It's Take A Child Outside Week - What Can You Do Outdoors?

Every year Take a Child Outside Week is from September 24 to September 30.  Take a Child Outside Week was initiated to help children discover more about the world of nature.  Their web site gives anyone who works with children or has them great ways to help your children discover the outdoor world. They also provide other great resources to find other ideas.

Remember when communing with nature was the 'in' thing? Take A Child Outside Week wants to reinforce the idea that we need to take our students or children outside. When we take them outside you let them go back and learn to appreciate nature.  So take the time to share the wonders of the outdoor world with children. 

The goals of Take A Child Outside Week are to help children develop a better understanding and appreciation of their environment as well as develop an interest in exploring it.

Other things going outside does that help children:

• it helps them feel connected to the natural world
• it helps kids focus in school
• it reduces chances of obesity

One great idea you can put to use this week or any week is to take a Shape Walk.  When you go on a walk, have children look for shapes outside.  Have children point out squares, circles, rectangles and other shapes they see in nature as they walk along. 

This helps hone their observation skills and reinforce shape learning. It also enhances gross motor skills and observation skills.  Best of all taking a Shape Walk is FREE! No cost to parents or nursery schools--what more could you want? Free lessons, fresh air, sunshine, exercise, and it's HEALTHY! What could be better.