Three Tips for Engaging Kids Outside Your Front Door
When you look out at your yard, playground, park or any green space, have you ever asked your children, "What do you see?" It's not uncommon to hear responses like "Grass, and mulch" from school age children observing their playground or other outdoor spaces. But with a simple tool like a 3-6 ft piece of string, a hula hoop, or any border-making object, you can help them focus more deeply and transform their perspective.
Tip 1: Is it really just grass? Exploring Plant Diversity
Find an area of lawn and lay out the hula hoop or string in a closed circle and have the children gather around. Challenge them to find as many different types of plants as they can within the circle. It's ok to compete or work in teams. Unless you’re gathered in an extremely well-manicured lawn, you will likely find turf grass mixed with other broad-leaved plants and a few bare spots. Prompt them with questions like: How are the plants different? How are they the same? What do you think they looked like last week? How might they be different next week? How did these plants get here? Encourage them to observe details such as flowers, leaves, and shades of green. To integrate a bit of math, youth can order the leaves from largest to smallest, thickest to thinnest and darkest to lightest color. And don't forget to keep an eye out for insects and small critters that may call the area home!
Tip 2: Nighttime Discoveries
Extend the adventure by revisiting the same spot at night. Notice how the environment transforms under the moonlight or flashlight. Does it look different? Encourage your kids to share their observations and discuss any critters or changes they notice, such as flowers that were open during the day may be closed at night. It's a fantastic opportunity to spark their curiosity and deepen their connection with nature. What questions and answers do they have?
Tip 3: Foster Lifelong Curiosity
These outdoor explorations are just the beginning! By routinely engaging children with the natural world from an early age, we cultivate a sense of wonder and curiosity that can last a lifetime. Encourage their questions, nurture their enthusiasm, and keep the adventure going beyond your front door. Let go of the desire to have to have correct ‘answers’. Honoring their discoveries and stimulating discussions will build their knowledge base rapidly.
Remember, the intricacies of nature are all around us, waiting to be explored. Take the first step by engaging your children with these simple yet impactful activities. Watch their eyes light up as they discover the magic outside their front door!
If you want to delve further into inspiring activities and resources for outdoor exploration with your kids, be sure to check out our website www.drcindysmith.com. We're dedicated to helping families connect with nature and create lifelong memories.
Let's embark on this incredible journey of discovery together! Get ready to witness the awe and excitement as your children explore the wonders that lie just outside your front door.
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As always, please let us know how we can help you and your family discover low-stress, intriguing adventures in nature.
Warmly,
Dr. Cindy Smith
Nature Everyday™