The Nature Prescription
The call of the great outdoors offers children adventures every day and a connection to something much bigger than themselves. If you're a parent pondering how to nurture this love of nature in your children, you're not alone.
Today's tech-centric world can make the desire to unplug and appreciate the environment more challenging, but also more vital. Research shows that it is important to get out into nature everyday. Nature has the power to boost our moods, destress us, and make us kinder.
But, loving nature is more than a state of mind; it's a lifestyle.
It is a process to ensure that the way you live aligns with the lessons you hope to impart. Here are some simple ways to reconnect and prioritize nature this spring. Show your children, by example, the simple pleasures of the great outdoors.
With gratitude,
– MiaLisa Millares, Executive Director
ACTIONS
Go for a Hike
A simple hike can lead to profound experiences. Choose routes that are safe for children, and plan for frequent stops to examine plants, insects, rocks, and wildlife. Make it a learning expedition by bringing guidebooks, and encourage kids to identify the flora and fauna they encounter. But, remember, it's not just about the destination; the hike itself is an opportunity for discovery and adventure.
Enjoy Free Outdoor Events and Activities
Many communities offer free outdoor events that can introduce your child to the wonders of nature. Look for nature centers that host educational programs, local arboretums, or parks that organize family-friendly events, and consider participating in bird watching groups or stargazing nights.
Do a Nature Scavenger Hunt
A nature scavenger hunt is a fantastic way to make a walk in the woods lively and engaging. Create a list of items to find, from specific plants to types of leaves, and give each child a bag to collect their treasures. This game not only hones their observation skills but also encourages a respect for the environment as they practice 'leave no trace' principles. Check out our FREE nature scavenger hunt printable for some easy family fun!
Create a Nature Journal
A nature journal is a keepsake that captures the beauty of your child's outdoor adventures. Encourage them to draw and write about their experiences, and offer prompts to reflect on the changing seasons and how they affect the environment. Over time, their journal becomes a story of growth and discovery. Become a DGT Family member to access our nature-exclusive packet complete with a nature journal!
Plant Something
There's nothing quite like growing a plant from a seed and witnessing the miracle of life. Whether you have a garden or just a pot on the windowsill, involve your children in the process of planting, nurturing, and observing the growth of a plant. This hands-on experience deepens their appreciation for the natural world and their role in its preservation.
Volunteer Outdoors
Volunteering as a family connects kids with their community and the environment. Look for organizations that clean up local parks, plant trees, or restore habitats. Such activities not only serve as a collective lesson on responsibility but also increase the sense of pride and connection children feel towards their local ecosystem. Check out our volunteer listings to see if something this month focuses on nature, or check out our at home family projects focused on nature!
CONVERSATIONS
Engaging in thoughtful conversations with your children about nature helps reinforce its value and encourages them to form their own profound connections to the environment. Here are a few conversation starters to stimulate your discussions:
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
How do you appreciate nature?
How do you feel when you are in nature?
How can you and your family help take care of the earth?
What are some intentional choices you make as a family to help our planet?
READ
Fun with Nature and More Fun with Nature (Take Along Guides), both by Mel Boring, Diane Burns, and Leslie Dendy
Kids will love learning about the most common creatures, tracks, and trees they're likely to encounter in North America. These books will turn every trip to the park into a scavenger hunt!
INSPIRATION
"Teaching children about the natural world should be seen as one of the most important events in their lives."
– Thomas Berry