Today's Tip for Families

03-26-2025

Time Outdoors Nurtures Development

Elementary schoolers benefit from playing outdoors. Being out in nature boosts a child's observation skills, builds creativity and fosters a sense of well-being. Most children like to play outside. But some need to be pulled away from their screens and led out the door.

To help your elementary schooler learn and benefit from nature:

Provide undisturbed time to watch the environment quietly. At first, don't talk at all.
Ask some questions. Can your child feel where the wind's coming from? What's the ant doing? What's happening with the water currents? What sounds can your child identify with closed eyes?
Try building things together. Build forts, tree houses, hideouts, bridges, roads.
Suggest making up poetry, songs and stories about what your child is seeing and doing.
Don't hurry. Be patient as your child absentmindedly moves a stick in the dirt. Let your student aimlessly finger a flower or swish a hand in water. This creates a calm, thoughtful state.

Brought to you by:

Warren Independent School District