Get Outside!
ask an expert: educational gamescanada
(Sep.14.10)
Use the outdoors as a learning tool with these educational ideas.
I'm always trying to come up with new ways to get my kids outside. Do you know of any educational games I can play with them?
Heather K. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca, and Gradale Academy Director, Michelle Gradish answered:
Parents are challenged to keep their kids occupied in healthy and meaningful ways. They are always trying to keep them away from watching television or playing video games all day.
As a parent of two young boys and as an educator, I find the same challenge in and out of the classroom. Here are some helpful hints on how to get your children outside having fun. They may not realize it, but while they are having fun they're actually learning too.
We play games on a daily basis to help children be part of the outdoors and still learn a little something in the process. Here are some examples you can try at home:
- A scavenger hunt is always an exciting way for children to explore under the guise of looking for treasure. Make it themed around nature such as: finding three maple keys, pine cones, or naming three flowers you saw. Emphasize that they shouldn't pick or disturb living plants in the process and only pick up fallen items. You may even want to collect some items first and hide them in your yard or a nearby park for more adventure.
- Go for a walk and have your children find or think of five things that represent nature to them. (Example; a butterfly, trees, grass, frog etc.). It is amazing what they will come up with while strolling outdoors versus having this discussion in sight of a screen of some sort. Parents can elaborate on one particular item that may be of interest such as the frog. You can talk about how it became a frog and where it started its growth cycle.
- Go to your local hiking trail or park. Have your child find as many different shaped leaves as possible (perhaps even bring along a scrap book or envelope for later study or crafts). Match the leaves to the tree. Parents can use this time to explain the different types of trees that grow in Canada (or in your particular area). Explain what happens to each tree throughout the seasons. This can then lead to discussions about the four seasons and all the changes in nature.
It is now accepted that frequent outdoor activity and exposure produces more creativity in children. Not only do they expel energy in a healthy way, but children get in touch with nature and further their understanding of their environment. They relate to nature and comprehend more about our part in the natural world.
Getting outdoors is not only good for your children, but, it is good for the whole family. I am always amazed at how different and engaging my conversations are with both my students and my own children.
Michelle Gradish is Director and Senior Kindergarten teacher at Gradale Academy in Toronto.
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