Outdoor Play in Every Way 

Together with your child, watch this video in which Abby and Oscar share a moment of messy, joyful exploration and learning. After a rainstorm, Abby, who’s dressed for the mess, delights in looking at a bright green leaf, a shiny wet pebble, and a flower with tiny droplets on its petals. She notices the sound of raindrops falling off the trees and into the puddles and the squishy mud under her boots. Oscar, of course, loves the mess… and so does Abby.  

Being in nature together with your child can be a delightful bonding and learning experience! Next time you’re outside together after it rains, remind children how Oscar and Abby used their senses in the video, and talk together about what you each see, hear, and feel.  

There are so many ways children can experience nature. They might play alone or together, quietly or loudly, in an organized way or without any structure at all. Children may be very physically active (like playing on a playground) or still (like lying in grass and relaxing). And, of course, it can be muddy and messy! Each way has its own benefits, and each offers children the opportunity to practice the skills of noticing, observing, wondering, discovering, and using their senses.