Hello A. T.
I don't think you need to rely on flash cards to promote learning. When planning your summer with your daughter I think you are on the right track with some activities which involve large motor skills (i.e. swimming and going to the playground)and some activities which involve small motor skills (i.e. crafts, stringing macaroni necklaces,playing with non-hardening modeling clay or simple cooking/baking activities).
Also read to your daughter everyday. When you read use your finger to point to the words so your child can hear the word and see it in print. When there is a simple word like "cat" then point to the word and then point to the picture as you say the word. Children need to know that words have 3 parts: what it looks like, what it sounds like and what it means. When you read a story, ask your child simple comprehension questions so she can interact and respond to questions of "who, what, where, when, why, and how."
A 2 year-old usually loves discovery so trips to the zoo or aquarium or greenhouse are great. Your child's brain is like a sponge so the more she can discover about the world and how it works, the better. Less structured time is also good to foster skills of imagination and self-regulation with other kids. This is a time to fine-tune social skills such as sharing and manners and conflict resolution.
Remember that teaching your child to help you with simple cleaning tasks around the house is good for the brain because it teaches sequence and order. We love the Pledge Wipes for wood, Clorox Surface Wipes, Swiffer Floor Mop around here! You can sort laundry together and fold towels and match up socks because it is a life skill. Trust me that your daughter wants to be near you and when you praise her for a job well done she will beam! Also, you are going to have a new baby soon so this one-on-one is special no matter what you are doing.
I know that you and your daughter will make wonderful memories so take photos of all the activities and make a simple photo album together of the summer of 2009!
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