The Sun And My Healthy Day

Maya hopped from the car and felt the warm morning sun on her cheeks. “The park!” she called. Her family had brought a red ball, a picnic blanket, and a bottle of cool water.

Birds chirped in the small tree line. The swings squeaked softly. Maya ran across the grass, her sneakers tapping like tiny drums.

“Can we play catch first?” Maya asked.

“Of course,” said Mom. “We can enjoy the sunshine and listen to your body, too.”

Maya tossed the ball high. She chased it past the slide and near the trees. The sun made the grass sparkle, but there was only a little shade. The best shady spot was tucked behind a wide tree.

“I’ll catch it!” Maya called.

She ran faster. Soon, her face felt warm. Her shirt stuck a little to her back. She stopped and held her hands on her knees.

“I am still fine,” she said. “I just need one more catch.”

Maya tried again. The ball bounced away from her and rolled under the slide. She crawled after it, but the sunny ground felt hot on her hands.

Mom walked over. “That ball can wait. How does your body feel?”

Maya took a slow breath. “Hot. And my mouth feels dry.”

“Good noticing,” Mom said. “Let’s move to the shade and have some water.”

Maya looked at the tree. It seemed far away, even though it was only a short walk. She picked up the ball, and Mom carried the picnic blanket. Together, they went under the cool leaves.

The shade felt soft, like a quiet room. Maya sat down and took a long drink. The water was cold and fresh. She wiped her forehead with her sleeve.

“Sunshine is good for outdoor play,” Mom said. “But our bodies need breaks, shade, and water, too.”

Maya nodded. “So we can have sun time and shade time.”

“And water time,” Mom added.

Maya smiled. She drew a little sun and a big tree on the corner of the picnic paper. Then she colored the sun yellow and the tree green.

She wanted to keep playing, but now she had a plan. She would play, check how she felt, visit the shade, and drink water before she felt too hot.

Maya hugged the water bottle. The park was still bright and happy, and she felt comfortable again. What could you draw for Maya’s next sun-and-shade plan?