Time spent in the fresh air and natural surroundings is beneficial to both the health of the body and the mind. Outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and bicycling are among people’s favorites, and the vast outdoors also provides a wonderful setting for unconstrained creative play at home and a Gaithersburg child care center. The act of interacting with nature not only fosters social and emotional growth and development but also provides opportunities for exploration and creative thought. Make the most of nature by incorporating it into your day-to-day activities, whether that means going outside to play or finding ways to bring the outdoors inside.
When you go outside to explore the great outdoors, use your imagination and creativity to make the things around you into something much more than they are.
Collect any branches, leaves, or twigs that have a pleasing appearance. Place the things in the appropriate locations on the table, and then get two sheets of paper and some crayons. Place one leaf on top of a sheet of paper, and then place another sheet of paper on top of that. Maintain the leaf’s position by pressing down on the paper, and then draw a line across the leaf using the side of a crayon. You’ll start to see that the imprint of the leaf is beginning to show through almost magically. Repeat this process to create a collage using all of the items you’ve collected, switching up the colors each time.
Get a book on local flora, flowers, and birds from the library or do some research online, then ask them to write or sketch what they learn. See what you can recognize outside your window using the photographs, then try to match or categorize them to aid in learning and reading development.
Collect rocks with a somewhat smooth and even surface and relatively flat ones. Decorate them with paint at home or child care in Gaithersburg, MD. You can make patterns and sketches on them or transform them into cute small animals or beautiful flowers. Wait for it to dry out, then put it in your garden or on a windowsill.
Camping is a great way for families to get away from technology and spend time in nature. It brings families closer together, encourages a sense of excitement, and helps people feel more connected to nature. When putting together a camping trip, ensure you have all the camping gear you need, like tents, sleeping bags, food gear, and camping chairs.
Choose a site that fits your needs, like one in the middle of a forest, by a lake, or on the beach. Take part in outdoor activities like looking at the stars, telling stories around a campfire, or walking through nature to make the trip special.
Family scavenger hunts give an experience that is both fun and informative for the participants. They promote a sense of curiosity in youngsters while also encouraging them to notice, appreciate, and take an interest in their environment.
Collaborate with your kids to compile a list of “treasures” found in the great outdoors. Discover the hidden treasures that are hidden in the backyard, the playground, or the park. Allow kids to draw, keep a notebook, or take a picture of what they discover to later evaluate it in relation to other outdoor settings.
Encourage children to recognize or search for particular objects based on their shape, color, or function to add a degree of difficulty to the activity. This will present them with a greater mental challenge.
Hiking is a great way for kids to connect with nature and get a lot of health benefits at the same time. It helps people stay physically and mentally healthy and motivates them to explore the natural world. When planning a family walk, think about the trail’s length and difficulty to ensure it’s right for everyone. Choose tracks that go through beautiful places, like mountains, forests, or the coast. Don’t forget to bring things like water, food, sunscreen, and bug spray. Identify plants, birds, or interesting rock formations along the way to get kids interested in the environment.
Wildlife watching is a great thing to do as a family or with your day care in Gaithersburg, MD, if you want to learn about and connect with animals. Introduce children to different birds, mammals, or insects that live in local parks or nature areas. This will get them interested in nature.
Bring binoculars, field guides, and notebooks so you can keep track of and name the animals you see. When watching animals in their natural habitat, it’s important to stress the value of respect and conservation. This action makes people interested in nature and makes them feel responsible for protecting wildlife and their habitats.
Families may have an exhilarating water adventure while taking in the tranquility of lakes, rivers, or peaceful waterways by canoeing or kayaking. It provides chances for physical activity, teamwork, and the chance to take in the beauty of nature from a distinctive viewpoint.
Make sure you have the necessary safety gear, such as life jackets and paddles, before setting out on a canoeing or kayaking expedition. Choose beginner-friendly rivers with scenic vistas that are family-friendly. Take in the serenity and quiet of the ocean while watching wildlife or just taking it all in.
Whether at home or at a day care in Gaithersburg, MD, getting children outside means encouraging them to become passionate about nature and respect it. It can also add to their education without them even realizing it, as they are busy exploring and having fun and don’t realize they are learning. Nature can give you and your children a fresh outlook on the world. You can still spend time outside even as the temperature starts to fall. You can still find green areas in your city to spend time in nature, even if there isn’t a large park nearby.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.