sunscreen spelling bee

Summer time can be a vast, creative, outdoor play season for kids – and in my humble opinion, that’s the best way to spend these warm months. However, there are drawbacks to summer free time. First, all of that outdoor play means a lot of sun exposure and skin damage that can haunt for a lifetime. Second, the academic things that kids, parents, and teachers have worked to put in those growing brains seem to dissolve in the swimming pools and sprinklers.

Hence, my first “Works For Me” contribution is this simple activity:

1. Pick a list of letters or words (depending on their age) you’d like to teach or practice this summer. If your child is older, perhaps you can choose from the National Spelling Bee resources. With my boys (age 2 & 3), letters, names, and simple phonetic words make a good list.

2. Each time you apply sunscreen, “write” a word (or letter) using sunscreen on their arms, legs, face, and body. If you’re using lotion-style sunscreen, smear it across their skin smoothly, then spell the name before rubbing it in. If it’s spray sunscreen, try writing the word with spray!

If your kiddo is old enough to play guessing games, keep the list secret and have them guess what you’re writing. Obi-1 (3) can guess simple things, like letters or his name.

After applying sunscreen, we often have a snack inside. This gives the boys a little time to get sunscreen fully absorbed, and they can gulp down a bit more water before heading into the heat!

Something to keep brains sharp & skin protected? Works for me! Click over & say hello to Shannon and the many brilliant women who contributed tips for kids in the summer.