Technology Tidbit - Get Outside!

(Part of our Stay-At-Home series focused on practical ways you can use a resource to foster creativity, connections, and collaboration.)

Parents - There is a growing body of research that shows being outside in nature can have positive benefits for our mental well-being.  With what we are dealing with currently, I think we all can use activities that are good for our mental health.

Go for a walk

There are many activities that you can do while walking.  Here are some suggestions to make it an learning adventure:

Make Observations

• Have kids share or journal what they experienced with their senses during the walk.  For instance, today I saw our mating crane pair was back from the south, I felt my face warm on one side from the sun and cool on the other from the wind, I heard the frogs that have returned to the creek.  You could even showcase a sense a day!
• Observe the clouds, the weather, wildlife, insects, amount/types of traffic
• Look for patterns - both in nature and manmade 

Collect Data

You can also collect data during your walks:

• If you are garbage observing or collecting  (please use gloves), make a couple categories of types of trash and tally the amount; OR document how many pieces of trash are on the ground for each block you walk
• Create a tally sheet for some of your observations.  Some examples: cars vs trucks, colors of doors on houses/apartments/buildings, birds vs insects, types of birds, etc

Sometimes you may want to have your child decide what kind of data to collect after a day or two of observing.

Extend the Learning

You can always extend these activities by having your child research about one of your observations either with an app or searching online.  For example, if there is a tree you don't know?  Take a picture of a leaf and use an app like Leafsnap to identify it.

Workout 

Another option is to go outside and workout.  (Please maintain social distancing at all times.) There are many people sharing workouts through social media and websites.  Help your child find an age appropriate workout, map a schedule to do it, then (maybe?) workout with them.

Create a Game

Have your child create and teach you a game or activity that involves movement and social distancing. The sky's the limit!  Who

Teachers - As you think of activities to share with your students, think about ways you can incorporate an option that encourages them to get outside.  And, with the proven mental health benefits, make sure you are getting outside regularly yourself!  The activities above can be modified by you to be incorporated into projects or lessons in Math, Science, and ELA, as well as Physical Education.

Stay at Home - Play at Home - Learn at Home