Learning can happen outside of four walls, and we know that better than anyone at Fox Valley Virtual School! Sometimes the best learning happens when you get outside into the great outdoors. In this blog, we’re exploring some outdoor learning activities you can incorporate to captivate and inspire elementary students.
Nature Scavenger Hunt:
Create a list of items for your kids to find. It could be a list of colors, and they have to find natural items that match each color. Or, they can go on a search for things animals eat—acorns, mushrooms, berries, and more. The possibilities are endless! You can change this activity to be seasonally appropriate. Keep track of your finds through photographs or sketches of what you see!
Bird Watching:
Set up a bird feeder or bath in your backyard and encourage kids to identify the various bird species that visit. Provide them with a bird guidebook or use online resources to learn more about the birds in your area. This activity not only teaches kids about local wildlife but also instills patience and observation skills. You can supplement this activity with additional learning activities like identifying bird calls and trying to mimic bird song!
Snowflake Science:
On a snowy day, catch snowflakes on dark-colored paper or black cloth. Examine the unique shapes and patterns with a magnifying glass. Discuss the science of snowflakes, emphasizing their intricate formations. This activity combines science and winter fun! Then, try sketching your own snowflakes, or for older kids, try cutting out your own with paper. They make an excellent winter decoration!
Math in Nature:
Use natural materials like twigs, stones, or pinecones to create math problems outdoors. For instance, arrange sticks to form addition or subtraction problems, or use rocks to represent multiplication. This hands-on approach makes math engaging and helps kids visualize concepts. Plus, building is just fun. For older kids, try stacking items and discussing estimation and approximation. What methods do they use to get close to the right answer?
Winter Art Gallery:
Outdoor learning doesn’t have to stop in the snow. Encourage kids to express their creativity by creating winter-themed art outdoors. They can use colored water to paint snow, or freeze colored water inside balloons or other molds to create interesting frozen sculptures that might last all season! These activities foster artistic expression and an appreciation for the beauty of winter.
Story Stones:
Collect smooth stones and encourage your kids to paint or draw pictures on them. You can write inspiring messages on them and secretly drop them around your neighborhood as a nice surprise for others. Or, draw little pictures on each stone and then place the stones in a bag. Start a story, and take turns pulling stones out of the bag to add a unique element to the story. How silly will your story become?
Constellation Spotting:
On a clear night, venture outside and stargaze. Identify constellations together (there are many apps that help with this activity!). You can use this activity to talk about the science of astronomy or take a more story-based approach to discuss mythology and history. On rare nights, you might even be able to see the aurora borealis!
The best part of virtual learning is that your education can seamlessly integrate into the outdoors, creating an enriching experience that goes beyond the screen and into the heart of nature. At Fox Valley Virtual School, we see nature as a boundless space for curiosity, exploration, and endless learning possibilities!
|