Observing and learning about the importance of pollinators fosters a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of living things and their environment, while cultivating a profound desire to conserve and protect our delicate ecosystem. Each one of our Junior Naturalist week-long lesson plans takes kids outside with daily outdoor learning assignments that involve a wide … [Read more...]
Junior Naturalist Week Two – Tree Observation Lesson Plan
The observation of trees creates a captivating introduction for budding botanists and arborists into the science of fungi, microorganisms, and giant trees, while providing a bold and exciting curriculum for outdoor STEM learning. Each one of our Junior Naturalist lesson plans contains a full week's worth of activities, centered around a specific, nature-based theme, … [Read more...]
Junior Naturalist Week One – Bug Observation Lesson Plan
The observation of bugs creates a fascinating introduction for budding naturalists into biology, ecology, the environment, and even health, creating a challenging and inspiring environment for outdoor STEM learning. Our Junior Naturalist lesson plans are comprised of week-long curriculum, focused on one nature-based subject, inviting kids and parents to get outside and … [Read more...]
130+ FREE Outdoor Learning Activities For Kids Unexpectedly Stuck at Home
As people across the world are coping with the recent uncertainties, we at Outdoor Families Magazine want to express our support to everyone affected during this time. As families gear up for school closures, spending time outside can be a great way for kids to naturally boost their energy and exercise their brain power while continuing the learning process with you as their … [Read more...]
11 Nature Books for Kids (Plus, 2 for Adults)
by Jennifer Fontaine - It's summertime. 'Tis the season for exciting, less structured opportunities to engage children in exploring and discovering the world around them. Whether in a city or out in the countryside, scenery is constantly changing. The trees are getting greener, birds are carrying twigs for nest-building, bees are pollinating, and every puddle and pond is filled … [Read more...]
50 Outdoor Easy Science Experiments For Kids
by Sarah Benton Feitlinger - Science is everywhere, and it is easy to fuel children’s natural curiosity outdoors with a quick and easy science experiment. Kids are natural born scientists, always inventing and experimenting, with whatever just happens to be right in front of them. Throwing spaghetti against a wall? A science experiment. Stacking blocks. A science experiment. … [Read more...]
What is Wildschooling?
Wildschooling, noun; a progressive parenting philosophy which encourages the creativity, curiosity, and joy that children naturally express. by Nicolette Sowder - When my oldest daughter turned preschool age, my husband and I began having conversations about what we wanted her schooling to look and feel like. We found that aspects of the local school system and … [Read more...]
34 Nature Books for Kids
by Jennifer Fontaine - Children are the future stewards of the earth. Starting in childhood, it's important that they learn to appreciate and take care of nature, so why not nurture that with vibrant and informative nature books? This list of children's books gently discusses critical subjects like what we can do to help preserve our natural resources, how to investigate and … [Read more...]
30 Reasons Why Trees Are Important – A Springtime Printable
Protecting nature is a communal activity that all people play a role in, but knowing why is an important motivating factor. One of our best allies in the continued survival of humanity, be it from global warming or just nature itself, are trees. Trees come in all shapes, sizes, and uses. Some trees are evergreen, meaning they never lose their leaves, and produce incredibly … [Read more...]
26 Outdoor STEM Activities For Kids
Building a stick sculpture [photo courtesy Randen Pederson] by Sarah Benton Feitlinger - Outdoor STEM activities for kids are all around us and sometimes easier than you ever thought. Getting outside in nature is always a learning experience in one way or another. There are the obvious links to learning like the biology and ecology of flora and fauna, geology and … [Read more...]
