Outdoor play is so important for mental health! Aim for at least 2 hrs/day.

Outdoor play allows for Independence, Risk-taking, freedom, a multi-sensory experience.

For risks: have children talk about them and establish boundaries with you before play. Ask: What boundaries are good and important for safety?

Intentionally plan for what’s happening in nature and outside on your playground Suggested materials: Binoculars
Magnifying glass
Buckets (YES, for each child!)

Ways to Bring the outdoors inside: Planting (Teaches empathy)
Microgreens! (Grow fast and kids can cut and eat or explore).
Seasonal items from outdoor. (Leaves, flowers, branches, rocks, bugs!)

Margie’s Nature/Outdoor Play Recommendations:

https://www.insideoutside.org/

https://www.massaudubon.org/

http://www.greenheartsinc.org/

Closed Loop Farms

Books:

Spirit in Nature: Teaching Judaism and Ecology on the Trail by Matt Biers Ariel and Deborah Newbrun

Wild City Book by Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks.

Lots of ideas for in the City:

Wild Things by Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks

Growing Up Wild:Â Exploring Nature with Young Children from Project Wild. (This is a workbook with about 30 ideas for lesson plans involving all curriculum areas and lots of great tips/resources)