nature Archives - Ecohappiness Project

5 Ways To Stay Connected To Nature In The New School Year

Each year, we jump from relaxing summertime to the stress of a new school year. Between homework, balancing extracurricular activities, and changes in weather, we can forget to prioritize outdoor time.

It’s important that we make time for our kids to enjoy nature in the great outdoors since it can help reduce stress and bring a sense of calm. Our children need a break after school and on the weekends from their schoolwork and extra-curricular activities. Nature is the perfect break.

Here are five simple ways to keep your children connected to nature, even in the midst of the busy school year:

Play Outside

Even if your children have recess at school, they still need additional time to unwind after school and on the weekend. And I am not talking about sports practice. Children need unstructured free play to be creative and let loose with their friends or siblings. Let them jump rope, blow bubbles, and make their own obstacle courses. Here are five entertaining ways to get your kids to play outside.

Volunteer

Both volunteer work and spending time in nature help reduce stress in our lives, so why not combine these ideas by participating in community service projects as a family that help our environment? Check out these hands-on volunteer projects that your children can do to help improve and protect the environment.

Grow a Family Garden

Gardening is a great way to encourage our children to spend more time outside in nature. It is also a way to instill an appreciation for where food comes from and the work involved in making every meal we enjoy. Learn how to get your kids excited about gardening and how to create a meditation garden for your entire family to enjoy.

Choose School Projects That Involve Nature

There are so many ways that we can incorporate nature into schoolwork. For example, if your child has an art project, take them outside to create a nature scene or go on a nature hunt and put together a collage of leaves, sticks, flowers, and other items they collect. Enhance their school lessons by working on science kits and taking them to local museums or nature centers that cover the topics their teacher is addressing. Simple experiences like going to a farmer’s market to learn firsthand about farming or gazing at the stars in the evening sky can enhance what they are learning at school. The best part is when they experience nature for themselves, they will gain a greater appreciation for what they are learning and be in awe of the world around them.

Challenge Your Family

Give your kids an outdoors challenge to see how many days in a row they can spend time outside for at least 30 minutes. Some other ideas include hiking, biking, outdoor yoga, birdwatching, and nature photography. This is a fun challenge to help your family appreciate nature more and have some good, old-fashioned family time! And if you are ever stuck inside because of bad weather or other issues preventing you from getting outside, you can still enjoy the benefits of nature. Learn how your family can do this.

5 Ways To Make Hiking Fun and Engaging For Your Kids

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This guest post is written by Kimberly Yavorski, a freelance writer with a passion for learning. She writes frequently on the topics of parenting, the outdoors, and current events. More of her work can be found on her website www.kimberlyyavorski.com. She is also on Facebook and Twitter. This article was originally published at www.letsgetoutside.us.

We are all used to traveling to get to a destination. It is a change of mindset to think of the journey as the destination, which is very difficult for young children to grasp as we often hear them ask “Are we there yet?” They have learned that there are schedules to meet and they need to hurry up and get moving so that we can reach our destination on time.

Hiking, however, does not always have a destination. Sure, you may be hiking to a waterfall, picturesque overlook, or other awe-inspiring scene, but many times hiking is simply a walk in nature. Children new to hiking may find this boring and want to get back to their electronic entertainment as soon as possible. Try these fun tips to get them more excited about your hike and the importance of nature.

Alphabet Hike

Challenge them to search for each letter, consecutively. This can be in the form of an item that starts with the letter or finding the letter itself in nature. Tree branches curve and break, forming patterns above them. Leaves, especially in the fall, may have patterns that resemble letters. If you are creative enough, you may even see letters in wildlife, in the curve of a leg for example. Besides giving them something to do, it also encourages them to pay attention to their surroundings.

Artist Hike

Bring along a sketchpad or notebook and pencils, crayons, or markers to inspire creativity in your kids during the hike. Find a comfortable spot to stop for a break and ask your children to draw something interesting that they observed. You can also make it more challenging by sitting back to back with your child and describe what you see while he or she draws what you describe. These pictures can also be a lasting memento of your journey.

