To supplement their daycare
and preschool curriculum,
consider some engaging activities to encourage your children to go out and play.
Because play-based learning is the best way to learn-- and instill a love of
the learning process-- some outdoor playtime fun will excite children and teach
them a bit of science in the process.
This game requires a fishing pole for toddlers or a rod and reel
for older kids. Tie a nut or washer to the end of the fishing line. Use rope,
stones or other items to mark out “sweet spots” and then have the children take
turns trying to get as close to the target as they can. This game helps build
hand-eye coordination and teaches children to aim for-- and eventually hit-- a
desired target.
Go Fly a Kite
While not precisely a game, flying
kites is an enjoyable springtime activity with the added benefit of teaching children science concepts like
identifying wind direction and basic physical laws. Older children may want to
experiment with building kites, but smaller ones will be more interested in
running around and learning how to get a ready-made kite to stay aloft for a
while.
Balloon Games
Whether you are keeping score like this game, or trying to hit a target with an object anchored to an inflated
balloon, yard games involving balloons are both enjoyable and educational.
Investigate how varying weights affect the distance a balloon can be thrown, or
experiment with how much weight is necessary to keep a helium-filled balloon
from rising into the air.
Disc Golf
Small children may not be ready for professional disc golf, but
they will enjoy trying to hit a target with a flying disc. Place various
objects around the yard and take turns trying to land the disc as close as possible.
As with the other activities listed here, this game combines science and fun
for the whole family.
The games listed above
make a great starting point for outdoor fun, but feel free to adjust the games
to incorporate other lessons. The key to success in a montessori
elementary school is to keep your children engaged and entertained while
learning about the world they live in.
