Language Activities

Alphabet Walk - Tell the children that you are going to go on an alphabet walk and look for things that begin with letters of the alphabet. Start with A and work your way through Z. Take a sheet of paper and write down the objects as the children find them. For example: A-acorn, B-bird, C-cloud, D-dirt, etc.

I Want to Go Out and Play Book - Give each child a sheet of paper and ask them to draw a picture of why they like to go outside. Make a cover that says, “I Want to Go Out and Play.” Put their pages together, hole punch, and insert book rings.

Treasure Hunt Story

Prepare clues that will lead to a “treasure story.” (This is a special book that you have hidden on the playground.) For example:

1. A treasure hunt is so much fun. Near the swing is clue number one.
2. Clue number two should be easy, too. At the top of the slide is something for you.
3. Clue number three you will find in a tree.
4. Now it’s time for clue number four. Look for it by the storage door.

Tape the clues on the playground ending with the spot where the “treasure story” is hidden. Encourage the children to help you read the clues and follow the directions. Find a shady spot on the playground and enjoy reading the book.

Sit and Write - Each child will need paper, a clip board or cardboard to write on, and a pencil or crayon. Have children spread out in a comfortable area and write stories, poems, or descriptions of what they see.

Read a While - Let children choose a favorite book and take it out on the playground. Find a shady spot and enjoy reading independently or with a friend.

Nature Book - Have children hunt for small, flat objects, such as leaves, feathers, or flowers. Place each item in a zip sandwich bag. Zip shut and staple 4-5 bags together to make a nature book.

*Older children could write a sentence about each object.

Letter Hop Scotch - Draw a hopscotch design with chalk on a paved surface. Write letters in each section for the children to identify as they hop and play.

*You could also write numerals or words on the hopscotch.

Board Games - Why not play tic-tac-toe, checkers, Candy Land or other games outside under a shady tree?