Did I say I was excited for Backyard Science week? Well, I am EVEN MORE EXCITED to share activities for Forest-Friendly week of the Smart Summer Challenge*!
I spent many childhood days, walking through the woods behind the house and climbing trees and I love sharing that with my children. When the weather is good, we usually take nature walks 1-3 times a week.
We learn so much on everyone of our walks, whether it is observing the changes in the seasons, practicing navigation, learning about the plants, or watching the animals who inhabit the forest.
We’re having a hard time leaving the backyard science behind but that’s okay because it is just extending out into the woods!
In addition to our usual walks, here are our planned activities…subject (as always) to change based on the weather, sudden brainstorms, children’s moods, or just random whims:
- Take a hike in the woods and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest
- Make a homemade bird feeder
- Count the birds who visit our yard
- Create woodland animal masks
- Play animal charades
* What is the Smart Summer Challenge? Amy of teachmama.com, MaryLea of Pink and Green Mama, and I are challenging our community to beat the “summer slide” (the learning loss that can happen over the summer).
We’ll be posting our activities daily, loosely following this calendar of educational summer ideas, and hosting a weekly linky (with PRIZES) for others to share their ideas and activities.
The Week 3 linky is up. Week 4 linky will go up FRIDAY, July 22!
You are invited to find an opportunity for learning with your children every day–it can be as simple as reading a book or playing a game or as involved as a themed craft and activity. You don’t have to follow our themes or suggestions–just commit to making time to learn together!
There’s also a Smart Summer Challenge facebook page so we can all add our own tips, links, and photos!
