Tip of the Week: Encourage Children to Explore Outside as Seasons Change
As autumn arrives in Pennsylvania, early childhood educators should use the changing of the seasons to create meaningful learning experiences for children, said Kathy Wolfe, the STARS designator for ELRC Region 5.
Educators and caregivers should encourage children to observe the colors of leaves, collect natural items during outdoor play, and talk about the cooler weather.
Simple activities - such as sorting leaves by color or size, counting acorns, reading fall-themed books, and exploring seasonal textures - help to build language, math, science, and observation skills.
Children learn best through hands-on exploration, so educators and caregivers should follow their curiosity by asking such open ended questions as:
What do you notice about this leaf?
Why do you think some leaves change color?
How are these leaves the same or different?
Spending time outdoors also supports physical development, social-emotional well-being, and a lifelong appreciation for nature. Every season offers new opportunities to learn, discover, and grow together.
More Resources
Genius of Play Encourages Outdoor Play, Suggests Activities, ELRC Region 5
Strategies to Foster Risk Taking During Outdoor Play, ELRC Region 5
Messy Play Helps Children with Creativity and Facing Challenges, Trying Together
Mental Health Benefits of Outdoor Play, Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL)
Outdoor Play Benefits, Head Start