Sensory Hike

Encourage your child to use his or her senses to see how many things can be observed. Make a section of the hike silent to better hear the sounds of nature (being quiet may also enable you to see more wildlife as they will not be frightened off as easily). Breathe in the air and see if it smells different than at home. Can you identify where the smell is coming from? Ask your children to spend a few moments being mindfully aware of the many gorgeous colors around them in nature. You can add touch, but remind children that some plants can cause an itchy reaction so they should choose carefully. (This could be a time to add a lesson about plants such as poison ivy.) While taste could be interesting as well, this is not advised unless you know for certain what you are tasting and that it is not toxic.

Identification Hike

Teach your children how to identify the many amazing plants and animals that you find along your hike. You can focus on trees, birds, flowers, insects, or whatever seems to be in abundance in your hiking location. There are many good guide books that can help you identify species. If you do not have a guide book with you during your hike, you can take pictures and then research them later at home or at the library.

Scavenger Hunt

Do some research about where you plan to hike to get an idea of what you are likely to see. Make a list of items for your child to find. Add some creative ideas to make it more interesting, such as a tree hugging another or a rock that resembles a face. If you have children of varying ages, you can also adjust the difficulty so that the older kids are still challenged and engaged. Keeping Leave No Trace principles in mind to enjoy our natural world in a sustainable way that avoids human-created impacts, simply check off that these items were found or take pictures. Always leave nature as it was when you found it.

When hiking with kids, remember to take frequent breaks for water and a healthy snack. Let them set the pace and emphasize the fun factor. Point out the blazes on the trail and explain that we use those to determine which way to go. You can also bring along binoculars or magnifying glasses to examine nature in more detail. Make sure any trash from your snack gets packed up to take home–or to the trashcan in the parking lot. You might also want to be a good nature citizen and pick up any trash or non-natural objects you find on the trail for disposal (bring along a trash bag for this).

How Baby Carriers Help You Explore The Outdoors With Your Kids

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(Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own.)

Feeling trapped inside with your little ones? Maybe you are running out of activity ideas and craving some exercise to burn off that baby weight. No matter whether it’s too hot, too cold, too rainy, or too dreary, getting outside for a lovely walk in the fresh air to enjoy nature is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your children.

You may be wondering how to do this with an infant or toddler. Well, I have the perfect solution for you! By finding the best baby carrier, you can easily bring your kids along with you for a relaxing walk in the park or an awe-inspiring hike.

Benefits of Baby Carriers

Sure, you can throw your child in a stroller, but did you know all the benefits of using a baby carrier for both you and your child?

Builds Stronger Bond. According to Dr. Sears, it is natural for babies to want to be close to their mother, and babywearing makes that easier to do. Spending time in a carrier reminds your baby of being in your womb. By extending the womb experience, your baby will feel more in tune with the rhythms of your body, just like when in utero. When you take a walk with your baby in a carrier, it feels like the time spent in the womb. As babies lean against your chest, they can hear your heartbeat, which reminds them of the sounds in the womb.

Keeps Babies Happy and Calm. Research shows that babies in carriers cry and fuss less. Pediatricians in Montreal conducted a study of ninety-nine mother-infant pairs. The first group of parents were provided with a baby carrier and asked to carry their babies for at least three extra hours per day. After six weeks, the infants who received more time in the carrier cried and fussed 43 percent less than the non-carried group.

Stimulates Baby’s Brain. Babies who spend time in carriers learn more because they experience life with quiet alertness, considered the most optimal state for learning. This is when children are most content and best able to interact with their environment. Researchers have also reported that carried babies have better vision and hearing.

Promotes Physical Development. When babies ride in a carrier, they sense all of your movements like walking, bending, and reaching. This stimulation helps children regulate their own physical responses, such as the vestibular system which controls balance. There is evidence that premature babies who are touched and held gain weight faster and are healthier, but mechanical swings and other holding devices do not provide these same benefits as a baby carrier.

