Summer is the perfect time to nurture your preschooler’s curiosity and love for learning. While the season often brings a shift in routines, it doesn’t have to mean a break from learning. In fact, summer provides a wonderful opportunity to engage in STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) in a fun, hands-on way. 

At Children’s Discovery Center, we embrace Reggio Emilia’s teaching principles, and you can extend these lessons at home. This summer, we encourage parents and caregivers to explore fun learning activities that will keep your preschooler engaged, curious and developing.

1. Outdoor Science Experiments

Nature provides a rich and endless source of inspiration for young minds. One of the best ways to introduce your child to the wonders of science is through outdoor activities that encourage exploration. 

You can start by going on a nature walk and collecting natural materials like leaves, flowers, rocks and sticks. Use these items for simple science experiments that allow your child to ask questions and make observations—just like budding scientists!

For example, explore how plants grow by planting a garden. Talk about how different plants need water, sunlight and soil to grow. You could even experiment by growing plants in different conditions (e.g., no sunlight or no water) and see how they react. Encourage your child to observe and record the changes they notice.

STEAM Skills Developed:

• Observation and inquiry
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Scientific exploration
  

2. Water Play and Engineering

Summer and water go hand in hand! Not only is water fun, but it also offers incredible opportunities to explore engineering concepts in a playful way. 

Fill up a tub or kiddie pool with water and give your child a variety of materials (like cups, plastic bottles, funnels and small toys) to experiment with. Let them explore how water flows through different objects and surfaces and encourage them to build simple structures like a water channel or a dam using blocks or natural materials.

Through water play, your child will develop an understanding of concepts like cause and effect, buoyancy, and water flow—all while having fun. Encourage them to test different objects to see what floats or sinks and why!

STEAM Skills Developed:

• Engineering and problem-solving
• Critical thinking and testing hypotheses
• Exploration of physics and motion
  

3. Arts and Crafts with Natural Materials

Incorporating art into your child’s summer learning is a wonderful way to foster creativity and self-expression. 

Collect natural materials from your outdoor explorations and use them for art projects. These can include making leaf rubbings, creating flower crowns or building nature collages. You can even explore how to create paintings or prints using different textures found in nature.

This approach encourages your preschooler to engage in creative problem-solving while developing fine motor skills. 

The Reggio Emilia philosophy encourages children to use various materials to express their thoughts and feelings, and working with natural elements provides a beautiful, tactile experience that enhances their connection to the world around them.

STEAM Skills Developed:

• Artistic creativity and expression
• Fine motor skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making in art
  

4. Sensory Play with Sand and Nature

Sensory play is essential for preschoolers as it stimulates their senses and fosters learning through touch, sight and sound. 

Sand play is an ideal summer activity that allows for endless exploration and creativity. Set up a sand table or sandbox where your child can dig, build and explore different textures. Use different tools, such as shovels, sifters and small containers, to measure and pour sand.

As your child plays, encourage them to think about how things are shaped, how much sand they can hold in different containers, and what happens when they pour water into the sand. You can even introduce simple math concepts, like counting scoops of sand or comparing the size of their sandcastle towers.

STEAM Skills Developed:

• Sensory exploration
• Early math concepts (measuring, comparing)
• Engineering (building structures)

5. Nature-Themed Storytelling and Literacy Activities

Combine the outdoors with literacy activities by incorporating storytelling into your nature explorations. After collecting materials like leaves, flowers and rocks, encourage your child to create a story based on what they’ve found. Help them write or draw their ideas and use Reggio Emilia-inspired methods to let their imagination lead the way.

You can also set up a cozy reading nook outside and read stories on nature, animals or the seasons. Incorporate literacy activities such as tracing or drawing based on what they’ve learned from the books. These activities strengthen reading skills and allow children to connect their outdoor experiences with creative expression.

STEAM Skills Developed:

• Literacy and language development
• Imagination and creative thinking
• Connection between nature and storytelling
  

A Summer of Growth and Exploration

At Children’s Discovery Center, we embrace the importance of hands-on learning and outdoor experiences to build a foundation for lifelong learning. Contact us today to learn more about our Reggio Emilia approach to learning, register your child and tour our facilities.