By Melissa Muir of Melissa Is Teaching
While we might love the idea of homeschooling in the forest and raising chickens on our hobby farms, it’s not a reality for all of us. That said, if you're like me, finding ways to work in the natural world in the hustle and bustle of a city can feel like a challenge.
No worries: I've got five simple ideas to help you and your kids dive into the wonders of nature without leaving your block!
1. Nature Bracelets:
Let's kick things off with a super simple and tactile activity: nature bracelets! All you need is a length of masking tape wrapped around your kiddo's wrist with the sticky side out. Then, let them go wild, sticking whatever treasures they find during your outdoor adventure.
From blades of grass to flower petals you’ll be amazing at what they find. Every tiny discovery becomes a beautiful addition to their wearable masterpiece!
2. Graphing Growth:
Who says math can't be an outdoor adventure? Your elementary-aged kiddos can pick out 3-5 different types of plants or trees that grow in your area and head out on a nature walk.
Count how many of each you spot along the way. When you get back home, create a bar graph to track your findings. It's a fantastic way to blend nature exploration with a bit of STEM learning!
3. Write What You See:
Encourage your explorer to express themselves by writing down their observations during your time outdoors. Whether it's a squirrel darting across the park or the way the tree branches move in the breeze, give them the freedom to jot down whatever they’d like.
Listen closely to what catches their eye. It might surprise you!
4. Construction Zone:
It’s creative problem solving time! Challenge your little builder to construct something they can fit into using natural materials found in the cityscape.
Whether it's a cozy twig teepee or a leafy fort, the possibilities are as endless as their imagination.
Remember to check for any safety issues as they grab their raw materials, and then set them free to craft their architectural masterpiece!
5. Five Senses Sampler:
Prepare for a sensory search with this five senses sampler challenge! Grab some paper plates, baskets, or reusable containers and label each one with a different sense.
Then, choose a scavenger hunt destination to fill each container with items that can be explored using that sense.
Pre-readers might benefit from a picture drawn on each container (e.g. a nose for “smell”) Just remember to take care when it comes to taste-testing!
Conclusion
So there you have it, five easy ways to experience nature right in the heart of the city without much preparation! These simple activities can help our kiddos lift up their eyes from the concrete and enjoy what’s growing even in the busiest urban area.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your household items and let's go make some memories!
