Cool mind

Winter. Brings to mind cold, doesn’t it? And in my case, being stuck inside with 2 very active little boys. But winter does not necessarily mean spending all your time inside – winter does provide unique nature opportunities. If you are willing to expend a bit more energy and bundle up, you can introduce your littles to nature in the “off” season.

We often think of winter as a bland time in terms of nature and the outdoors. But in reality, nature hasn’t left –it’s just different. So use this time to point out differences and introduce the littles in your life to the changes that come with the changing seasons. Much of science is observation, and you can begin to teach observation skills to the littlest of persons.

So just how do I incorporate nature into our life this winter, you ask? Well, I suggest adding winter nature walks to your schedule. Even once a week. Fresh air, even cold fresh air, can make such a difference in focus, attentiveness, and release of pent up energy. Encourage kids to use their 5 senses and begin simple comparing/contrasting during winter nature walks: