By the time they reach preschool, most children understand that fun in sun often means a warm summer day. Explore science topics such as weather and our planet's seasons through a summer themed topic. Create a weather chart or calendar to map the sunny days while helping the students learn what months make up the summer season. For a fun activity to try in the sun, make a construction paper fade print. Cut out cardboard shapes and ask the preschoolers to place them onto a piece of dark construction paper. Set the paper in the sun for the day. At the end of the day, have the kids remove the cardboard shapes to reveal the fading power of the sun.
If you are looking for a fun in the sun idea for your preschool class, try a beach theme complete with arts and crafts and dramatic play activities. Make a beach scene mural, painting or drawing onto large pieces of butcher paper that you can hang on the wall. Alternatively, have the students create their own paper faux beach towels using glitter and glue. Set up a mini beach in the dramatic play area by moving the sand and water tables to the center. Add buckets, sand toys and play sea creatures for a fun day at the classroom beach.
Preschool who don't live near the beach may quickly identify the local swimming pool with warm summer fun. Teachers can use a swimming pool theme to discuss a variety of topics ranging from water safety to summer clothing, such as bathing suits and flip flops. Help kids understand that although swimming is a fun recreational activity, it is also a serious sport. Read non-fiction stories about Olympic swimming medalists such as Michael Phelps and talk about the physical benefits that swimming has to offer. For an artistic activity, create a class pool. Have the kids paint a blue pool onto a large piece of poster board or cut butcher paper. Add photos or drawings of the kids "swimming" in the pool.
Discover the beauty and wonder of nature by igniting your preschoolers' natural curiosity about the outdoors. A nature walk or exploring a nearby park can be an exciting way for young children to explore fun in the sun for a day. Turn an outside activity into a whole week theme by discussing how we can spend a sunny day in nature. Show the students pictures of national parks, discuss sports such as hiking and biking, or learn about how our furry and feathered friends have their own fun in the sun.