A guide for using our resources

Children will build knowledge of summer safety rules as they take a pretend road trip.

Health and Safety Focus: summer safety

Social and Emotional Learning Focus: responsible decision making

CCSS (and states that have similar standards): RI.1.1, RI.1.2, L.1.4, W.1.1, RL.1.1, L.1.1

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

• This picture book is the ultimate celebration of all things summer. From fi reworks to ice cream trucks, lemonade stands to bike rides, this read-aloud is sure to get kids excited for the season!

• Write “Summer Words” across the top of a sheet of chart paper. Then list words that have to do with summer.
• You can start with words from the issue, such as sunscreen and pool. Together add more words, such as flip-flops, sunglasses, and lemonade. You might like to draw a small picture to go with each word. Children can use the words in their writing. Try giving them a prompt, such as What activity are you excited to do this summer?

Skill: art, simple experiment

Materials: sunscreen, paintbrushes, black or dark-colored construction paper

• This experiment shows children the power of the sun and why sunscreen is so important.
• Set out shallow dishes of sunscreen and give each child a paintbrush and a piece of black or darkcolored construction paper.
• Let children paint pictures with the sunscreen.
• Take their pictures outside and place them in direct sunlight for at least two hours.
• Children will see that their picture is still dark, but the rest of the paper is faded. If sunscreen can protect the paper that well, do kids think it can protect their skin too?