The Beauty in Nature and The Change in Seasons

         Natural beauty can be seen everywhere. White fluffy clouds float above the playground, a spider’s web flutters in a gentle wind, the moon sometimes graces the day sky, and flowers shoot up in a nearby garden.

Short nature walks give children a chance to observe the wonders of our natural world.           At school, we plan nature walks to listen for environment sounds or to look at insects. We also take advantage of everyday opportunities such as exploring puddles after a rain shower, capturing snowflakes during the first snow fall, or playing with streamers outside during a strong wind.

          Catching fireflies, smelling honeysuckle, or tossing stones into a creek can be aesthetic, relaxing experiences for kids and adults alike. Noticing nature’s wonders helps children become more observant and respectful of the world around them, helps build there vocabulary as they hear adults describe what they see, and encourages drawing and painting to document their observations.

            From time to time, draw children’s attention to things they may not notice. Point out different rocks. Collect different leaves of various kinds. Discuss the similarities and differences in flowers. (Children may be tempted to pick flowers, but be careful that they take only common ones-not rare species.) Talk about what the squirrels eat or where the robin lives. Enjoy the changes of the seasons together.

            The leaves are changing colors very quickly at this time of year so now is the perfect time to draw their attention to this. Go for walks on the walking trails by your house, or be adventurous and drive up the canyons and go for a walk and talk to your children about the wonderful things you see around you. Look high and look low, look eye level and look behind you, and if you listen real quietly you might even hear a few new things. Make it an adventure and you will make wonderful new memories you and you child/children will gather together forever.  

            Parents can further stimulate a child’s interest-say, in stars or snakes- through library visits. Field guides are available on a wide range of subjects (insects, wildflowers, mammals, trees, and so forth).

            Keep specimens, drawings, magazine pictures, photos, stickers, and summaries of your child’s special experiences in a scrapbook. A theme may be carried throughout the book, but young naturalists should be allowed to put in anything that strikes their fancy.

            One discovery leads to another. We adults have much to learn from the natural curiosity of children.

 

Talk about what you find

Make it an ADVENTURE!

Let them explore.