OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES & PARK PLAY WITH YOUR CHILDREN
A day at the park may seem like“ just another day,” but learning and bonding experiences flourish at the park! The fall is a wonderful time of the year to take your children outdoors, whether it be venturing into your backyard or to one of the city, county, state or national parks. Pack for Safety Drinking water, sunscreen, hat, water to wash as well as wipes for hands, sneakers or other closed-toed shoes, a change of clothes or a towel for the seat, small first-aid kit for those little scrapes and a small trash bag to keep the Earth litter-free are all important. Expect to Get Dirty Going outside is about the freedom to explore and the only way to explore is to touch it, and yes, it is dirty— it’ s outside! Dirty does not mean“ germy.” Roll in the grass, stomp in the mud, touch the frog and splash in the puddles.
Infant to 6 months
• Pack for safety: A blanket to crawl on and a sturdy pair of pants for crawling on rough surfaces. Be prepared to change diapers on the go.
• Be prepared to climb and crawl yourself. This is the best way for you to ensure your child’ s safety. Watch for items going into your child’ s mouth.
• Hydration: the outside air and activity increases the amount of fluids you both need to consume. And while you’ re packing the water, pack a snack.
YOUR CHILD DESERVES THE BEST POSSIBLE START.
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• Point, name and describe: As your child explores, point out the details; name objects and talk about your experience.
First Steps( 12 to 18 months)
• Pack for safety: Bring a blanket and a sturdy pair of pants for crawling on rough surfaces. This is not the place for skirts or dresses.
• Plan for breaks and pack snacks, water and a few books.
• Dig and touch: Collect items to further explore when you get home.
• Walk the trail with your little one on a riding toy. Don’ t forget the helmet.
• Park play etiquette: If your little one finds a playmate, ask the other parent if both of you may join in the play. Your child will learn to ask for your approval before playing with strangers and the parent of the other child will appreciate this overture.
Toddler and Get Set( 18 to 36 months)
• Plot the potty path!
• Bring balls to throw and kick, or bean bags and a bucket.
• Move beyond the park and walk a trail or explore a nursery. Go to the stream, lake or pond and skip rocks. Turn the rocks over to find creepy, crawly things.
• No breaks required, but pause for a moment to re-hydrate.
• Look through binoculars— even two toilet paper tubes offer a new view of the world.
• Tent it! A pop-up tent is an instant playhouse.
• Take an umbrella and put on your galoshes; take a walk in the light rain.
Preschool to Kinder( 36 months +)
• Lie down and look up; children like to see the world from a different perspective.
• Picnic: Let your child be a part of packing the necessities and preparing the sandwiches.
• Play“ I Spy” or“ I Hear.”
• Read or draw under the trees.
• Bring a cup and magnifying glass for bugs and objects to view. Research your bugs and objects when you return home to learn more about them.
Exposure to the great outdoors shouldn’ t stop at home but also extend to your child’ s school. Outdoor activities give children the opportunity to sing a little louder, move around in a larger space and engage in hands-on experiences outside the traditional classroom. Quality preschool programs incorporate plenty of time for outside investigation. Early childhood educators develop lesson plans that encourage the gross motor and observation skills of young children.
Go outside all year long— visit http:// www. scdconline. org / PDF _ files / weatherwatch. pdf to know what is considered safe outdoor weather for children.
This Industry Insight was written by Bob & Lori Santo.
Bob & Lori Santo are the owners of The Goddard School ®, located at 825 East McMurray Road in Peters Township and 655 Painters Run Road, Upper St. Clair, 412.564.3600. Goddard offers both full- and part-time infant / preschool / kindergarten programs. For more information, visit www. goddardschools. com or call 724.941.6464.
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