Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Nature Walk

Experiencing nature through the eyes of your child can be an enlightening and wonderful adventure, especially during the Fall season.

The perspective of nature from their height grants you a rare opportunity for you to talk with them about the changing season, to introduce the idea of the senses, a chance to communicate with your child, and a time for learning.

While you walk along with your child ask them questions about what they are seeing, smelling, hearing and feeling. Get your child to discuss the objects they have found during your walk together. Take this chance to also talk about recycling and the need for all of us to make a difference for our planet and the negative effects it has in your community and to the animals in their natural habitat.

For the older kids you might want to have a prepared list, with pictures, of different birds they can spot, or of different types of flowers. Give them binoculars too!

The day doesn't have to end after your walk. Enjoy a picnic, take your "finds" home and create an art project or start a recycling center.

Most of all enjoy the time with your child, the fresh air and the moment you are creating together.

Planning Your Walk

Pick a place of destination:
The Lake
The Hills
The Park
The Beach
The Woods
The Back Yard
The Neighborhood
The Botanical Gardens

Items to bring:
Map
Money
Binoculars
Cell Phone
A Rain Coat
A Backpack
A Plastic Bag
A Bottle of Water
A Magnifying Glass
A Snack or Light Lunch

Projects:
Leaf Prints
A Nature Collage
Draw a Picture of Nature
Start a Recycling Center at Home
Glue Acorns around the base of a Candle
Paint, Glitter Pine Cones into Ornaments or Wreath

No comments: