Children need real, authentic experiences with the earth. Children learn through their senses. They must have real experiences to be effective. I recently posted on an eye opening exercise for educators. So what are easiest ways to achieve those experiences?
Authentic Experiences for Kids
Here is a short list of phenomenal authentic experiences to give to your child:
- Free standing magnifying glass to closely examine real objects
- Collect specimens for hands on exploration
- Create a garden from scratch with them
- Care for a Pet
- Care for a Plant
- Visit a Farm
- Nature Walk
- Visit Animals in a park, at a zoo or in an animal shelter
- Label plants indoors and outdoors (what family? what name?)
- Give a lesson outdoors
- Go camping
- Sleep outdoors
- Lay down in a big field
- Go on a Listening Walk
- Go on an excursion to ride a city bus, a train or a ferry
- Set up a behind the scenes visit to a bakery or other type of hands on business
- Cultivate a garden together
- Offer specimens
- Outdoor education
- Woodworking
- Cooking
- Use real objects
- Take apart a phone, computer or flashlight
- Participate in Screen Free Week
I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas on authentic experiences to give our children. Please leave a comment!
Marnie