Outdoors

Children learn from all of the environments around them. Learning from nature is important to develop critical thinking skills and expand the mind, even in the youngest child.

Take your baby outside and name the things you notice her looking at. Give her time to watch until her interest shifts. Notice how intently she studies before her gaze shifts to something else.

Look at your outdoor surroundings through your child’s eyes. Everything is an interesting learning experience. Could your child be wondering why ants crawl in long lines; what are birds saying to each other; why is it so hot on the driveway but not on the grass; why do mosquitoes like to bite us so much?

Encourage your child to help with outside chores by providing child-size garden tools, a broom and a rake, and a watering can.

Allow your child to collect things such as small rocks, acorns, leaves and other natural things that are fascinating to them. Provide small boxes or containers for their treasures.

Provide child-size binoculars for watching the birds.