How to Encourage Active Summer Learning Safely at a Trusted Greeley Preschool

Outdoor play isn’t just fun, it’s essential to healthy childhood development. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of summer water play for toddlers and preschoolers, share practical safety tips, and highlight engaging ways families can promote learning through outdoor fun.

Why Water Play Matters in Early Childhood

From splashing in sprinklers to scooping water into buckets, water play provides more than just seasonal excitement; it supports critical areas of development.

Developmental Benefits of Water Play:

• Sensory Integration: Water play engages the senses and helps young children process sensory input, which is foundational for learning.
• Motor Skills: Pouring, splashing, and squirting water strengthens fine and gross motor skills.
• Cognitive Growth: Children explore cause and effect (“What happens when I tip the cup?”) and basic physics concepts (volume, flow).
• Language Development: Teachers and caregivers can enrich vocabulary with words like “float,” “drip,” “wet,” and “evaporate.”
• Social Skills: Working together to fill containers or share tools fosters cooperation and turn-taking.

At ABC West Child Development Center, water play is integrated into our summer curriculum as part of our play-based learning approach, offering a joyful and educational experience aligned with early childhood best practices.

Outdoor Safety: Top Concerns and Smart Practices

While water play has many benefits, safety remains the top priority, especially for toddlers and preschoolers.

Common Concerns for Summer Safety:

• Slipping on wet surfaces
• Sunburn or heat exhaustion
• Dehydration
• Supervision during water activities (even shallow water can be dangerous)

Safety Tips from Our Educators:

1. Always Supervise Closely
All water activities, even a few inches of water, must be monitored by an adult at arm’s length. At our center, we maintain low student-to-staff ratios to ensure safe and attentive supervision.

2. Use Age-Appropriate Materials
Avoid deep basins or tools that are too heavy or sharp. Shallow trays, sponges, plastic cups, and scoops are safe and easy for little hands to use.

3. Protect Against the Sun

• Apply sunscreen 15–30 minutes before going outside.
• Dress children in lightweight, long-sleeved UV-protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats.
• Encourage water breaks every 20–30 minutes and seek shade regularly.

4. Practice Safe Slipping Zones
Use rubber mats or play on grassy areas to minimize slipping risks. Children should be barefoot or wear water shoes with grip.

5. Reinforce Rules Through Routine
Set simple safety rules and repeat them before each water activity (e.g., “Walking feet only,” “Water stays in the tub”).

Fun and Educational Summer Activities for Preschoolers

You don’t need a pool to make water play fun and meaningful. Here are a few examples from our classrooms and ideas for families to try at home:

Water-Based Learning Ideas:

• Ice Cube Painting: Freeze water mixed with food coloring. Children can “paint” on pavement or paper for a cooling art project.
• Sink or Float Experiment: Test different natural objects (leaves, stones, twigs) and talk about why some float while others sink.
• Sponge Relay: Use a sponge to transfer water from one bucket to another, a great group activity to build teamwork and coordination.
• Nature Washing Station: Wash toy animals, rocks, or vegetables from the garden, blending sensory exploration with real-world connection.

Greeley-Inspired Tip:

Take a nature walk to nearby parks with a spray bottle or watering can. Children can “water the plants” along the way while developing environmental stewardship and fine motor control.

Supporting Learning in Our Summer Preschool Programs

At ABC West Child Development Center, our preschool programs are designed with Colorado’s warm summers in mind. Our daily schedules allow for safe outdoor learning, structured free play, and enrichment activities that include:

• Water tables and sensory bins
• Gardening projects
• Outdoor storytelling circles
• Seasonal crafts with natural materials

We follow the latest health and safety guidelines from the CDC and local licensing authorities and train our staff in summer-specific precautions. If you’re searching for a “preschool near me” that provides developmentally appropriate learning opportunities and prioritizes safety, our Greeley team is here for you.

At a Glance: Quick Tips for Parents

• Hydration first – Pack labeled water bottles and encourage frequent sipping.
• Dress smart – Lightweight clothing, sun hats, and easy-on shoes are best.
• Apply sunscreen before drop-off – Reapply by staff as needed.
• Label everything – Hats, towels, sunscreen, and water bottles.

In Summary: Let the Summer Learning Begin

Water play is more than just a way to cool off,  it’s an opportunity to grow. By pairing outdoor exploration with smart safety practices, children develop physical skills, emotional confidence, and a lifelong love for learning.

As we welcome summer, ABC West is here to support families with trusted, enriching child care programs in Greeley. We’re currently offering free preschool enrollment for qualifying families through Colorado’s Universal Preschool program.

Ready to join the fun?
Visit our program page or contact us today to learn more about enrolling your child in a summer of safe, joyful discovery.