Utilize Natural Resources to Engage Homeschool Curiosity

Think of the outdoors as the best classroom your children could ever use. Nature is filled with vibrant colors, diverse sights and sounds, various textures, countless shapes, and countless opportunities for imaginative play during free time. The indoor classroom has limitations and lacks fresh air as well as natural sunlight.

Unstructured play provides the opportunity to promote confidence and creativity. With every season change be sure to take advantage of the learning that takes place, especially for studies based-on changing of leaves and how animals react.

4 Benefits of Outdoor Classrooms

1. Physical Development - Children are more active outside than inside. This gives them the unlimited opportunity to run, dance, play, and just walk around. Having more space to play allows children to freely enjoy activities like throwing a ball, climbing, skipping, and playing games, without the need to be concerned about breaking windows or being too noisy.

2. Sensory Benefits - Playing outside allows the children a hands-on learning experience with nature. The possibilities of stimulating their sense are unlimited due to the availability of leaves, flowers, and grass while hearing the birds sing.

3. Cognitive Benefits - Your children can increase their imagination while taking healthy risks. Give the children new opportunities to explore and experiment with safe, new materials so they can tap into their problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills.

4. Health Benefits - Outdoor play exposes children to nature and its natural habitat. This also lends itself to bone development and a stronger immune system. This all works together to help the children with improving their sleep, mental health, and social and emotional growth.

Time spent outdoors offers your children endless possibilities and limitless opportunities to use their imagination. Make sure to talk to your children about what you see, like bird sounds, types of trees and leaves, and different types of grass.

If you don't have a yard for your kids to play, try to find nearby school playgrounds, parks, or local churches that may have playgrounds available for use outside regular hours. Many local YMCAs and other community organizations have playgrounds that the community can use. Make sure to call the facilities before visiting, as they might have rules that could affect your visit.

Consider going outside for recess every day that you homeschool and even take your art or science studies outdoors. If you can find a clean location make it a picnic lunch break and then move right into recess and then your curriculum. Keep the children’s health and safety in mind when you explore nature. You might even consider inviting other homeschooling families to join you on your nature day. This gives you time to be with other adults while your children play with others their age.