Ways to Connect With Nature

Yes Spring has well and truly sprung around here and we find ourselves in the midst of Easter. Around these parts we've not really felt much of a difference except for the toddler groups being cancelled till the end of this month. So what do we do to entertain the children during this time? Here are several ways in which to connect with nature in what is quickly turning into my favourite season.

The first of these is geocaching.  For us the hobby is well and truly ingrained into our lives and if we are at a loss as to what to do then we often find ourselves out and about in the countryside marvelling at the beauty of nature and participating in a hunt (akin to an Easter egg hunt) that never ends.

Of course you don’t need to go far in order to get outdoors. We have been enjoying time outside in the garden and have been planting our own vegetables. Carrots, potatoes and rhubarb are things we have recently planted outside.

And the fun doesn't stop there. How about taking the art supplies outside and having fun with them. Why not try out some chalk drawing like we have or add some food dye to some bubble mix and pop them over paper.

If you like recycling products and wish to make things of educational value then creating a windsock may be more your thing.  You could also make a little rain gauge to measure rain fall and how about a sun dial.

A lot can be created from flowers. Daisies make lovely daisy chains, small flowers can be included in sensory bottles, you could float dandelions on water or press them and use them on your cards.

Spring also spells the time for new birth with a number of baby animals such as lambs and chicks appearing around the country. Farms have special events around this time educating our youngsters about animals.

Finally use your senses. Listening to the dawn chorus and feeling the earth with your feet can be a pure joy.

What ways do you like to connect with nature?