Nature Play and Outdoor Fun With Simple Activities For Children
I remember how much I enjoyed the outdoors as a child. I climbed trees to pick apples and cherries, tried to catch butterflies, collected different shaped leaves and loved getting dirty in the mud.
My dad and I used to go near the forest, just before dawn, to see the deers come out to feed on grass. We would just sit there quietly and wait. I remember how much I loved those quiet moments observing the animals. It’s something I enjoyed doing with my dad, this was our special time together. Now, it is a fond memory that I cherish for life.
Today, TV, video games and internet seem to be more entertaining and exciting for kids than outdoor play. A lot of kids today suffer from “nature-deficit disorder”. Since kids do what we do, we need to get off the couch and get them excited about the wonders of nature.
It’s never too late!
SafBaby Book Review: “I love dirt!”
“I love dirt! 52 activities to help you & your kids discover the wonders of nature” by Jennifer Ward, an award winning author of wildly fun books for children, offers simple activity ideas in Nature.
Jennifer Ward offers wonderful easy activity ideas for all four seasons, which stimulate imagination, creative play, relaxation, curiosity and appreciation for plant and animal life too.
This is a great book where parents will find plenty of encouragement to enjoy nature. Even if you think you have enough ideas, this book is sure to keep you engaged all throughout the year! A wealth of natural fun!
A Special Activity In Nature To Enjoy With Children
Jennifer Ward offered to share one special activity from her book with our readers. It was not easy to pick just one, because we love them all. Below is an excerpt from “I love dirt!”:
A Thinking Place
Everyone needs to have some downtime in a quiet place where they’re not interrupted-even kids. Or especially kids. It’s healthy to provide your child with her own space to simply reflect, think, imagine, wonder, and be alone. Quiet time, without television, video games, or other stimulation, promotes thinking and relaxation, and it allows children to sort through their thoughts and feel calm.
Find the ideal outdoor thinking place with your child, and designate it as such. You might give it your own special name: the quiet Spot, the Thinking Space, My Own Place.
Maybe it’s at the base of an old tree, a spot on a porch that offers a view of the sky, or next to a window where you can be inside and look out. Spend time testing out and selecting your special space, just as you would spend time selecting other things that are important to you. Practice sitting in it and thinking in it. Practice being with it.
Once your child has selected the perfect spot in nature, one that’s serene and safe, allow her to use it as she sees fit. Give her the gift of time to simply sit - without interruptions and noise - and enjoy solitude. Place a chair or bench there, or provide access to a blanket or towel. Let your child know that the space is hers to use whenever she feels the need.
Thanks for sharing Jennifer!
Jennifer Ward’s Book is available at our Amazon Affiliate Store for $ 10.36. You can order it here.
Tell Us Your Favorite Outdoor Activity And Win
Safbaby.com will pick the winner on September 1st with the comment that best inspires others to get out of the “nature-deficit disorder”. We love honoring your inspiration and can’t wait to hear your favorite ways to play in nature with baby and child. THE WINNER IS… Cathy’s mom “When my daughter and I are at the park, we collect leaves, rocks, flowers etc. and she arranges them by shapes, colors and textures. It’s her favorite thing to do when we’re outdoors.” |
Recommended Links:
- Author Jennifer Ward’s Personal Website at JenniferWardsBooks.com
- National Wildlife Federation’s “Green Hour“
Switch off your TV, get the hiking shoes and safe bug repellent and discover the beauty of nature with your children!
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July 29th, 2008 at 1:09 am
I like to sit on the beach with my little girl and ask if she can hear the ocean. “Doesn’t that sound nice?” I ask her. “Um Hum,” she replies softly.
July 30th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
When my daughter and I are at the park, we collect leaves, rocks, flowers etc. and she arranges them by shapes, colors and textures. It’s her favorite thing to do when we’re outdoors.
July 30th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Sounds like a great book, I just put it on hold at the library, thanks. I just found another fun nature resource too, “fundanas” fatbraintoys.com sells them and atoygarden.com too, you might want to do a write up these, they look like fun!
August 16th, 2008 at 1:26 am
We actually put our family tent up in our fenced backyard and have a few camp out a few times in the summer and fall. We do the s’mores, firepit, tell scary stories, etc.
August 16th, 2008 at 6:32 am
I wasn’t raised with nature, so it is really exciting that my children are so interested in being outdoors. My four year old daughter, especially, loves the garden and bugs!