This weekend will conclude the holiday week but there is lots more summer vacation fun and play that supports early learning and kindergarten readiness. One of the reasons why summer is so loved, and such an important time of the year for kids and grownups, is because of the activities we do outside. Playgrounds, parks, camping, swimming holes, tents and forts in backyards, afternoons in the sun or shade, picnics, hikes and more are some of summer’s treasures. And part of the pleasure is connecting to nature.
While we just celebrated an important event in terms of national history, Thomas Berry in The Dream of the Earth, says, “Teaching children about the natural world should be seen as one of the most important events in their lives.” To do this, kids need to spend time in nature so they can see the variety of plants and animals, how the life cycle works, and how living things are interconnected.
Nature is not just wilderness but yards and balconies too, and pockets of nature tucked into urban corners. For a double celebration, can you and your child spend some time in nature this weekend? After all, summer “school” in nature’s outdoor classroom is pretty short, isn’t it?