We all know free play is best, but let's face it, you can only sit with your kid ad play hot wheels for so long or so many hours in a row. Sometimes its fun to plan an engaging integrated interactive activity with your child to change things up a bit.  Welcome to another fantastic episode of Pre-K Spot Talks! In this episode, your host Melysa Mei shares three comprehensive lists of fun and educational summer activities for Pre-K students. These activities not only keep the kids entertained during the summer break but also help them prepare for Kindergarten.  Key Points: 1. **Summer Activities for Play and Learning:** Melysa shared 25 simple and easy activities for kids during the summer. These include a nature scavenger hunt, sidewalk chalk art, water play, gardening, and outdoor story time. These activities engage children in fun, play-based experiences that stimulate their senses, develop motor skills, and encourage learning. 2. **Uncommon Ideas for Summer Play:**  In this segment, Melysa discussed some uncommon ideas for summer play that go beyond traditional activities. These ideas encourage creativity and curiosity in children and include activities such as creating a shadow puppet theatre, building a bug hotel, and making homemade wind chimes. 3. **Cooking with Kids:** Finally, Melysa discussed how cooking can be a fun and educational activity for Pre-K students. She shared five simple recipes that children can help with, including making fruit kebabs, homemade popsicles, mini pizzas, fruit and yogurt parfaits, and rainbow veggie wraps. Melysa emphasized the importance of play in child development, stating that it aids in motor skills development, creativity enhancement, and social skills cultivation. These activities are designed to ensure children are not just entertained, but engaged in playful learning experiences that prepare them for the next level - Kindergarten. Resources: Find the detailed lists and more information about the activities discussed in the podcast on our website. Knives Set - this is the kit I use at home and in my classroom Popsicle Recipes Popsicle Molds - don't forget to run a little hot water or sit out for a short period before unmolding! Chalk Sensory Fillers for a Year List Don't forget to follow Pre-K Spot Talks on social media and feel free to share your thoughts, experiences, or even your unique summer activity ideas with Melysa.  Connect with us: Pre-K Spot on Instagram Pre-K Spot on Facebook Email: [email protected] Website: Pre-Kspot.com Join us again for another play-filled discussion on Pre-K Spot Talks!