My wife and I try to get our children out in nature as often as possible. Sometimes to explore. Sometime just to play. They always have fun, and they are always learning something. One of the tools that we have for the kids is a little explorer kit that we have made for each kid.
Each child has a bag that has a magnifying glass. They are great for looking at rocks, ants, and thing they only imagine that they see. We also have a A5 (9 1/8” x 6 3/8”) Clipboard for each kid that we can cut printer paper in half so that they can draw even in the wind. We have also made improvised crayon cases out of mismatched socks. They are great for keeping the crayons together, and we honestly don’t care if we lose them. If we do, maybe it is just that sock returning to its mate. We also have odd things like handkerchiefs, bug bottles, random rocks and sticks. in them.
I am always surprised by what the kids find to draw. They really do a great job. I try not to step in, but they found the flowers of a red maple on the ground, traced it back to the tree branches, then back to the truck. I let them lead the conversation, and try not to step in as they explore. The hardest part is giving them the time to look. And not getting frustrated when they want to stop every ten feet. I do hope that by letting them do this, they are developing a true love of nature. I hope they keep exploring their world.
