Parents and caregivers often ask what young children need to know before kindergarten; this is the ninth in a series of blog posts on kindergarten readiness and early learning basics. No matter the age of your little one, this will give you a general picture of what to do as your child’s very first teacher.
Kindergarten readiness is so much more than academics. A very real and growing concern is the lack of a connection to nature that impacts learning, development and well-being. This quote from the Center for Families, Communities, Schools and Children’s Learning seems to sum up the message: “Children learn best through their everyday experiences with the people they love and trust, and when the learning is fun. And the best place for these experiences is outdoors, in the natural world.”
Andy Hall, a retired forester was my guest on an autumn Learn and Play with Mrs. A radio show and discussed some important basic nature knowledge for kids. He explained that nature is a cycle and children can often connect with trees in their neighborhood to watch how this cyclical change. Even urban areas have pockets of natures that children can explore with parents and caregivers to connect with nature.
Many of my blog posts have ideas and suggestions for nature activities. Go RVing has this advice, “Along with milk and vegetables, kids need a steady diet of rocks and worms. Rocks need skipping. Holes need digging. Water needs splashing. Bugs and frogs and slimy stuff need finding.” These activities and more are also part of kindergarten readiness. Are nature time and exploring part of your child’s early learning?