Sense the World Around You
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Go green—as in trees, leaves, and grass! Exposing your child to nature can help build language, develop scientific thinking skills, boost self-esteem and confidence, and get your child moving, all while forming a life-long connection with the natural world. Encourage your child to use the best tools he has—his senses! Use these simple tips to make each and every day a nature adventure!
So Much to See
Introduce your child to the world outside her window. Start every day by observing the ever-changing sky. Ask questions like, “What do you see in the sky today?" or, "What shape are the clouds?” Whether it's a walk in the park or a ride on the bus, take time to talk about what she sees in the world around her. Experiences with nature will help her learn to ask questions and make observations. Encourage your child to keep her observations in a nature journal by drawing pictures or taking photographs each day.
Talk Together: What things do the girl and her mom see when they look at the sky? What do you see when you look at the sky?
Learning by Listening Encourage your child to listen for the sounds of nature. Take time to listen for new and interesting sounds together. Unique sounds are found everywhere in nature, such as birds chirping, leaves rustling, and rain falling. Help your child identify three sounds from nature and encourage him to imitate each sound. By sharing your appreciation for the natural world, he will learn to respect and care for his surroundings.
Watch Together:
The Sound That’s in the Air Talk Together:
What sounds did Elmo hear? Now have fun imitating those sounds together. Tour with Touch Encourage your child to discover different textures found all around in nature. Together, feel the rough bark of a tree, the soft petal of a flower, and the smooth skin of an apple. Help her to describe the object she is touching. Ask her questions like, “How does the stem of this sunflower feel?” or, “How does the petal feel differently from the stem?” Encourage her to share her observations and make comparisons about what she is touching.
Watch Together:
Sunflower Growing Talk Together:
What are the different parts of the sunflower that they were touching? How do you think the petals on that sunflower feel? Scout for Scents Help your child explore all of the wonderful scents found in nature. Smell the soil in a garden, fresh cut grass, or the petals of a flower. Take turns guessing a scent found in nature! Have your child close his eyes and guess what object he is smelling. Now switch turns and have him lead the activity!
Watch Together:
Anyone’s Nose Talk Together:
What things in nature do you like to smell with your nose? A Tasty Treat Explore the concept of seed to table with your child. Talk to her about how fruits and vegetables can grow on trees, underground or on vines. Together, visit your local farmer’s market or grocery store and choose different types of fruits or vegetables to make a colorful salad. As you prepare your salad together, remind your child about where the food comes from. Sample each ingredient and ask your child questions such as, “How does this taste?”, “Is it juicy?” or, “Is it sweet?” Enjoy tasting this healthy treat!
Watch Together:
Jane Tuesday: Crunchy and Sweet Talk Together:
What snacks do you eat that are crunchy and sweet? 
“This past weekend, we made a point of walking through the park with Lily and her baby sister Ruby and talking about how the leaves fall off the trees. Jumping in piles of them is a particularly popular activity with Lily and me. 6-week-old Ruby is beginning to smile, so I'm sure she's smiling at our fall foolishness.”
—Josh Daniel
Related Information Kid-Tivities — Animal Charades
Go wild with an animal charades game you cut, color, and play together! Kid-Tivities — Bird Feeder Bonanza
Invite a few feathered friends to dinner! Use recyclable items to create a decorative bird feeder. Kid-Tivities — Teeny Tiny Garden
Get ready for green time! Plant a seed and watch it grow.