This winter, in our Learning Vine outdoor based preschool, we have been focusing on observing the nature that is around us in the cold season. A lot can be done with a simple toilet paper roll! We take winter walks around our play yard and use our toilet paper roll as a single binocular to focus our eyes up toward the sky and look at what is up in the trees, as well as down on the ground.
If you are looking for some free fun for your child this winter, take them on a winter walk. When you return, older children can draw pictures or write about what they did outdoors on this walk.
It can also be fun to take your winter walk more than once and at different times of the day to notice the different animal activity you see. Look for signs of animal behavior, footprints in the snow, scat (animal poop) that is left behind and birds. We are very slow when we walk and as quiet as we can be so we can observe the animals and birds that may be around us without startling them away. Being outside in this way provides children with fresh air and the opportunity to be in stillness. They are strengthening their creative minds and their appreciation of nature by observing the winter animal behavior they see in their local environment.
Nature and its wonders can be enjoyed at any time of the year!
