Make a Solstice Sundial!

Happy Summer Solstice from Little Acorn Learning!  Here is a very fun and easy activity you can do with your children to celebrate this beautiful, light-filled festival from our June 5 Day Program.

Solstice Sundial

In times past, the sundial was a useful tool and a staple in every mother's garden.  Spend time this week making one with your child and journaling about what you find.

Supplies Needed:

Shallow Bowl, Wood Disc or Plate (wood is best)

Wooden Dowel

Hot Glue

Hot Glue the dowel in a standing position in the center of your bowl or plate.  Mark the hour spaces with a light line with a marker or paint.  Wait to write the numbers in until you test it outdoors each hour on the hour.  Bring your sundial to a sunny location outside.  Keep the dial in the exact same location.  Go out on each hour that you wish to mark the time.  You can outline the shadow of the dowel on your dial as a record or make a sketch in your Nature Notebook.  Enjoy!!!

Making Summer Solstice

Today we celebrated the Summer Solstice by sharing many of the songs and verses in our new Midsummer Festival E-Book and also making these beautiful Summer Garden Suncatchers that my co-author Sara Wilson from Love in the Suburbs created for the e-book.

Maia just loves all forms of handwork.  Weaving must be one of her favorite things to do so this activity really appealed to her.

I'll be a little sunbeam true, 

A tiny ray of light,
And try in all I say and do,
To make the world more bright.

How did you celebrate this special day with the children?  Remember that Midsummer Day is on June 24th - we have lots of ideas for you in our new e-book.  Let us know which was your favorite!