There is no better tool than nature for learning and exploring! Each change of season opens new opportunities to get curious to children of all ages—especially for our littlest explorers who are learning about the world hands-on.
Here are some simple activities or prompts to try with your child to foster their curiosity and imagination:
- Nature’s Loose Parts: Loose parts refer to materials that can be used for open-ended play—which means they have more than one use or function! When we think about natural loose parts, we think of items such as fallen leaves and pinecones. Collect these items with your child to count, sort by size or color, or even use to create amazing works of art!
- Observation: Whether you’re indoors looking out or getting ready to head out the door, there is much to see. Offer your own thoughts with your child and prompt them to think of what they are seeing or feeling. Are there leaves on the ground or blowing in the wind? What clothes are we wearing to get ready to be outside?
- Read and Connect: On your next visit to the library, select books about the season changes! Whether you read or flip through the pictures together, this is a great way for children to build real world connections from their own observations and experiences.
Have fun and get curious!
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