Nature and Outdoor Learning
Learning opportunities in the natural world
Benefits of Outdoor Learning
Outdoor play and nature exploration support children's physical, cognitive, and emotional development. It helps build gross motor skills, reduces stress, enhances creativity, and fosters a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world.
Outdoor Activity Library
Nature Sensory Bag
Age: 0-12 months | Time: 5-10 minutes | Materials: Ziplock bag, water, small nature items (leaves, flowers, pebbles)
What to do: Fill a ziplock bag with water and add small nature items. Seal it tightly and let your baby explore the bag with their hands. Describe what they see: "Look at the red flower floating in the water!"
Why it works: Provides sensory stimulation while keeping baby safe from small items. Introduces them to natural textures and objects.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Age: 2-5 years | Time: 15-20 minutes | Materials: Paper (optional), crayon (optional)
What to do: Create a simple scavenger hunt list (or just verbalize): "Find something green, something smooth, something that makes a sound when you shake it." Let your child explore the outdoors to find these items. They can collect them or just point them out.
Why it works: Builds observation skills, vocabulary, and connection to nature. Encourages movement and curiosity.
Sidewalk Chalk Art
Age: 18-5 years | Time: 10-20 minutes | Materials: Sidewalk chalk
What to do: Draw shapes, letters, or pictures on the sidewalk with your child. For younger toddlers, draw large circles and let them walk on them: "Let's walk on the red circle!" For older children, play hopscotch or draw a city map.
Why it works: Develops fine motor skills, creativity, and early literacy/math skills. Provides gross motor practice if playing movement games.
Cloud Watching
Age: 1-5 years | Time: 5-10 minutes | Materials: None
What to do: Lie down on a blanket outside and watch the clouds. Ask your child what shapes they see: "That cloud looks like a dog! What do you see?"
Why it works: Encourages imagination, observation skills, and relaxation. It's a simple way to connect with nature.
Garden Exploration
Age: 2-5 years | Time: 15-20 minutes | Materials: Trowel (optional), small bucket (optional)
What to do: Let your child help water plants, dig in soil, or pick flowers (if allowed). Talk about what you see: "Look at the tiny ant crawling on the leaf! What do you think it's carrying?"
Why it works: Teaches about plant life cycles, insects, and the environment. Develops responsibility and fine motor skills.