Did you know that spending time outdoors can be good for your brain? Research suggests that outdoor exploration helps children (and adults!) stay engaged with learning, think critically, and develop science and math skills. Immersing yourself in nature can also help improve your mental and physical well-being.

Here are a few ways to get the most out of nature-based learning:

Observe and Ask Questions

Letting your children explore their surroundings is one of the best ways to get them engaged in learning. Make sure to ask plenty of questions and encourage your children to do the same. Asking why things happen is a great way to foster their curiosity and knowledge.

Tracking and Recording

Bring along a notebook and camera on your adventures. Encourage your children to keep track of the things they observe and document their findings. They can record their observations in words, draw pictures, take photos, or whatever they can think of!

Experiment and Engage

Exploring nature outdoors is a great way to practice hands-on experiments. Help your children build forts, create trails, and play games in the outdoors. Not only will they have lots of fun, but they’ll also be learning valuable skills like problem-solving, innovation, and collaboration.

Safety First

Make sure to set safety guidelines prior to going outside and be sure to stay in a safe and contained area.

Conclusion

Doing activities in nature can help boost your creativity and can be an educational experience for the whole family. Learning through outdoor exploration is a great way to stay engaged with learning and improve problem-solving and critical thinking skills. With the right expectations and safety measures in place, you and your children can learn and interact with nature in an enjoyable and productive way.