Spring is a great time to use the Outdoors as a classroom. Sensory experiences are in full bloom with trees budding and flowers emerging. Large motor skills which are so crucial in today’s high tech computer focused world can be developed by visiting the local playground, taking a nature walk or going for a bike ride. It is also good time to appreciate nature and to discuss ideas for how we can save our earth by taking care of the environment.
Don’t forget to dig for worms on one of those rainy spring mornings, it will not only enhance the fine motor skills children need for writing but will be a wonderful science lesson. Did you know Charles Darwin spent 39 years studying earthworms more than 100 years ago? We always hear they are good for our gardens but do you know why? Worms tunnel deeply in the soil and bring subsoil closer to the surface mixing it with the topsoil. Slime, a secretion of earthworms, contains nitrogen. Nitrogen is an important nutrient for plants. So there you have a science lesson for your child.
If you are not the type to dig for worms just take a picnic lunch and a blanket in the back yard and lie down and talk about the different types of clouds and weather patterns. Here is a kid’s site to review the different types of clouds before you venture out http://eo.ucar.edu/webweather/cloud3.html.
Don’t forget those hand eye coordination activities of throwing and catching! You may be developing a future Olympian! There are so many ways children can learn as you create an “Outdoor Classroom.”
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