Makes Moving Around Convenient. Carrying your baby in a sling or carrier makes it so much easier for you to walk without maneuvering around crowds or narrow aisles like when you use a stroller. Also, your hands are free to take care of the many tasks you need to accomplish as a busy mom.

Allows You To Exercise. Using a baby carrier gives you the freedom to exercise with your baby in tow. You will be able to enjoy the dual benefits of walking and “weightlifting” to help you build muscles slowly and gently postpartum.

Provides a Safe Option. Compared to your kids running around, carriers are a safe place for them to be. They are held safe and secure right next to your body. And they make giving your child a hug so simple! Visit the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance to learn more about babywearing safety.

Why Taking Your Kids Outside Is So Important

Humans have an innate instinct, called biophilia, to want to be around and immerse ourselves in our natural environment. This connection to nature provides a sense of well-being and offers solace and comfort unlike what we can find in any man-made environment.

According to Frances Ming Kuo, a researcher documenting the positive link between nature and health, humans benefit from exposure to green environments like parks, forests, and gardens. She uses the term “Vitamin G” (G for “green”) to capture nature’s role as a necessary ingredient for a healthy life. Science tells us that spending time in nature can improve our children’s lives in so many ways—socially, psychologically, academically, and physically.

Enhances Learning. Being around and observing natural settings increases children’s ability to focus and learn.

Encourages Physical Activity. When you move around outdoors with your children, you are showing them the importance of exercise, which will help them choose healthy behaviors like playing outside and participating in team sports as they get older.

Improves Eyesight. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more time spent outdoors is related to reduced rates of nearsightedness in children and adolescents.

Improves Self-Discipline. Viewing green spaces enhances peace, self-control, and self-discipline in children.

Reduces Stress. Spending time in nature has a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety.

Improves Mood. Studies show that sunshine, fresh air, and outdoor exercise lead to a positive mood and reduces depression.

Nature Walk Ideas For All Seasons

When you expose your children to nature, you are enhancing their development and setting the stage for a happy, successful future. You are also modeling healthy habits while you closely comfort them in a calming, safe environment.

There are so many opportunities for you to explore the outdoors with your little ones all year long.

In autumn you can enjoy the beautiful leaves changing colors and stroll through an apple orchard.

During wintertime, take a brisk walk around a local park or flat trail. If you see snowflakes falling, bundle up and head outside for a quick walk to enjoy the special winter scene. Some baby carriers have special wraps or blankets. Another trick is to wear an oversized coat that you can zip around both you and your child.

When spring arrives, head to a park, garden, or nature center trail to show your children the blooming flowers and trees, and to try to spot some chirping birds.

In the summer, enjoy a relaxing walk on the beach. Just remember to protect your child from the sun’s rays with sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, and UPF 50+ clothing.

What are your favorite ways to explore the outdoors with your children?

7 Children’s Books To Inspire Nature Play

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This guest blog post was written by Vanessa Rendall of Sydney, Australia. She is an elementary school teacher and librarian who specializes in gifted education and library services. She has always loved teaching children about the world they live in and how they can make a difference. She is also the mom to a five year old and two year old. Her blog, Flicking On The Book, bridges the gap between global environmental issues and understanding these issues in our own lives.

There is a lot of new research highlighting the importance of playing outside. It has been shown to increase happiness, problem solving skills, and motivation. When children play outside, they are free to be more imaginative since there are less boundaries. They can also solve problems more effectively and learn about the world they live in through their five senses.

As a teacher, I have always observed how children learn best when they are in a relaxed and informal environment. I love being outside; it just makes me happier. I love being in natural areas where there is less human activity and more time to sit back and admire what is around me. So when I became a librarian, I couldn’t think of a better way to get children outside than through reading books!

Now, you probably think of books as an inside activity, but what if we take the ideas from books and use them to inspire some outdoor play?

Here are several adorable children’s books covering various nature themes that will jump start your family’s outdoor adventures. We have also included a few examples of creative hands-on activities you can enjoy with your children based on each book.

