water

1/2 cup salt

2 tbs oil

optional: food coloring/Kool-Aid

Mix dry ingredients then add wet ingredients. Stir and cook over medium heat until dough sticks together in a call. Store in an airtight container. 

We make a batch of playdough just about every week. Next week we will be adding some pumpkin pie spice to it! Last month we made it red and added cinnamon and nutmeg; it smelt just like apple pie. 

Sometimes we even add some glitter. The possibilities are almost endless.

Enjoy!