Playful by Nature – Playgroup Guide

You can incorporate nature-based education anywhere! You don’t need to live in a rural area, or have a forest in your neighborhood, or even have a yard at all. Nature can truly be discovered in unexpected places.

Children can paint freely across a unique surface and see where their ideas take them. Experiencing textures and temperatures you feel, like the hard ground, cold snow, and frozen, slippery ice.

Being able to watch the growth of seeds that you planted yourself is a great way for children to appreciate nature. First we mix ingredients, next we watch a seedling grow, then we see a flower bloom!

Encourage children to explore, observe their surroundings using their senses and tools (magnifying glasses), and ask questions about what they notice. Find all the items on their scavenger hunt checklist can promote a sense of independence as well. 

Children will figure out how to get the golf tees in and out of the pumpkin and how to hold the tee and use the mallet safely and accurately. Offering the opportunity for children to try something new that can be challenging.

By making and using binoculars, children will closely engage with the natural world as they explore. Encourage them to notice the small details such as colors, shapes, and patterns as they explore different items, animals, and so much more!

Collect objects from nature and arrange the items to create a personalized bracelet that showcases children’s discoveries and preferences.

Paintings will change in the rain, and colors will mix together. Children can be imaginative with the design of their paintings, and enjoy the process of mixing colors. Learning to accept unpredictable outcomes and/or try again is a great lesson.