Looking for preschool themes for Summer? From celebrating the summer solstice and planting gardens to exploring the ocean and more, these themes provide opportunities for hands-on fun for your young learners.
Explore the Season: Preschool Themes for Summer
Summer is a magical time filled with long sunny days, warm temperatures, and ample opportunities for outdoor exploration. This theme invites children to observe and appreciate the unique sights, sounds, and sensations of the summer season.
Summer Solstice
The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year and the official start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. This celestial event is rich with opportunities to teach preschoolers about the sun, seasons, and patterns in nature. Celebrate the summer solstice by filling the day with sun-themed activities that allow children to experience and appreciate this special annual occurrence.
- Go outside and observe the sun’s path across the sky, noting when it rises and sets to experience the long day of sunshine
- Use chalk to trace each other’s shadows at different times, watching how they change direction and length
- Make sunprint artwork by arranging objects on special sun-sensitive paper and letting it develop in the sunlight
- Plant sunflower seeds and observe their growth, turning towards the sun over time
- Discuss how people in ancient cultures celebrated and revered the summer solstice
Transportation
Summer is often a time for family vacations and travel adventures. This theme allows children to explore different modes of transportation and imagine journeying to exciting new destinations. From planes, trains, and automobiles to boats and recreation vehicles, there are numerous ways to bring the excitement of summer travel into the classroom.
- Sort vehicles that travel on land, water, or in the air
- Learn transportation vocabulary like cockpit, conductor, etc. and identify vehicle parts
- Learn how to pack a suitcase for a trip
- Read books about different modes of transportation and where they can take you
- Graph how students and families traveled before (car, plane, train, etc.)
- Measure toy vehicles and compare their lengths, heights, and number of wheels
- Make road signs and signals out of craft materials for a model city
- Sing classic travel songs like “The Wheels on the Bus”
- Invite a special guest like a pilot, train conductor, or RV enthusiast to visit the class
Ice Cream
Few things are more quintessentially summer than a delicious scoop of ice cream! This creamy, cold delight offers endless opportunities for preschoolers to explore using their five senses while learning about the science and cultural significance behind this frozen favorite.
- Set up an ice cream dramatic play area with cones, scoops, aprons, and a cash register
- Graph students’ favorite ice cream flavors or toppings
- Sort toppings into categories (crunchy, chewy, etc.)
- Do a blindfolded taste test with different ice cream flavors to have kids experience and identify them using only their sense of taste and smell.
- Investigate how salt lowers the freezing point by making ice cream in a bag
- Compare how fast different ice cream toppings melt
- Discuss where ingredients like milk, sugar, and flavorings come from
- Write classroom recipes for “wacky” ice cream flavors and illustrate them
- Invite an ice cream truck vendor or parlor owner to visit and talk about their business
- Have an ice cream sundae party to celebrate the end of your unit!
Gardens and Forests: Preschool Themes for Summer
The warm summer months are when many gardens and forests are in full bloom. This theme encourages children to appreciate the beauty and diversity of life in nature.
Camping
Camping is a classic summer activity that fosters an appreciation for nature. This classic summer activity allows children to unplug from technology and tap into their innate sense of curiosity about the great outdoors. While actual overnight camping trips may not be logistically possible, bringing elements of the camping experience into the classroom can spark excitement and learning.
- Set up a camp dramatic play area with a child-sized tent, sleeping bags, lanterns, and camping gear. Learn how to set up a tent, use a sleeping bag, etc.
- Invite rangers or outdoor educators to share animal furs, skulls, tools, and expertise
- Count and sort different types of camping equipment like tents, sleeping bags, backpacks
- Measure the lengths of sticks, ropes, or sleeping bags using non-standard units
- Identify shapes found in nature like pinecones, rocks, leaves
- Graph favorite campfire snacks
- Learn camping vocabulary like “tent”, “kindling”, “compass”
- Write packing lists for a camping trip
- Discuss campfire and camping safety
- Discuss ways campers should respect and protect nature
- Look at maps and how to read trails, landmarks, directions
Fungi and Mushrooms
The warm, moist conditions of summer are ideal for the growth of fascinating fungi like mushrooms. Discover the incredible variety and importance of these organisms.
- Go on a mushroom hunt outdoors and observe the varieties growing in your area (but do not consume any!)
- Use a free informational app or field guide to identify different mushroom types
- Discuss the basic anatomy of a mushroom and its life cycle
- Talk about edible and poisonous mushrooms and safety
- Taste test a variety of mushrooms from an Asian store
- Count and sort different types of mushrooms
- Measure mushrooms
- Use modeling clay, playdough, or recycled materials to sculpt 3D mushroom models
- Learn vocabulary like mycelium, decomposer, spore, cap, stem
- Set up a dramatic play farmer’s market stall to “sell” different mushroom varieties
- Invite a guest mycologist (mushroom expert) to share mushroom specimens and knowledge
Planting and Gardening
Summer is prime time for planting and tending to gardens. Get children’s hands dirty as they learn about seeds, soil, and the cycles of plant growth. Learn about different types of plants and how they grow. Talk about the importance of soil, water, and sunlight for the growth of plants. Organize a planting activity. Provide the children with seeds, soil, and pots, and let them plant their own seeds.
Animals and Habitats: Preschool Themes for Summer
Life in the Desert
While deserts may seem harsh and unforgiving, they are teeming with life uniquely adapted to hot, arid conditions. Explore this incredible biome.
