Setting Up the Classroom for the Summer Theme

We are moving into our summer theme for the rest of May with our toddlers and preschoolers. Since school closes at the end of May, we are not in class during the actual summer season. I still wanted the children to be able to explore all 4 seasons in the classroom, so we will celebrate summer this month. Scroll down to find links to free printables!
Affiliate products mentioned:
⭐️ Picnic Bunting in Window: amzn.to/2JyXsYg
⭐️ 2" Picnic Ants: amzn.to/2HeJI3i
⭐️ Melissa & Doug Grill and Serve BBQ: amzn.to/2E2Vufc
⭐️ Diffusing Circles for Sun Art: amzn.to/2E2gceQ
Free printables included in this week's activities:
⭐️ Sun Counting Activity: teaching2and3yearolds.com/fre...
⭐️ Picnic Printable Packet: teaching2and3yearolds.com/fre...
⭐️ What is Yellow? Printable: teaching2and3yearolds.com/fre...
Teachers: teaching2and3yearolds.com/sur...
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[@izabellamenezes2993]

I love your videos and your emails, Sheryl! Thank you so much

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

You are very welcome! So Glad you enjoy them!

[@robjohn1188]

You are an angel 😇. Awesome 👍

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Thank you! Enjoy!

[@tiram12]

Thanks! So informative and so happy that you have added the links in the description box! Using for my class! Greetings :)

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Mar It So glad you found it helpful!

[@bethfoor1949]

Very nice! Thank you! 🌞

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

You are very welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@marahmartinez9173]

Thanks for your ideas! Question: On your dramatic play center you have a stand on the shelf to display posters or books... where can I buy those?

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

I believe you are referring to the top of our dramatic play shelf - those are plexiglass sign holders. I like to prop visuals in them such as printables or I will even open up a related book so a specific picture is shown. I also use cookbook and picture stands and prop opened books onto them.

[@marahmartinez9173]

That’s exactly what I’m referring to, I just didn’t know the exact name for it... thank you!

[@yvettemoore1913]

I think would use string instead of pipe cleaner

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

We start with pipe cleaners (2 and young 3 year olds) because it's easier for their smaller hands. Then, we progress to yarn.

[@Postscriptumxx]

How long did it take you to obtain enough items to do themed months in your classroom? I would love to do a themed classroom, but our dramatic play area only has the set toys and foods, etc and I think that would be the hardest part and the best part to create the theme for. Also may I ask how many kids do you generally have in your classes? We're about to have 17 (3 new 2's starting this week!) and they're all day kids. I'm a new 2 and 3 teacher and love your videos! So helpful.

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

It took many years to collect the supplies we have now. However, you don't need to go out and purchase a lot of stuff. You can create a dramatic play area with a few pieces that relate to your theme, but you can also keep your dramatic play area very basic - some scarves for dress up, some kitchen appliances (bowls, pots and pans, etc.), spoons and utensils. Try going to a thrift shop and collecting some pieces there. I've seen some schools use real stuff - not toys - and it's very functional and allows the children to create their own play space. You might have some pieces in your own kitchen that you are willing to part with. It definitely does not have to be theme-related. As for the size of our classroom, we can only have a maximum of 10 in our 2s class per state licensing and 17 in our 3s class. Both classes have 2 teachers and 1 floater.

[@sumeyrayayla4997]

After I watch this video, I went to garage sale and got same pattern table cloth and picnic basket at the same day:) thank you for your great ideas,your classroom design inspires me!

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

@@sumeyrayayla4997 Wow! What wonderful luck! There are so many great finds at garage sales.

[@taylorpruett5050]

How many kids do you have in your class?

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Taylor Pruett - The 2s class can have up to 10 children with 2 teachers and the 3s class can have up to 16 with 2 teachers. Plus we have a floater.

[@taylorpruett5050]

Same with my class! Just was curious if you have them take turns with one activity or if they all do it at once? I just don’t think my kids would be able to do one activity at once. 😭

[@Teaching2and3YearOlds]

Taylor Pruett - The only activity they all do together is our end-of-the-day art activity (2s) and that’s only because they all want to be together and choose to be there. Other than that, the children are involved in a variety of activities and move around as they wish.