Hello, Summer!
The school year is almost over, and summer is right around the corner. It’s the time of the year for backyard barbecue, cold lemonade and more hours of daylight fun. Now is a good time to make summer plans and craft to-do-lists with our children.
All over the world, when the days get long and warm, families find summer fun outside. They do a lot of different things in the summer, like heading to the beach, taking a vacation and going on a camping trip.
Summer comes at different times of the year in other parts of the world. Australia and New Zealand have summer from December to February; people in those countries actually celebrate a warm Christmas.
South Africa’s summer is from December to March. During those months, they get warm, sunny weather and often have thunderstorms in the afternoon. Although summer is nice, people recommend visiting South Africa between May and September.
People in Thailand celebrate Songkran, or Thai New Year, during April. They celebrate by splashing water at each other. Symbolically, the water washes away the previous year, allowing people to get ready for the year ahead.
Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, summer is from June to August. People there spend time watching the sunset, going to the beach and waterparks or strolling in big malls to cool off from the intense heat.
In Germany, they celebrate what they call a Midsummer from June to September. Midsummer is known as Sommernacht, or “Summer Night,” where people light up bonfires made of branches and leaves.
In the United States, summer is usually celebrated from June to early September. We take advantage of the warm weather by having cookouts in the backyard with friends, having bonfires, camping, going to the beach and so much more. We also celebrate Independence Day on July 4 with fireworks, parades and family gatherings.
So what are your summer plans this year? Whatever they are, I hope your summer is filled with lots of playful learning and fun with your children.
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