Turn Walks Into Learning

The weather is getting more like spring in Michigan and that means we can spend more time outside. As a homeschooler, I am used to everything being a means to learn, even taking walks. I remember a fun workshop we did in my co-op where we went on a walk with lists of things to find and it was a contest to see which team of kids could find the most items on the list! But this is an easy activity you can do at home with your own kids.

There are two ways you can turn walks into learning experiences. One is to give each kid a bag and let them collect things as you go along. When you get home, you can look up the things they've gathered. I don't know about you, but I'm not a leaf and flower expert. I would need to look things up.

Another fun thing is to play "seek and find". Create a list of things you think the kids will be able to see on your walk. (If you walk in the same place regularly, think of what is along the route. Otherwise, just pick common things you see outdoors). Then, have them be on the lookout for the items and check off each one they find.

Some things to put on a seek-and-find list:

• squirrel
  
• bird
  
• flag
  
• birdfeeder
  
• red car
  
• blue car
  
• basketball net
  
• bicycle
  
• sidewalk chalk art
  
• mailbox
  
• cat
  
• dog
  
• worm
  
• lamppost
  

Think about what your neighborhood or wherever you're going to walk has to offer and that can give you inspiration for items to put on the list. My mom used to do lists like this for us for road trips. We had things to look for (some that were landmarks on our drives) and license plates to mark off. It was really fun and kept us occupied for a long time!

Get outside with your kids and make your walks educational and fun at the same time! I'd love to see how it goes if you want to tag me on Instagram @sarah_jayne_photo :)