Children who get as little as 20 minutes of moderate physical activity per day have been shown to have greater learning ability and comprehension than kids who do not. Moderate exercise can include walking, and a family walk outdoors can also have many more benefits for everyone. With your guidance, children can infuse their imagination by letting nature take the lead. Let’s take a look at ways your children can appreciate a simple nature walk.
Teach A Skill
Every walk can be a teaching opportunity, especially in the world of nature. You have the opportunity to allow your children to appreciate the world they live in, as well as how to preserve the natural environment. Start by planning your walking route together to allow your kids to take some control over their walk. Start with a basic map, and allow them to see – and help plan – the route you will take. This mapping skill will encourage spatial thinking, which has been linked to success in math and science.
Play A Game
Walking may seem like a chore to some children (and some adults) but it can be a fun activity for everyone. You can head out on a walking trail and hide some objects or clues to create a scavenger hunt activity. Encouraging your kids to find hidden objects on the trail can allow them to appreciate the outdoors and take this appreciation into later life. Attention and memory have also been found to improve from nature walks, and children will develop problem solving skills. Good memories often result in good emotional resilience later in life too. Even large cities have beautiful trails to explore, and there are natural walking routes all over the world to help your family access the benefits.
Let Kids Learn
Above all, your children can learn about the natural world and learn about the things they pass on their walk. Studies have shown that 87% of people who played outside when they were young still have an appreciation for the environment and nature as adults. Start by showing children how to do leaf rubbings, and how to identify plants and animals who live in nature to encourage their enthusiasm. You will likely find that they find this enthusiasm for the natural world for themselves as time moves on.
With your engagement and encouragement, children can get back to nature. A simple walk every day can help them to achieve this, preferably somewhere with some lovely greenery and beautiful landscapes.
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