A Walk Around the Block

No matter where you live, opportunities for outdoor learning are everywhere. For instance, a simple walk around a city block is full of everyday moments to help children explore, observe, describe, and build upon their natural curiosity and sense of wonder. Consider these ways to naturally weave learning into children’s days: 

• On a sidewalk, you can observe ants, notice that grass growing through cracks in concrete, or closely examining a single tree (possibly noticing how it changes over the seasons).  

• Look up and notice what’s happening in the sky. Notice different cloud formations and look up their names. Invite children to find shapes in the clouds and build language skills by making up stories about what they see. 

• Gather and sort! If it’s safe to do so, collect fallen leaves or petals, twigs, and small rocks from the ground and bring them back inside to examine and sort in different ways (by size, color, texture, shape, length, and so on). 

There’s always plenty to learn outside. For instance, you can help children develop math skills by counting the wheels on a firetruck together, help them build literacy skills by identifying the letters on a stop sign, or help them build listening skills by closing their eyes and listening (how many sounds can they hear and identify? are they coming from nearby or far away?) 

As they observe plants and animals, remind children to “observe and don’t disturb” so they learn to care for and respect nature.