Let’s Learn Outdoors!
Here are some activities that teach children about the great outdoors…
Play outdoor games. Games like “I Spy” and “Treasure Hunt” can teach kids a lot while they’re having fun.
Take a hike. Kids love to hunt for twigs, leaves, rocks, and other things that are on the ground. When you get back home, put these “treasures” out where they can be seen by family and friends.
What’s growing? Are there trees in the area? What animals live in trees? Why do we need trees?
Look for patterns. When kids find pine cones, yucca pods, cactus fruit, or flowers, ask if they see any patterns in these seeds, fruits, or flowers.
How do seeds get around? Learn how seeds travel by putting on a pair of socks over a child’s shoes and walking in a small area outdoors. It doesn’t take long for socks to collect seeds! Socks are like fur on animals – carrying seeds around from one place to another.
Take “color walks.” As seasons change there are lots of changes outdoors. Why do plants change color?
Take note of sounds and shapes. While outdoors, ask your kids to walk quietly and try to name the sounds they hear and the shapes they see.
Take a “touch walk.” Have your child touch different safe things: rough tree bark, smooth leaves, wet grass, dirt, and rocks. Why do they feel different?