Go On An Adventure

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt is a classic book that we all know and love. It is so much fun to read and sing along to. Follow along with the family as they wade through the grass, splash through the river, and squelch through the mud in search of a bear. What a surprise awaits them in the cave on the other side of the dark forest!

Go on your own pretend bear hunt. Look for some swishy grass, splashy water, and sloshy mud.
Search for the animals in your local area.
Pack a bag and go on a short hike. Think of the different supplies you will need to cope with rain, wind, hot sun, or bugs on your hike.

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Grow A Garden

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown is about one boy’s quest for a greener world, one garden at a time. While out exploring one day, the boy discovers a struggling garden and decides to take care of it. As time passes, the garden spreads throughout the drab city, transforming it into a lush, green world. This is a poignant book that has inspired many cities to explore how they can become greener.

Keep a seed diary. Plant seeds and watch them grow (use quick growing seeds like herbs, beans, or sunflowers).
Look at a local park or your own backyard and redesign it so there is more green space.
Make an inventory of the nature in your area. Discuss biodiversity of plants and animals with your children.

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Explore Insects

Mechanica by Lance Baldachin is an imaginative field guide for those who love the earth but wonder what will happen if we do not protect it. The book looks to the future when the earth is devoid of any natural life due to human destruction and consumption. However, mechanical creatures have been made to replace what was lost.

Find some insects and sketch them. Look at how they move their arms and legs. Try to recreate an insect out of natural or recycled materials.
Create an insect house for your local insects. Many insects are lacking in city gardens since there are not enough small holes for them to live in.
Teach your children about the life cycles of insects and see if you can find evidence of different stages in your area (e.g. cocoon, butterfly).

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Dig for Worms

The Worm Who Knew Karate by Terry Denton and Jill Lever is a hilarious book about a worm who decides to become braver and stronger through the art of karate. How can we help our children build their confidence?

Dig up some dirt and search for earth worms in your backyard.
Buy a worm farm or explore your local community garden’s worm farm.
Feed the worms and learn what food they like best.

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Discover New Places

Bogtrotter by Margaret Wild is about a delightful creature that lives in the bog. The book focuses on belonging, trying new things, challenging ourselves, playing outdoors, loneliness, and discovery. The illustrations by Judith Rossell are marvelous, really bringing to life the Bogtrotter and his feelings.

Visit a park, national park, garden, or any other outdoor space that you have not seen yet.
Take a path you typically go on, but do it slowly and mindfully, trying to notice the small things as you walk along.
Take something outside that you normally do inside (e.g. have a picnic, do an art activity). Does it make a difference?

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Stretch Your Imagination

Incredibilia, written by Libby Hathorn and illustrated by Gaye Chapman, contains pictures that really transport you to an imaginative world full of crazy creatures, whispy clouds, and natural beauty. You will love looking at each page and imagining what Georgie was thinking about, what she was playing, and how the others could play, too.

Take some ribbons, balls, string, and scraps and see what you can do with them outside instead of playing with a specific toy.
Create new names for the local insects, trees, and flowers in your garden or local park. Get those creative juices flowing!
Go somewhere or find something that you think is incredibilia!

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Go Green

Leaf by Stephen Michael King shows the love of nature that children can have when given the chance. In this magical story, a little boy grows his own seedling in his hair and loves it, cares for it, and shares many adventures with it. He spends every waking minute finding the best way to care for his seedling. Unfortunately, he needs a haircut and the adult world tries to take his small tree away from him. His determination and resilience shines through and he continues to care for the tree as he grows older. This is a beautifully drawn book which not only intrigues the reader but really hits the spot on how we need to take a step back and let the natural world become a part of our daily lives.

Perform a puppet show outside with leaves as the characters –draw on them and create a story.
What can you grow out of different substances? Explore how seeds grow and what they need to grow.
How heavy are different trees? Use problem solving to try and work this out.

What creative outdoor activities have you done based on books you have read with your children?

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