Connecting with Nature
Let's Go Outside!
Outdoor play among our precious little ones is diminishing. Are children getting
too comfortable in front of TV?
If we parents motivate them to go out, they sure will.
Who is going to motivate the parents, though?
Perhaps, this article is a start.
Among many Asian cultures, outdoor exercise is a ritual; whether early in the
morning or later in the day, people gather together rain or shine to exercise with
music.
In some African countries, various tribes conduct ceremonies outside. They
gather together, sing, dance, and play instruments.
The opportunities for outdoor activities on the Shoreline are endless. We
can take children to a park, a playground, the beach, hiking trails, or our own
backyard. Outdoor play helps with concentration, impulse control, stress
reduction, and creative play. It also helps to increase fitness.
Both children and adults seem to feel more relaxed once outside in the wild
breathing the fresh air. Make sure you leave your worries at home, think positive
and get ready for fun time with your child. He or she will feed off your energy
right away.
Music intertwines with nature and helps us relax and stay cheerful. As we
walk and sing, time passes by joyfully. Nature sings back to us through the birds
chirping, or bushes rustling.
Make up a song if you wish to. Moving to the rhythm of a song you can sing
with your child will make the hike lighter.
Think of a popular tune and look around; the words will come to you.
e.g “Down by the Station” tune
Peter found a grey rock
A grey rock
A grey rock
Peter found a grey rock
Under a tree
You can then challenge all the members of the excursion to continue with adding
their own words. With a baby you can make up a rhyme and repeat it with
clapping or bouncing.
Nature is very stimulating and engaging. Have your child observe and
recognize various flowers, trees, or animals.
It is always good to bring some brown bags on a hike with you. You and your child
can that way collect some natural treasures and bring them back home. With
older children you can document observations in a journal, make a treasure box,
or simply discuss favourite finds.
With a younger child you can take a treasure one by one and make up a
rhyme about it. He or she will pick up new words in no time.
Bring your camera to the excursion. It is always good to relate to those unique
moments over and over again. This way you create unforgettable memories and
recall the good time you had had.
Don’t forget!
If you are driving to your escapade, please silence your phone, turn off all the
electronics devices and take a look outside.
ENJOY!
Twinkletoes Music
Dorota Xeller
