When we explore our surroundings, making intentional observations, we begin to see how we all impact one another whether we are human, animal, or plant. We start making connections, which leads to compassion and understanding.
Children don't usually need a reason to explore and discover. They are naturally curious and inquisitive. These lessons will cover the numerous benefits of being in nature and offer some advice on how to get the most out of the experience.
Check out these articles, tips, and activities below!
Lesson 1: Health Benefits of the Outdoors
Being out in nature has numerous physical, mental, and emotional health benefits. Exploring the outdoors leads to more movement, clearer minds, and improved cognitive abilities. Numerous studies have been done demonstrating the benefits of nature on one’s health. Some physicians have even begun prescribing “park time” as part of a treatment plan. Read more about ParkRX and the health benefits of nature here:
For more on how nature can improve a child’s physical and mental health, watch this video:
Lesson 2: Getting the Most Out of Nature Excursions
The best way to experience nature is by limiting your distractions and focusing on the moment. Put away those smart phones! A good place to begin is by asking questions and pondering what you notice. What do you hear? What’s in the sky? What might be below the surface of the earth? What do you smell?
One of our favorite ways to encourage outdoor exploration is to make it into a game! Just like the Bird Bingo Game, this Nature Scavenger Hunt encourages your kids to make those observations and connections without them even realizing it! Print this one off or make one of your own for a friend to find.
Another activity that will help you or your child make and record nature observations is through nature journaling. See the Activity below to learn how to nature journal.
Explore one new place! Make observations, journal about your experience, draw pictures, or simply enjoy being in the moment. If you have a GSLA Fledglings Club passport from a club meetup, record your experience in your book.
Activity: Nature Journaling
Nature journaling is a process of recording your observations, questions, and descriptions of the nature you see around you. This can be done through writing, drawing, or even painting. Nature journaling is a great way to experience the outdoors. It’s easy, can be done from anywhere, and can be done in any way you like. Here’s how you do it!
Step 1. Gather materials
All you need to journal is a paper and pencil, but if you like to do it often it could be fun to keep a notebook or sketchbook handy for your explorations. Some papers hold up to markers and watercolor paints better than others, so find the notebook that meets your individual needs.
If you like to write, take along your favorite pen or pencil. If you like to color, be sure to grab your favorite coloring or painting supplies.
Step 2. Pick a spot
You don’t have to go outside to nature journal, but we certainly encourage you to! Find a comfortable spot near a window in your house, in your yard or garden, or anywhere else you happen to be. You’ll want a relatively quiet spot with several plants or animals, and without too many distractions.
Step 3. Watch
Take a few minutes to simply observe your surroundings. Close your eyes. Look up. Look down. Touch the ground. Smell a flower.
Ask yourself questions as you look around. What do you hear? What plants or animals do you recognize? Which ones are unfamiliar to you? Are any interacting with each other? Do you see signs of the season or weather?
Step 4. Record
If you would like, write the date and where you are. Record your observations in your journal. Write about what your senses are picking up. Draw a picture of what you see. Pick a nearby plant and try to match the colors with your paints.
The more often you nature journal, the more connections you will notice. You may see how a certain plant changes from one week to another. You may notice a new bird visiting your yard that wasn’t there a week ago. You may realize you have a favorite flower and decide plant one in your own yard. It’s impossible to number the potential discoveries you may make during your nature journaling adventures.