Have you ever heard, “I’m bored!” or, “There’s nothing to do.” I dread hearing those words and I have heard them many times at my house. Keeping our kids happy and occupied is our goal as parents or caregivers but it’s not always an easy job. Here are a few tips and tricks as well as some resources you can use to keep your kids engaged during the summer.
Make challenges at home using stuff you have lying around like, a plastic cup tower, or a structure made with index cards and tape. If you gather supplies from around your house and keep them on hand, when you hear the, “I’m bored!” statement, you can encourage your children to build or experiment with the items they find in your supply box. You might be surprised at what they can create and the fun they can have while doing it. If you need ideas for projects or challenges, here is a list of books with ideas to keep the fun going all summer long.
CURIOUS CREATABLE CREATURES: 22 STEAM PROJECTS THAT MAGNETIZE, GLIDE, SLINGSHOT, AND SOMETIMES SCOOTCH
By Sam Haynor
Experiment and learn as you create creatures that bubble, honk, and light up. This book will guide you step by step as you create some monstrous fun.
MOANA IDEA LAB
By Niki Ahrens
Make crafts, projects, and activities like glowing water or an island in a jar with a STEAM approach that is based on the Disney Movie Moana.
COOKING WITH STEAM
By Annette Gulati
Learn to cook some simple recipes like yummy eggs and Fizzy-licious lemonade while doing some science.
MASON JAR SCIENTIST: 30 JARRING STEAM-BASED PROJECTS
By Brenda Priddy
Create some fun experiments from plants and biomes, earth and space science, to chemical reactions, all in a mason jar. Great hands-on experiments based on STEAM activities.