Photo by Mr. T in DC via flickr
Well, we finally made it! Spring is FINALLY here, in spite of the doubts that the last month of winter might have caused. Of course, some parts of the country aren’t experiencing what might feel like spring quite yet, regardless of what the calender says. Hang in there — it’s coming. Promise!
What signs of spring have you noticed? Why not take a spring hike with the kids in your world? Where you live will impact exactly the when and the what you will see, but the great thing about nature is that there is ALWAYS something to see!
If you want, take along a camera or a nature journal to help document what you see. Binoculars and magnifying glasses are always fun for kids to experiment with.
Look for the following:
- buds on trees
- daffodils, crocuses, and tulips blooming with their welcomed bursts of color
- American Robins (an easy bird for even the youngest child to recognize)
- migratory songbirds, like warblers, swallows, and swifts
It’s not necessary to set out with a check list in mind. Just enjoy the walk — the sights and the sounds. Chat about what you see and hear. Take time to stop and really look at your finds.
Say goodbye to those winter blues and celebrate the coming of spring! Enjoy the days as they get warmer, providing more and more opportunities to get outside and play.
OK, I’m off to see what I can find! Let me know what spring looks like where you live.
See ya outside! – The Grass Stain Guru
RT @balmerasNew post at The Grass Stain Guru: Take a Spring Walk! http://bitly.com/S8ph0 #playoutdoors
This reminds me of our walks with our daughters. My husband is a big nature bug, he has books on flowers, birds etc and he would point out plants and trees to our girls.
I feel that it made them more aware of their surroundings and as they got older they had the habit of looking around and finding the flowers, or unusual bug, or tree.
They have a sense of wonder and respect for nature, they appreciate the beauty around them.
It is important to point out the great awesomeness of our incredibly beautiful world. The colours of the flowers, the sunrises and sunsets, rainbows, and the smells of the early morning and later evenings. The shapes, lines and textures of nature.
RT @balmerasNew post at The Grass Stain Guru: Take a Spring Walk! http://bitly.com/S8ph0 #playoutdoors
We have a bird book and a pair of binoculars that we love to take out on our deck, on walks, to Grandma and Grandpa’s, to the mailbox… one of our dream birds to get a glimpse of is the indigo bunting (although not likely in MN).
Another lovely post!
How great, Wendy! I love “… to the mailbox!” Kids really go crazy for binoculars. Birds are such an easy, accessible part of nature — a great way to explore the wonders of nature with kids.
Peterson First Guides are a great series of field guides for kids, covering a variety of topics. I also love to use the Fandex series for young children — the easy to use design and large, colorful pictures are especially engaging. http://tinyurl.com/cf69n5
Thanks for the great comment. Cheers- Bethe