As the summer holidays approach, we understand that nine weeks off can be quite a stretch to keep children entertained. Ideas may be hard to come by, but fear not – our special wellbeing and transition booklet is here to help!
We are delighted to present this booklet, meticulously crafted to support your transition to the next academic year while fostering your overall wellbeing. Within these pages, you’ll discover tailored adventures and challenges for your year group, ranging from outdoor explorations to creative projects and mindfulness exercises.
We firmly believe that becoming a positive and resilient learner is key to success and our booklet aims to empower you on this journey. So, why not make the most of the summer break by ticking off as many activities as you can before September? Let the adventure begin....
Mr Thomson Head of Pastoral Care
GETTING READY FOR YEAR 1: Academic
Outdoor Story Circle
Sit under a tree and listen to a story from a family member. Can you retell it or act it out?
Nature Treasure Hunt
Find items that match different colours or shapes (e.g. something round, something green).
Start a Summer Diary
Each week of the summer holidays, think about your favourite activity and draw a picture or write a sentence about it.
Measuring Stations
Use a range of cups and containers to make a measuring station outside. Pour water into the different cups and compare the volumes.
GETTING READY FOR YEAR 1: Academic
Go on an Alphabet Hunt
Find items outdoors starting with each letter of the alphabet. Some will be trickier than others!
Count with Nature
Go on a nature walk and gather sticks, pine cones, or shells. Can you organise them into groups?
Play Alphabet Hopscotch
Draw letters or sounds on the pavement or patio. Play with a friend and take turns calling out the letter or sound for you each to jump on.
Number Pebble Hunt
Find numbered stones and put them in order, or use them to play addition or subtraction games.
GETTING READY FOR YEAR
Time to Get Speedy
Ask an adult to create an obstacle course around your home or in your garden or local park. How long does it take you to complete each section?
Discover Minibeasts
Use magnifying glasses to spot different insects and draw them.
Create a Nature Graph
Collect and sort a few objects you find in the garden or on a walk, and then draw a simple graph.
Scavenger Hunt
Ask a loved one to set up a scavenger hunt for you at home. Follow pictures or word clues to find the hidden treasures
GETTING READY FOR YEAR 1: Academic
Story Stone Game
Paint stones with different pictures (e.g. dragon, castle) and create stories from them.
Break Out the Chalk
Practise letter formation and simple words on patios or pavements.
Outdoor Shape Hunt
What 2D and 3D shapes can you spot in nature?
GETTING READY FOR YEAR 1: Pastoral
Cloud Watching & Storytelling
Lie on the grass and imagine stories from the cloud shapes in the sky.
Build a Bug Hotel
Collect natural materials to build a bug home in your garden or local park.
Learn About Plant Care
Learn responsibility by choosing a house plant to look after or by caring for a flower in the garden.
Paint With Water
Grab a brush and ‘paint’ on fences or pavements with water.
Shadow Drawing
Trace the shadows of your toys on the ground with chalk.
GETTING READY FOR YEAR 1: Pastoral
Leaf & Bark Rubbings
Use crayons and paper to explore different textures and patterns.
‘Getting Ready’ Game
Time how long it takes you to dress, pack a bag or brush your teeth –encourage independence.
Create a Collage from Nature
Use leaves, petals and twigs to create pictures of animals or faces.
Simple Map-Making
Can you draw a map of your garden or local park?
Bubble Painting
Mix paint and bubbles, then pop them on paper to make art.
GETTING READY FOR YEAR 1: Pastoral
Pavement Mural Creation
Gather your loved ones and create a large summer scene with chalk together. Take a photo to show us.
Make a Musical Garden
Use pots, pans and spoons to create sounds outdoors. You could even start a band with your friends or siblings!
Picnic Role Play
Time to plan a picnic for a parent. This is your chance to choose the food, pack a bag and maybe make a sign.
Build a Den or Tent
Use blankets and pegs to build a den; problem-solve how to keep it up.
GETTING READY FOR YEAR 1: Pastoral
DIY Mini Shop
Set up a pretend shop, but use real coins to buy or sell snacks or toys.
