1. Find and Count Bug Hunt

Math and science all together is a great activity, but when it’s fun it’s even better. Make a quick check list and set off to find creepy crawlers and tally up what you find!

1. Gather your materials. You will need a clip board, a marker and a piece of paper. If you want grab a magnifying glass and a plastic jar if you want to collect what you find.
2. Make a simple check list with bugs you normally find in your yard. It’s okay if you don’t find some of the things on your list but if you come up completely empty handed that would be a huge bummer. So take your child’s suggestions but fill in some gaps if all they suggest are lions, and tigers and bears! Unless you have those in your yard.
3. Draw pictures as well as spelling out the words.
4. Out you go! Start searching!
5. Make little check marks for the bugs/ creatures you find. Take turns.
6. Together count up your discoveries.
7. The best learning for young children are experiences they can do, and if they are resistant to something at the table, get outside! You will both be happier and the lesson, whatever it is, will make a much larger impact than anything you had to force or cajole!

2. Sun Melted Crayons

Here’s a great outdoor activity for a hot day!

Gather your materials. You will need some crayons, aluminum foil, cookie cutters, a paper plate and a very hot sunny spot.

1. Start by peeling and breaking your crayons into small pieces. Leave chunky bits if it’s very hot; if the day is cooler use shavings to melt faster.
2. Cover the plate in aluminum foil
3. Place the plate with the cookie cutters in a sunny spot
4. Add the broken crayons
5. Wait. In 100+ heat it will take about an hour to melt, if there are lots of really big pieces.
6. Let cool inside, then pop out of the cookie cutters. Break off the little bit of extra that slips out on the bottom.
7. Color on scrap paper for a truly eco friendly activity!

3. Easy Bird Treats

The best part of this activity is finding the right spots in the yard to place them, and watching to see what birds come to the feeders!

1. Gather your materials. You will need 2 envelopes of gelatin, 1/2 cup of cold juice, 1.5 cups of juice brought to a boil and a dash of sugar. You will also need a silicon mold, a sauce pan, a casserole dish (8x8x2), a spoon, a big bowl for mixing and some string cut into 8” – 12” lengths.
2. Pour the cold juice into the bowl and drizzle the gelatin on.
3. Boil the other juice.
4. Pour into the bowl and mix.
5. Add just a dash of sugar if the juice you use is already low sugar. Any juice will work though.
6. Mix gently. Once dissolved let it cool.
7. Press into the mold. Fill it halfway, pop the cut ends of your string in, then fill it up and press down lightly on the ingredients.
8. Let it set for 2 – 3 hours, then gently pull the treats out of the mold and get ready to hang them on the trees!

Global Montessori specializes in early childhood education providing daycare, preschool and elementary programs and has been serving Langley, Brookswood, Cloverdale, Walnut Grove, Surrey, High Point and Morgan Creek for over 26 years.