5 ideas for sneaky learning and backyard fun

5 super sneaky ideas for fun backyard learning

Hip, hip hooray! Summer is here!

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous for us—not too hot and not too cool. It’s the spring we always seem to miss here in the DC suburbs.

I know it’s short-lived, though, so I’ve been using our great weather time to the max. And so should you.

Here are 5 quickie ideas for sneaky learning in your own backyard. Fun ideas for helping kids learn a little while they play.

Nothing too fancy, crazy, or time-consuming. Just a few cool ideas that will get your kids’ brains moving and creativity flowing.

Here’s the skinny. . .

5 Ideas for Sneaky Learning and Backyard Fun:

Water Painting

fine motor practice

talk about tripod grip

talk about letters, numbers, and sounds

use the time to talk about names and how to write names

watch water evaporate in the sunshine

2. Dissecting, Examining, and Learning about Flowers

talk about the parts of a flower

let your kids feel the parts of a flower

really use what is in your yard

3. Backyard Alphabet Hunt

kids are movin’ and groovin’

talk about letters and letter sounds

compare and contrast sounds

kids can see and hear and feel letters and sounds

4. Backyard Fragrance Experiment

use the plants and flowers you have in your back yard

let your kids use all of their senses

sneak in some mathy-language with most, least, same

kids are hands-on learning, experimenting, and trying

5. Backyard Rainbow Hunt

talk about colors

get your kiddos moving

celebrate plants, animals, and all things nature

With just a little bit of planning–or totally on the fly–you can sneak in a little learning in your very own backyard in ten minutes or thirty. Whatever you have will work.