Taking a walk around your neighborhood or local city park can provide a wonderful experiential opportunity for the whole family. Parks are more than swing sets, picnic tables, and a swimming spot. Many are historical locations, geological phenomena or industrial landmark. We have found some hidden gems right in our own neighborhood when we took the time to look.
This lesson is about branching out beyond your backyard and begin making a list in your journal of local spots within the area you live that can become a source for learning across multiple ages. Regular walks or simple hikes in your area will bring curiosity to life.
Benefits of Outdoor Spaces
- Walking in outdoor spaces improves distance vision and reduces the chances of becoming nearsighted. Looking up in trees, then looking close range helps strengthen your eyes. Nature truly can build your body in many ways.
- Being at your local park can reduce stress for everyone. If school lessons have caused tension or mom has had a stressful morning, going for a walk in a park can calm stress levels and bring a sense of peace.
- The outdoors reduces the symptoms of ADHD and other disorders. This has been proven in my personal experience as well as documented studies.
- Nature just makes you feel good.
Make it Fun
- Plan an age-appropriate length of time for a walk. Short walks can benefit everyone. Everyone can feel great from a few short walks, it helps them to look forward to the next time. If walks are too long and children get tired and hungry they will be less excited about going again.
- Early morning adventures or late day exploration tend to be better. More wildlife and general activity happen during those times. A fresh start to the day or a great ending.
- Bring a friend for you and your children! Meet up with a friend to make the walk more enjoyable.
- Take a picnic or snack to enjoy under a tree.
What To Bring
- Where you go depends on what you bring, however, a good short list would be water, snacks, sunscreen and bug spray. I keep a small box in the car with those items so they are always ready to go.
- If children will be exploring out of your sight, a whistle is a good idea. Make whistle necklaces from cording to keep on hand.
- Look at the lesson on The Naturalist Kit. This will give you ideas on starting a nature tote for your family.
- Check out our lesson on Basic First Aid before heading on a long walk or hike. Be prepared.
Let’s Get Started
- Print out “Using Nature as a Classroom” worksheet to help you start your list of parks and connecting them with learning opportunities.
- Print out a copy of the scavenger hunt on your walk. Mary Beth from Roadtrip Teacher has provided this hunt for hiking.
- Middle and High School components are provided for each module by Cheryl Bastian. She is our resident mentor in how to blend learning with all ages. Cheryl created information correlating biology with flora and fauna for this learning module.
Resources for this lesson
Nature as a Classroom
Flora and Fauna for Middle and High School students
Hiking Scavenger Hunt from Roadtrip Teacher