The Joy of Summer: Learning Outside
Summer always brings back good memories for me. I think about freshly cut grass, the sound of cicadas, and feeling a cool breeze on a hot day.
As an eighties baby, I remember spending hours outside. We played Red Light, Green Light, hopscotch, and other games with whatever we had around us. We moved, explored, laughed, and created our own fun.
Now, as a mother of two young children and an early childhood educator, I want children today to have those same opportunities.
Why Does Outdoor Play Matter?
Children need time to move their bodies, explore their surroundings, and take a break from screens. Outdoor play gives them opportunities to run, jump, climb, create, investigate, and use their imagination.
But outdoor learning does not have to mean simply telling children, “Go outside and play.”
We can create outdoor spaces that invite children to explore and learn.
Turn the Outdoors Into a Learning Environment
Think about your outdoor space just like you would an indoor classroom or learning area.
What can children touch?
What can they build?
What can they discover?
What will make them curious?
You might add water, sand, plants, rocks, sticks, chalk, buckets, digging tools, or other simple materials. You can also use nature itself. A tree, patch of dirt, pile of leaves, or puddle can lead to wonderful learning experiences.
And you do not need a large backyard or expensive playground to get started.
Let Children Explore
One of the best things about outdoor learning is that children can lead the way.
A child watching an ant might lead to a conversation about insects. A pile of sticks might become a house. A puddle might turn into an experiment about what sinks and floats.
Sometimes our job is simply to give children the time, space, and freedom to wonder.
That is why I created this outdoor exploration series for parents and educators. I want to share simple ways we can help children step away from screens, get outside, and experience the joy of learning through nature.
Let us get outside and explore!
