Experiencing Nature with your Preschooler

Surrounding your preschooler with opportunities to experience nature, either directly through hikes, backyard explorations, etc., or indirectly though books and museums, not only enriches your child's life, but provides a foundation for your child's future thoughts, beliefs and feelings about nature.

Through author Joseph Cornell's (Sharing Nature with Children) four-staged concept of Flow Learning, children can become more receptive and enthusiastic about nature experiences.

1. Awaken Enthusiasm

Get your child excited by what you are going to do. Making nature outings fun and playful peaks your child's curiosity and instills in them a sense of enthusiasm for learning and experiencing.

2. Focus Attention

Once you've caught their interest, channel their enthusiasm towards quiet nature experiences. Activities that involve close-up investigations are great for this.

3. Direct Experience

Wherever and whenever possible, offer first-hand experiences of nature. These direct experiences help foster wonder and empathy for the natural world.

4. Share Inspiration

Encourage your children to share what they've learned - with you, their family and their friends. Sharing experiences and stories grounds and strengthens the experience.

Providing nature experiences for your preschooler doesn't necessarily mean driving to some totally secluded place. Great experiences await you in your own backyard, at a local park or ravine, at the beach, or even at the zoo or museum.

To learn more about Joseph Cornell and incorporating Flow Learning activities into nature experiences with your child, please visit http://www.sharingnature.com/

By Rochelle Strauss