Children have fun learning outdoors. Credit: Eco Life – Permaculture
LEVEL 2
It’s healthy for children to spend time outdoors. It’s good for their physical and mental health.
They get better at:
- thinking
- moving
- creating
Children need help learning how to play outdoors.
What do you need to do?
- Stay nearby and keep the children safe.
- Let the children play on their own.
- Play with them some of the time.
- Be ready to answer questions.
What can I do with my children outdoors?
- Listen “Fun things to do with your children outdoors”
- Reading by Patty Bossort
1. Let them explore on their own.
Credit: Pixabay – zzzArt
Let your children discover things. Let them play with what they find. Encourage them to show you and ask you questions.
2. Go to a park or be together in your backyard.
Credit: Pixabay – jjhyug
Have fun. Enjoy being together outdoors.
3. Do things outdoors yourself.
Credit: Pixabay – Mojpe
Notice objects. Pick them up and look at them. Show them to your child. Be curious.
4. Look at the sky.
Credit: Pixabay – hongmyeon
Lay on a blanket with your child and look at the sky. Talk about what you see. Talk about what they see. Do this at different times of the day and night.
5. Go fishing.
Credit: Pixabay – missyliner0
Buy a fishing license. Show your child how to catch a fish.
6. Explore a pond or stream.
Credit: Pixabay – pvdv63
Bring a net, bucket, jar and a small shovel. Look for creatures in the mud and water.
7. Go for a hike.
Credit: Pixabay – Pezibear
Go for a walk in the woods with your child. Look for creatures big and small. Examine them. Try to find 10 different insects or animals or plants.
8. Go on a picnic.
Credit: Pixabay – EME
Take food with you. Enjoy eating outdoors.
9. Plant something.
Credit: Pixabay
Plant a seed or small plant. Show your child how to take care of it. Watch it grow. Grow a vegetable or fruit to eat. Grow flowers to enjoy how they look and smell.
10. Learn from each other.
Credit: Pixabay – EME
Bring their friends along. Watch them learn together.
Story written by Patty Bossort. Photos: pixabay.com