Fostering Nature Appreciation in Children
Image © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved
For some kids, it may be instinct to get out and explore nature. However, in the age of video games and computer technology, the same cannot be said for all children. Some kids hardly play outside, let alone learn to love and appreciate nature. Fortunately, with creativity you can teach even the most unaware and unwilling kids to love nature. Generally, once they get out there and start enjoying it in various ways, it comes naturally.
Visit a Nature Reserve
Nature reserves can hold some of the most captivating wildlife scenery, especially to young minds. They often have a large amount of different plants and animals. Also, they are designed especially for the purpose of preserving and appreciating nature. Nature reserves can offer uniquely creative programs, tours, and classes you won't find anywhere else. One way to find a nature reserve in your area is to visit the Nature Conservancy at Nature.org. You also may want to check your local parks and recreation department.
Gardening
Gardening is an activity that will allow kids to observe nature from start to finish. This makes an excellent candidate for creatively teaching a child to love nature. Many kids will enjoy various aspects of preparing, planting, observing, and (where necessary) harvesting a garden. Some great starter plants for kids include bean plants, sunflowers, bulb plants, and sprouted plants. Allow the kids to be creative and design the arrangement of plants. Also consider getting the kids involved in the community by creating bucket gardens for the hungry or homeless.
Family Nature Night
Ever thought of dedicating a special night just to nature? Holding a family nature night is one way to instill the love of nature. It also can create some great family bonding time and memories. Various activities can be done during family nature night, such as star gazing, bird watching, insect observing, nature crafts, gardening, and so much more. Nature crafts can be anything from bird and squirrel feeders to collages, handcrafted jewelry, and wreaths. Since it's about nature appreciation, be sure to stick to all natural and eco-friendly crafting. To take this a step further, consider making it a regular habit.
Last updated 2/17/2022
Visit a Nature Reserve
Nature reserves can hold some of the most captivating wildlife scenery, especially to young minds. They often have a large amount of different plants and animals. Also, they are designed especially for the purpose of preserving and appreciating nature. Nature reserves can offer uniquely creative programs, tours, and classes you won't find anywhere else. One way to find a nature reserve in your area is to visit the Nature Conservancy at Nature.org. You also may want to check your local parks and recreation department.
Gardening
Gardening is an activity that will allow kids to observe nature from start to finish. This makes an excellent candidate for creatively teaching a child to love nature. Many kids will enjoy various aspects of preparing, planting, observing, and (where necessary) harvesting a garden. Some great starter plants for kids include bean plants, sunflowers, bulb plants, and sprouted plants. Allow the kids to be creative and design the arrangement of plants. Also consider getting the kids involved in the community by creating bucket gardens for the hungry or homeless.
Family Nature Night
Ever thought of dedicating a special night just to nature? Holding a family nature night is one way to instill the love of nature. It also can create some great family bonding time and memories. Various activities can be done during family nature night, such as star gazing, bird watching, insect observing, nature crafts, gardening, and so much more. Nature crafts can be anything from bird and squirrel feeders to collages, handcrafted jewelry, and wreaths. Since it's about nature appreciation, be sure to stick to all natural and eco-friendly crafting. To take this a step further, consider making it a regular habit.
Last updated 2/17/2022
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