Things to do during the Summer with 1-'2'-5 year-olds

Throughout 2017, our 125th anniversary year, we asked Norlanders, Norland students and staff to suggest activities for 1-'2'-5 year-olds. Here are their suggestions for things to do during the Summer months.

53. Go on a bug hunt, take a magnifying glass, turn over a log and see what you discover. This will encourage children to explore and investigate their world and a conversation about the needs of living creatures will further enhance their learning.

54. Take a trip to the seaside and explore the smells, sounds and sights. Collect pebbles along the way. Children learn by using their senses and the seaside is a wonderful place to stimulate that learning - especially when you add in ice cream! Sarah, Set 25

55. Practice pouring skills with sand, jugs and cups. Discuss full and empty. A simple fun activity which is easy to sweep up and good for fine and gross motor skills. Maria, Set 22

56. Number one... JUMP... Number seven... JUMP! Use coloured chalks to draw numbers onto a patio space. The caregiver shouts out a number and the child has to jump to that number as quickly as possible. Great for number recognition and physical development. Bliss, Set 32

57. Make a miniature fairy garden in a container using a mixture of items found out and about, such as tiny pebbles, fir cones, homemade clay, toadstools, miniature fairy tepees and washing lines. Great to stimulate a discussion about environments and to encourage role play and imagination. Louisa, Set 24

58. Make a lavender bag in the summer. Use the bag to prompt recall and discuss the scent. Lucy, Set 35

59. Prepare homemade lemonade on a warm summer's day. Helps children to understand the provenance of everyday drinks. Lucy, Set 35

60. Design butterflies from different materials. Creativity and imagination will be prompted. Lucy Draper, Set 35

61. Design a stage with a shoebox and narrate a story with toys. Perfect activity for storytelling and imagination. Helen, Set 30

62. 'Magic Painting': all you need is an old paint brush and water. Let the children paint outside on the patio and watch the paintings disappear. It's great for reinforcing letter and number formation with the older children and early discussions about evaporation. Quick hint - if a child has spent a while painting a picture make sure you take a photo so they can show the family later! Steph, Set 35 and Mel, Set 25

63. Assemble an aeroplane using cardboard boxes and some imagination. Then fly to your favourite destination around the house. The activity will prompt recall and imagination. Jemima, Set 13

64. Take a couple of pieces of chalk outside on a sunny day and draw each other's shadows. Great to prompt a discussion about the sun and why some shadows look bigger than others. Becky, Set 32 and Mel, Set 25

65. Pick your favourite doll, fill a washing bowl with bubble bath and water and wash with soap. After the doll is clean, dry the doll with a flannel. This activity can help with naming body parts and discussing water safety. Kathryn, Set 11

66. Combine corn flour and conditioner to make homemade playdough. Kathryn, Set 11

67. Mark out a maze with decorative tape. This activity helps with problem solving and concentration. Dorcas, Set 29

68. Revisit holiday photos and draw what you see in the pictures. This activity is great for discussion and concentration skills. Dorcas, Set 29

69. Practice the alphabet by drawing letters in sand trays. This supports children's fine motor skills as well as their letter recognition. Michelle, Set 26

70. Make a tie-dye top. A good activity for creativity and understanding the different effects that can be created. Francesca Thorn

71. Take pictures of butterflies on a walk and identify the different species online or in a book when you get home. Lisa Philpott

72. Plant flower seeds, wait patiently and measure as they grow. Helps children to understand the needs of living things and how to care for them. Susie Somerville

73. Create tissue paper flowers. Take two circular pieces of tissue paper, place one on top of the other using different colours. Screw them into a rose or flower shape. Attach a pipe cleaner to the base (doubled over for strength if needed). You can put them in a vase or tie them like a bouquet. Great alternative to real flowers and last forever! Kate Morgan

74. Practice washing up at the kitchen sink with a tea set. This activity is good for role play and fine and gross motor control.

75. Re-create a drum kit out of metal mixing bowls and wooden spoons. Then drum along to your favourite song. This helps children develop an appreciation for rhythm, as well as the development of gross motor skills.

76. Practice finger painting.