Some big news from Simply Sprout!

Simply Sprout has some big news! We have teamed up with Oriental Trading Company to bring you creative ideas for your classroom. I just spent the last few days in Omaha meeting with the education, marketing, creative and e-commerce teams. I can't wait to share all of the amazing products they are creating just for teachers!

School's out for summer.....now what??????

 Here are a few of our Favorite ideas that will keep your little ones having fun all summer long!

Be sure to visit Simply Sprout on Pinterest for more ideas

Summer is Sizzling with Fun

You have probably seen by now tons of cute ways to kick off the summer with a great bucket list of ideas.  The idea is simple, keep kids busy!  The actuality is quite the opposite.  It's week one of summer vacation, and this mama is already scratching her head.  A little brainstorming ahead of time, can help alleviate the "I'm bored" statements of tomorrow.  Sit down as a family and think of some fun, educational, out of the box, near and far adventures that you can do over these dog days.  Whether it be a trip to a local museum, a BBQ at the pool, or a scavenger hunt at home, you'll be sure to make some fun summertime memories.

Decorate a bucket and allow the children to add their submissions.  This will be your go to for outings with your family and friends.

Since learning doesn't take a vacation, make your memories count with this colorful and fun Summer Bucket List Journal.  A great daily or weekly activity that will become a wonderful way to cherish this summer for years to come.

 

0

Kick start your summer with a bucket list

The final school bell has rung, the backpacks are now thrown on your foyer floor and your kids have taken up permanent residence on your couch...They have only been out of school for a day and already it looks like a tornado has run through your living room. Kick start your summer by creating a bucket list with your family. Motivate your family to come up with some fun ways to pass those long summer days. A summer bucket list can really be anything you want it to be. From simple things like having a water balloon fight to a vacation destination. Your family sets the parameters. 

Encourage each family member no matter how young to think of at least 5 things they would like to do this summer. Print the tag below and write each idea on its own card. Place all of the cards in a bucket or small pail. When your kids are looking for something fun to do or accomplish have them pull out an activity card and get started.

My four year old and I sat down and came up with a few ideas of our own...here were her top 10!

 10. play in the sprinkler

9. wash the dog

8. have a picnic

7. make playdough

6. go camping

5. learn to ride my bike on the road

4. have a fashion show

3. do mommy's make-up

2. eat watermelon

1. catch fireflies (fairies)

 Our Summer Bucket of fun!

To make a bucket like the one pictured above. Purchase a  pail ( we found ours at Hobby Lobby) and tie lots of brightly colored ribbon onto the handle. This is a great fine motor skill for your little ones to practice, getting them ready to learn to tie their shoes. Fill the bucket up with your summer to do's and get ready to have some fun! Each time your kids are looking for something to do have them pull an activity card from the bucket. Or set a designated time each week to enjoy an activity from the bucket.

If you would like to take the traditional summer bucket list a step further visit our Teachers Pay Teachers store and download our summer bucket list pack. In it you will receive printable tags and lists to help you create your bucket list as well as journaling pages for your older children (first grade and above) You can print these pages and have them bound at your local copy store so your child will have a journal they can keep for all of their adventures over the summer. Encourage them to write about their experiences after completing each item on their list.

 

8