At Lyndon Learning Childcare, we believe the best kind of learning happens when children don’t even realize it’s happening. During the summer months, we embrace this idea wholeheartedly—turning warm-weather fun into rich, hands-on educational experiences.
One of our favorite approaches? Sneaky summer learning—where popsicles, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and nature walks all become tools for teaching.
You might be surprised how much a child can learn from a simple summer activity. Let’s take a closer look at how we sneak in learning all season long.
Popsicles: Sweet Treats with a Learning Twist
Who doesn’t love a cold popsicle on a hot summer day? At Lyndon Learning, we turn this classic treat into an opportunity to explore patterns, colors, counting, and even science.
During popsicle-making activities, children can:
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Follow a sequence of steps (hello, early literacy and executive function!),
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Measure and pour ingredients (basic math and motor skills),
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Observe changes in matter as liquids freeze into solids (early science concepts),
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Make predictions about how long it will take to freeze or which flavor will taste the sweetest.
We also use popsicles as a way to introduce pattern recognition. Think layered popsicles with alternating colors—red, yellow, red, yellow. Children begin to see and describe the pattern, then try to recreate it on paper or with other objects like beads, crayons, or colored blocks.
Sidewalk Chalk: Math, Literacy, and Movement
Sidewalk chalk is a summer staple, but at Lyndon Learning, we use it for more than just colorful art. With a little creativity, chalk becomes a powerful learning tool.
Here’s how:
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Number lines and hopscotch games help children practice counting, sequencing, and simple addition/subtraction.
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Letter tracing and name writing reinforce early literacy skills and fine motor control.
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Pattern drawing (like circles, stars, triangles) boosts shape recognition and critical thinking.
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Story paths turn a chalk-drawn trail into a storytelling adventure, where children walk from one picture to the next and help narrate what happens.
Plus, because it all happens outdoors, kids get fresh air, sunshine, and gross motor movement while they learn!
Water Play and Bubble Science
You don’t need a lab to teach science—you just need water and a few curious minds. During summer, we incorporate water play into our curriculum with simple experiments and observations.
Examples include:
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Making bubbles and testing wand shapes (Which shape makes the biggest bubble? The longest lasting?),
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Floating and sinking experiments with toys in the water table,
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Creating “rain” in a jar with shaving cream and colored water,
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Comparing melting times of ice cubes in sun vs. shade.
Children learn to ask questions, make predictions, and observe outcomes—all core elements of scientific thinking.
Learning Happens Everywhere
The beauty of summer learning is that it doesn’t have to feel like “school.” At Lyndon Learning Childcare, we believe that curiosity should lead the way. Whether we’re building sandcastles, going on a nature walk, or enjoying snack time outdoors, we take every opportunity to nurture early learning in playful, engaging ways.
So when your child comes home chatting about popsicles or showing you a chalk drawing, you can smile knowing they didn’t just play today—they learned, too.
Here’s to a summer full of sunshine, giggles, and learning that sticks—just like a popsicle on a hot day.