Schools around Australia are breaking up for our extended, summer vacation period. We have seven weeks of freedom from organised activities between now and school returning and we are planning to take full advantage of our time together with relaxed fun, lots of laughter and shared adventures. Here is how I am tackling our plan for the holidays…
ADVENTURE: Too often we have a tendency to stay at home hanging out in our PJs if left to our own devices and while there is absolutely nothing wrong with this, I need to be more organised if we are to make the most of our holiday time. Our list of adventure possibilities currently includes;
Museum * Beach * Picnics * Miniature village * Zoo * City * Art gallery * Environment centre * Fairy shop * Ferry ride
Most of these are reasonably local and therefore much less stressful! Frequency: Once a week.
SOCIALISE: We are only a few days in and Immy is already finding it an adjustment to not have her school buddies to play with every other day so I think meeting up with a friend to play will be a must. Frequency: Once a week.
CREATE: With our recent reorganisation of the playroom, our creative space has moved across the room. I had a good clean out of the art supplies and Immy will be finding quite a number of fresh supplies in her Christmas stocking. So far, time to create has been a part of each and every day of the holidays – mostly due to the Christmas card making studio I set up a few weeks ago. I am sure the arrival of a bundle of new supplies will see this trend continue. Frequency: Probably everyday.
READ: Immy and I both have a passion for books and we read together everyday anyway. I foresee a number of visits to our local library for fresh reading fodder and books enjoyed pretty much anywhere and everywhere! Frequency: Without a doubt – everyday.
BREATHE: I find time outdoors so important to the flow and energy of our day, providing us all with fresh air and space to stretch and breathe. With our hot summer well underway I am sure that water play will feature strongly but I think we will also take advantage of cooler days to explore some new-to-us parks around our community. Frequency: Daily.
REST: I can tell Immy is tired after her first year of kindergarten so on stay-at-home days I am expecting her to have some down time while AJ takes her afternoon nap. Immy doesn’t have to sleep (though often does take a short nap) but she does have to have some quiet time in her room. Audio stories are a favourite in out house and I have added quite a few new stories to the iPod which is pretty much always in use during quiet time. We are also sure to make good use of a number of the activities from this post – Q is for Quiet Play Activities. Frequency: Most days.
PLAY: Although going on adventures is lots of fun, I truly believe that big blocks of free time to play is one of the greatest gifts I can give my child this holiday. Too soon her life is going to be filled to overflowing thanks to full time school and the everyday routines of family life, so this time to imagine, create, construct, dance, sing, run or think (whatever she chooses to do) is essential to her growth and development. Frequency: Daily.
For those looking for boredom busters or more inspiration for summer fun, why not;
- Subscribe to our fortnightly Play Planner email to receive fresh ideas straight to your inbox every two weeks.
- Invest in an issue (or four!) of Play Grow Learn – each issue is filled with playful inspiration for parents and educators of children aged 0-5 years.
- Check out this printable list of 45 Things to Do Instead of Turning on the TV and this one – 10 Things to Do Outdoors.
- Check out this list of 50 Boredom Busters!
How do you plan to spend your time this Summer?
Christie Burnett is an early childhood teacher, presenter, writer and the editor of Childhood 101. More importantly, she is a Mum who believes wholeheartedly in the value of children learning through play, the importance of quality early education, and the togetherness of family.
Read the comments or scroll down to add your own: