This past Fall, I wrote an article for Play Outdoors Magazine about STEM and the outdoors. I stressed the importance of drawing correlations between everyday life and nature, taking STEM out of the classroom and into nature. I love making STEM a priority when taking my own kids out – and the best part is they don’t even realize it!
Here’s a few things to try next time you’re out:
Love puddles?
This is the best time to let your little ones splash and jump, so get them to throw big rocks, little rocks and even see if a leaf will sink or float!
Build! Climb! Throw! Squeeze!
You’ll love seeing the structures your kids come up with. Use sticks, rocks, anything your kids find! Check out the shapes and colours – even sort them out in patterns.
Creepy crawlies
These might give you the willies, but most kids love the icky little bugs. Inspect their homes (be careful not to destroy them) and talk about how they survive; climate, food etc.
So, let your kids take the lead! Follow them around nature, not the other way around. Take your time and.. make sure to bring lots of wipes 😉
Play. challenge. grow 