This post includes ideas for bringing babies into nature. Nature is the ultimate sensory, learning, and developmental experience.
Finding a way to get children outside more often is a hot topic with parents and educators learning creative ways to bring nature to children in learning and everyday life. You don't have to live on a farm or in the country, outside a city, to integrate nature into your life. A city with its streets and parks has much to offer us in terms of nature.
Montessori Infant Activities
Blanket & Books
Simply be still and read with and to your baby
Crawl in the Grass
Both of you! Take your shoes off and play with your child. Watch her sense of awe and wonder ignite as she explores a texture as simple as grass.
Listen to the Ocean
One of my all time favorite activities as an adult and a child is spending time at the ocean, smelling, listening, throwing rocks, and exploring the piles of driftwood. The sounds of the ocean bring a serenity unlike any other I experience in my life. Children need to be “grounded” every so often. The ocean will do that for us.
Natural Treasure Basket
Take a nature journey, short or long, and gather items along the way. For example, types of cones, bark, feathers, rocks, leaves, and moss. Find a sitting spot and explore nature's treasure basket
Mud Painting
Think: Finger Painting Au Natural! If the dirt is dry, that'll work too. Paint on bodies, on deck surfaces, on driveways! The world is your canvas!
Be Outside in the Rain
Watch this baby's first experience in rain and you'll see the joy it brings children.
Go on a Smell Hunt
The smells of nature are as compelling and profound as the sounds of nature. This activity is the nose's version of a Listening Walk! Simple take in the air and note the smells as you explore with your baby.
Build a Garden
A child is never too young to visit a nursery, explore seeds, and dig into the soil!
Find a Leaf Pile
Let your baby jump, explore, feel, tear, and crumble the leaves. He will be filled with joy.
I hope we inspired you today!
Marnie
