It can be a shared opinion that it is easier to leave learning activities to teachers and school time which may be something parents find easy and affective. However, children at this are continuously developing and at a more rapid rate than they will ever reach in their lives. This is why it is important to encourage learning at home as well. As parents know, it is difficult to take time out of your own schedule to plan and occupy your child for a decent period of time. However, taking the learning outdoors can combine home style activities and keep your child entertained. Here are some tips from a sixth form in Kent on 5 outdoor learning activities for children.
- Playing in mud. Mud is one of the most exciting outdoor activities your child can take part in, and can be enjoyed in different weather conditions. Mud actually has many harmless bacteria’s that offer health benefits. It stimulates the immune system and can increase levels of serotonin. Add water and make mud pies or start a project and create a mud kitchen to get messy in. They can find natural ingredients in the garden and make their own recipes. Give them some tools and allow them to just explore the feel of the mud on their skin.
- Start gardening. Bring out those old seeds from the back of your cupboard and bring them to life by planting them in the garden. This can be done in large plots of soil or in pots. This is a long-term activity as your child can record the growth of the plant and make drawings of what they see. It can also be a responsibility given to them to water the plants regularly and keep the area where its growing free of weeds.
- Art. Take the art lessons outdoors and use natural materials in the garden. This can be flowers, leaves, grass, twigs and even stones. Make a collage of outdoor art and watch your child’s imagination and creativity flow.
- Observe animals. In your garden, you’ll easily find different types of insects and animals, particularly birds. Get comfy in the garden with some snacks and a blanket to sit down and get your child to observe the different species of bird they see. Get them to write down or find names of them and help them do some research to build their knowledge further.
- Water play. Definitely the most appealing to your child and allows them to do what they can’t do inside which is to get soggy and messy with water. Your child will definitely be asking to do this again.
If you have any tips you would like to share about playing outdoors, please leave us an outdoors message in the comments below.
*collaborative post
About Debz Louise
Debz Louise is a UK-based lifestyle expert and the founder of several lifestyle blogs. Specialising in everything from interior design and home renovation to body-positive fashion and parenting, Debz brings a wealth of hands-on experience to every guide. Her mission at Stereotude is to simplify the modern world for her readers through expert curation and fiercely honest advice.