In addition to being Father’s Day, this Sunday is the official start of summer — the longest day of the year known as the summer solstice.
Summer is by far my favorite season and I look forward to it every year. Did you know the June summer solstice date usually varies from June 20 – June 22nd? For example, it’s on June 21 this year, but on June 20 in 2016. A June 22 solstice will not occur until 2203. The last time there was a June 22 solstice was in 1971 – wow!
In honor the longest day of the year, I picked up four books to read aloud to the kids this weekend.
Ahhh…who doesn’t love a summer vacation? I know I do! I could definitely use one right about now. In this book, a little girl and her family are getting ready to go on vacation . . . or at least they are trying to. In the effort to pack everything that will be needed, there’s bound to be something overlooked. The rhyming text and colorful illustrations make this a fun book to read aloud. A cute twist on Clement Moore’s classic book, The Night Before Christmas.
After you finish reading to your little ones, perhaps you’d like to do an activity to celebrate the summer solstice. Below are a few ideas you may want to try.
Summer Solstice Extension Activities
Plant Sunflowers: Planting on the solstice will remind you how essential the sun is for growth.
Draw/Paint Pictures of the Sun: Creating sun prints invites you to capture beautiful images using the power of the sun.
Brew Sun Tea: Brewing sun tea gives you the taste of summer in a glass. Drink up!
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there and Happy Summer in advance!
Your turn: Have you read any of these books to your children? Feel free to let me know in the comments.
