This is a great time for your preschooler to keep learning through summer enrichment activities. Young children can benefit from structured activities that can be implemented in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It’s a city full of natural beauty and that offers countless teaching opportunities. You preschooler can continue to move, laugh, play and enjoy being with their friends and peers.

As the summer season quickly approaches, your preschool student is as energetic as ever. Engaging in summer enrichment activities may be a better option then a lot of “downtime”. This article gives you 7 summer enrichment ideas for your preschooler.

Jumping and Throwing and Kicking, Oh My! Your preschooler’s high energy levels and physical needs know no season. This is the norm for a healthy growing young child year-round. Kids can start developing fine motor skills like writing, drawing, and cutting with scissors. Young children also need plenty of opportunity to develop gross motor skills, like running, throwing, and kicking. Plan a trip to the park or choose a nearby open area. There is no shortage of those in breathtaking Colorado Springs to try these summer enrichment ideas.

1. Scavenger Hunt

   Print a picture list of items for your little ones to look for. The items can include a leaf, a branch, an insect, a pine cone or any other accessible item you see in the area. Work the alphabet into the activity by having them find objects that begin with a different letters.

2. Make the cake and enjoy it, too

   Young children enjoy spending time with other kids their age laughing, playing, and racing each other. Build a relay course with your kids using boxes, rope, tape, mobile tubes, balance beams, and any other item that is easy to assemble.

3. Timeless three-legged race

   Kids at this age are discovering the joy of playing together. Let’s encourage them to work together toward a common goal with this classic race. Plan other fun games as a part of their summer enrichment activities.

Fine Motor Skills in Summer Camp Like large muscle development, fine motor skills can be exercised using nature’s help. Preschoolers enjoy playing with colors and anything messy is a sure win with kids. Manipulating different materials and playing with different textures adds to their imagination. Try these ideas:

4. Sensory table

   Use an old baby bathtub or a large plastic bin to fill with sand and let kids use plastic kitchen scoops and measuring cups to build. This is a great summer enrichment idea that can be set up anywhere using inexpensive items.

Use rice or beans and washable food coloring for young preschoolers and kids who may need an extra boost in tactile skills.

5. Arts and crafts using leaves

   Have kids run and collect several leaves in different shapes. Then put craft paper on top of a leaf one at a time. Use a colored pencil or crayon to “rub” the image of the leaf onto the paper.

6. Finger paint pine cones

   

   If there are pine trees close, children can collect pine cones and use tempera paint and large paint brushes to paint them. No pine trees? You can bring a bag of the store-bought or previously-collected natural canvases.

Manners and Social Skills are a Big Part of Preschool Enrichment. One of the most important lessons preschoolers learn in summer camp is acceptable behavior. Educators start teaching these skills through self-serve lunches and role play, among other tasks.

7. Promote independence and social-skill building during preschool enrichment with self-served lunches. Give children jobs to prepare, serve, and clean up after summer meals. Praise a job well done or gently correct mistakes to encourage positive behavior.

What Will We Do Today, Brain? A child’s brain is a sponge that craves information and opportunities to soak up as much as possible. Summer activity programs are tailored to your child’s needs, unlimited energy, and their desire to move and learn.

Summer enrichment is often associated with older children, but Young Scholars Academy gives your preschoolers the chance to enjoy a fun, age-appropriate summer learning program that’s safe and focuses on their physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive development.

Contact Young Scholars Academy for enrichment for your preschooler in Colorado Springs for summer enrichment programs.

Summer camp is an excitable time for all ages. The school year is over. Your excitable 4-year-old is home for the summer. You want your child to continue their education. Whether it’s to help them do activities or you cannot take care of them over the summer, a summer program is a perfect opportunity. There are many different types of camps your preschooler can go to. The benefits of a summer program could help your child prepare for the school year or even for kindergarten.

Importance of Summer Programs for Academic Success

Attending a summer program will benefit your preschooler in many ways. It helps the children begin to build structure, preparing them for when they go off to regular school. The activities provide a way for your child to gain many skills. Math, writing, and reading can be skills learned. If your child has not yet been to a school, independence is another benefit. Your child will learn how to interact with other children and trustworthy adults when you are not around. According to summer program statistics, summer camps help children gain achievement in school. Sending your child to a great summer camp will help your child be the best that they can be before they begin kindergarten.

5 Qualities

1: Variety of Activities

For your child to get the most out of their experience, the camp should have plenty of activities for them. Each activity should enhance their education as well as entertain them. Activities can have art, music, swimming, sports, and other kinds to keep your child entertained while learning.

Sample Activities:
• Arts and Crafts
• Swimming
• Music
• Camp wide games

2: Good Supervision

Every parent wants their child to be safe whatever activity they are doing. That is why it is important for there to be good supervision. There should be counselors for the campers, and at least 2 with each group. For preschoolers, the counselors should always be with them until the end of the day. You should make sure the place you choose has quality supervision of their campers.

Good Supervision:
• Campers should be with their counselors always
• Counselors should be able to respond to any situation involving a child
• All children should be accounted for by the counselors
• Counselors/supervisors have the phone numbers of parents in case they need to be contacted

3: Fits the Needs of Your Child

Whatever the need of your child, the camp should be able to provide it when you’re not there. For example, if your child has an allergy, the summer camp should be able to address it. Children should be able to bring their own lunches in case they have an allergy. If not, an alternative should be provided. If an allergic reaction does occur, counselors should be prepared. If your child has a special need and can attend the program, assistance should be provided. If possible, your child should receive as much help as possible. However, your child should still be able to enjoy all of the camp activities.

4: Safe Environment for Time Outdoors

Summer camp can be a time to spend outdoors playing in the environment. The program of your choice should have plenty of time dedicated to outdoor play. Whether it is daily or through field trips, preschoolers should have time to be outside. It allows them to get fresh air and to get a lot of exercise. Children will also have a chance to explore their surroundings. Being able to explore enhances their learning and need to try new things.

Safe Environment:
• Distance from things that could possibly hurt children
• Constantly supervised
• First aid available in case of accidents

5: A fun a place for your child to grow

Your child should be able to have fun while they are learning new things. Each activity should enrich your preschoolers learning, as well as have them enjoy it. Over the summer, your preschooler should be growing educationally even while not in school. That way, they are prepared for the upcoming school year, while having fun along the way.

When summer comes, it is good to have options. Having a place for your young preschooler would be a nice opportunity. There would activities for he/she to do and friends he/she could make. If your child’s needs are met and there is proper supervision, it can be a safe environment for your child to grow. With the best qualities, the summer camp of your choice will be an enjoyable experience for your child.