- Sort desert plants and animals by attributes like size, shape, number of limbs etc.
- Measure lengths of animal footprints using non-standard units
- Explore desert animal camouflage by looking for patterns
- Graph favorite desert plants or animals
- Learn about diurnal (day) and nocturnal (night) desert creatures
- Explore sand art
Life in the Ocean
The vast ocean covers over 70% of our planet’s surface and is home to an incredible array of marine life. From the deepest trenches to the sunlight-dappled shallows, the ocean’s zones and currents contain fascinating habitats ripe for exploration.
- Count/sort different types of shells, fish, etc.
- Measure the lengths of whale/shark models using non-standard units
- Graph favorite ocean animals
- Investigate ocean zones and habitats
- Learn about the properties of salt water versus fresh water
- Discuss marine food chains and predator/prey relationships
- Explore ocean creature body coverings like scales, shells, etc.
Life in the Coral Reef
Coral reefs are among the most vibrant and biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. Investigate the delicate balance that allows these underwater cities to thrive.
- Count and sort different types of coral reef animals
- Sort vertebrates and invertebrates found in a coral reef
- Discuss coral reef food chains
- Learn about the different types of animals in the coral reef
- Learn about coral reef conservation
Fish
With over 33,000 different species, fish display incredible variety in their shapes, sizes, colors, and habitats. Spark children’s curiosity about these aquatic vertebrates.
- Count and sort fish by size, color, etc.
- Learn the names of different types of fish
- Explore the different parts of a fish
- Use real or rubber fish to dip in paint and press onto paper, creating unique fish prints that teach about fish anatomy and the concept of symmetry.
- Set up an aquarium or bring a fish in a clear container for children to observe. They can note fish behavior, guess what the fish is doing, and draw what they see.
Sharks
These apex predators have been roaming the oceans for millions of years. Learn what makes sharks such fascinating and misunderstood creatures.
- Learn about different types of sharks
- Learn about food chains in the ocean and apex predators
- Compare bony and cartilaginous fish
- Compare sharks and dolphins
- Count and sort different types of sharks
- Measure shark sizes
Whales
The largest animals on Earth, whales are majestic marine mammals with amazing abilities to communicate and migrate across vast distances.
- Learn about the different types of whales
- Learn about how and where whales travel in water
- Measure whale lengths and compare whale sizes
- Learn about food chains with whales
- Learn about whale communication and whale songs
Seashells and Marine Invertebrates
From the spiraling chambers of a nautilus to the intricate patterns of a conch shell, seashells provide a window into the world of marine invertebrates.
- Set up a center where children can sort seashells by size, color, or type. Provide magnifying glasses to observe unique patterns and textures.
- Offer glue, seashells, and construction paper so children can create their own seashell artwork.
- Design a game with pictures of seashells and their matching invertebrates. This helps children make connections between the shells they see and the animals that live inside them.
- Provide rulers or measuring tapes and help children measure the lengths of different shells, comparing and recording their findings.
- Conduct a simple science experiment by placing seashells in vinegar to observe the effects of acid on calcium carbonate. This shows how pollution can affect marine life, emphasizing the importance of environmental protection.
- Offer various models or pictures of marine invertebrates for children to sort according to specific characteristics, such as the type of shell, number of legs, or habitat.
Around the World
Australia and Oceania
Home to unique flora, fauna, and indigenous peoples, the island nations of Australia and Oceania offer a rich region to explore.
- Learn about unique animals like kangaroos, koalas, and emus through crafts and stories.
- Learn about the indigenous peoples and cultures of Australia and the Pacific Islands
- Explore the traditional art of this region
- Explore the different biomes found in this part of the world
Africa
With diverse landscapes, peoples, and wildlife, the continent of Africa brims with opportunities for cross-cultural learning and understanding.
- Learn about African animals like elephants, lions, and giraffes and their habitats
- Introduce children to African music such as drumming. Use simple drums or homemade instruments to teach basic rhythms.
- Read folktales from different African cultures, such as “Anansi the Spider”
- Prepare simple African snacks with the children
- Learn about the different countries and cultures of Africa
Celebrations and Observances in June
Father’s Day
Father’s Day is a special occasion celebrated to honor fathers and father figures. It’s an opportunity for children to express appreciation for the fatherly influences in their lives, whether they are biological fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, or other important figures. It’s important to ensure that activities are inclusive and recognize all types of family structures.
- Create cards or crafts for a special person in their life, focusing on expressing gratitude and love.
- Children can share stories about fun times they’ve had with their father figures or someone who plays a significant role in their life.
- Have a discussion or drawing activity about what makes a good role model, allowing children to talk or draw about various people who positively influence them.
- Provide materials for children to make a banner with messages or drawings that celebrate Father’s Day, suitable for any special person they care about.
- Children can interview a father figure or special person in their life, asking questions about their favorite memories, hobbies, or advice. This can be a bonding experience and can be shared with the class.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day when the last enslaved people in the United States learned of their freedom in 1865. It’s a day of reflection, celebration, and education about the history and culture of African Americans. Introducing preschoolers to Juneteenth can be done through activities that are age-appropriate and foster an understanding of freedom and equality. Read books and poems about Juneteenth, go on a sensory exploration of Black culture with herbs, playdough, and art.
