It’s easy for kids to read books about wildflowers and birds. But children can tap into an entirely new level of learning given some simple tools and the opportunity to connect with nature. Here are a few ideas for creating a nature backpack to encourage your little explorer outdoors.
1. Start by helping your child identify a safe place to explore outdoors but where they can feel truly autonomous to discover and amble.
2. Grab a child-sized backpack preferably one with outside pockets and pouches.
3. You can fill it with a variety of tools to aide their exploration and experimentation.
Pocket Magnifier
Binoculars
Compass
Flashlight
Clear plastic zipper bags for collecting things
Plastic container (like a small margarine tub) for holding bugs and other small creatures. Please remember to always release them back into nature!
Plant press
Camera
Small Shovel or trowel
A journal & A pencil, pen, and colored pencils
A pocket field guide for birds, trees, insects, or anything else that interests your family.
Water and snacks
Bird calls
Now, it's time to hit the trail in search of a perfect spot to explore and observe the natural world. Need some inspiration? Here are a list of writing prompts and activities to jumpstart your child's adventure. Give her one or more, and let her loose!
Sensory Free Write: Make a list of everything you can see, hear, smell, taste, or feel.
20 Questions: Write 20 questions that come to your mind about the area you are in.
Macro Sketch: Make a drawing of the landscape around you, including as many details as possible.
Micro Sketch: Make a drawing of a single thing near you, including as many details as possible.
Map It: Make a map of the area in which you are sitting-- use symbols and make a legend.
Collection: Collect non-living items from the area that have something in common. Write about them.
Journal Entry: Describe one animal (or plant, or tree) that you can see from your spot. Now describe what you imagine that animal or thing will do for the next hour, day, or week.
Weather Report: Describe the weather. Use as many different verbs and adjectives as possible.