Nature learning has emerged from the growth of homeschooling as a whole. At first glance it can be hard to see the depth of knowledge and value that this style of learning can offer. This is especially true if your family doesn't place much value or desire being outdoors. But whole curriculums have been created that teach ALL the subjects. Like these exist guys! And they can completely shape the dynamic of your family.

Being out in nature doesn't seem to be the norm anymore. But I say this as a city person. With the rise of electronics and lack of access for some to be outside, a lot of us need to relearn how to do just be outdoors. Kids who grow up in rural or country settings probably aren't having the same experience. 

Outdoor play and learning help:

• Your child understands their bodies more, they are engaging in significantly more vigorous activity.
• It helps immensely with their eye development. recent research is showing that more and more kids are dealing with near sightedness.
• It helps kids learn to socialize better. Studies are showing kids are growing their social- emotional intelligence. Being in nature levels the playing field between children.
• Kids engage in more risky play. This is so important in learning where their limits and informs their imaginative play.

There are vast benefits to having our children play and learn outside. Even if you just have your kids go outside for unstructured play, there is immense learning and connection that is going to happen. And with these curriculums taking the classroom outdoors, it's hard to ignore the benefits that will come.  

For curriculums and nature led activity ideas go to this page here on the website.

If using a nature curriculum just seems like too much and you need much smaller steps to start learning outdoors, here are some suggestions:

• Take a book outside to read aloud while your children play. Even if they are just playing on the sidewalk. You guys don't have to have grass to be outside.
• Buy a cool nature book with vibrant colors to capture your child's attention. (We did that with a neat bird book Samue got. He even took the book to Walmart to pick out bird seed.)
• Go to a park to play. If you can find a park that also has a creek, this would be ideal. Don't be nervous if you don't see others playing in the creek. Unless there are specific signs up saying no trespassing, you guys are allowed to be there. (Also, as a side note, your kids shoes ARE washable. Don't let having shoes ON stop your kids from playing in nature. See picture above.)
• Let your kids play in the dirt piles they see. (Lol unless it's an ant hill of course.) But playing in the dirt is going to make a HUGE spark in their imagination and curiosity. 

​What do you think? What are your families' favorite things to do outside? We actually went and bought some creek toys so the boys could have their own things to play with. It should really level up their play time! 

Lori
To Know God and to make Him Known

Kids Nature Book Recommendations:

* These are affiliate links but do not add any extra cost to you!*

Check out these books! Every one of these authors also have done interviews about their books over at the 1000 Hours Outside Podcast. I HIGHLY recommend going and listening to what they and Ginny have to say!

Book 1
Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and more Secure Kids by Kim John Payne

Book 2
Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Sef-Reliant, and Better Students for Life by Peter Gray

Book 3
Barefoot and Balanced: How Unrestricted Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children by Angela Hanscom

Book 4
Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans by Michaeleen Doucleff

Have you read any of these books yet?? 

**This post contains affiliate links. They send you straight to Amazon though so there is NO extra cost to you!**

​Lori