In my other life, I’m an outdoor educator at a local nature center. This summer, I’m inviting you on a journey into my world – the world of science and nature education. From activity ideas to crafts to books and curriculum, we’ll explore ideas that will inspire you to engage in real life, hands-on science education outdoors.
But before we start, let’s take a look at the reasons why children should learn outside.
Nature provides challenges that are different than the challenges children will encounter in other contexts. In a playground, children certainly encounter physical challenges. However, these challenges are prescribed by the play equipment to a large degree. In nature, children can climb, jump, wade, and do all of this to the extent that they feel comfortable.
Nature is always changing. Unlike toys that do not change throughout the years (aside from getting a little dirtier!), natural places change. In the autumn, leaves fall. In the spring, animals make nests. Nature is full of changes that children can learn from.
Nature is complex. It provides so many opportunities for budding scientists, artists, and poets because it is more complex than people can catalogue. Children naturally want to experiment. Is this what a snail needs to live? How do I describe the beauty of that tree?
Nature provides huge opportunities for imaginative play. Cones become pieces of bread, needles become beds for dolls, trees and stumps become places to hide. Nature asks children to use their imaginations instead of having play prescribed by what the toy does.
Nature inspires awe, wonder and peace. What a better thing to teach your children than to find a place where they can find comfort throughout their childhood and adulthood? A forest or a creek is a very forgiving place and a quiet, peaceful sanctuary.
Welcome to our summer journey into the world of learning outdoors!