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For decades, children have spent less time able to play outside AND research shows that has negative effects on health and well-being. BUT families now have lifestyles that do not make it easy SO here are some ways to increase exposure to nature in today's world.
Encourage more time in nature by integrating simple, daily outdoor routines—like short walks or backyard exploration—rather than focusing only on big trips. Key strategies include fostering unstructured play (e.g., building forts, mud soup), removing digital distractions, modeling curiosity by using all senses, and preparing with extra snacks to keep kids comfortable.
HEAD
For decades, children have spent less time able to play outside AND research shows that has negative effects on health and well-being. BUT families now have lifestyles that do not make it easy SO here are some ways to increase exposure to nature in today's world.
Encourage more time in nature by integrating simple, daily outdoor routines—like short walks or backyard exploration—rather than focusing only on big trips. Key strategies include fostering unstructured play (e.g., building forts, mud soup), removing digital distractions, modeling curiosity by using all senses, and preparing with extra snacks to keep kids comfortable.
HEART
For decades, children have spent less time able to play outside AND research shows that has negative effects on health and well-being. BUT families now have lifestyles that do not make it easy SO here are some ways to increase exposure to nature in today's world.
Encourage more time in nature by integrating simple, daily outdoor routines—like short walks or backyard exploration—rather than focusing only on big trips. Key strategies include fostering unstructured play (e.g., building forts, mud soup), removing digital distractions, modeling curiosity by using all senses, and preparing with extra snacks to keep kids comfortable. https://extension.illinois.edu/dkk
HANDS
For decades, children have spent less time able to play outside AND research shows that has negative effects on health and well-being. BUT families now have lifestyles that do not make it easy SO here are some ways to increase exposure to nature in today's world.
Encourage more time in nature by integrating simple, daily outdoor routines—like short walks or backyard exploration—rather than focusing only on big trips. Key strategies include fostering unstructured play (e.g., building forts, mud soup), removing digital distractions, modeling curiosity by using all senses, and preparing with extra snacks to keep kids comfortable. https://extension.illinois.edu/dkk
HEALTH
For decades, children have spent less time able to play outside AND research shows that has negative effects on health and well-being. BUT families now have lifestyles that do not make it easy SO here are some ways to increase exposure to nature in today's world.
Encourage more time in nature by integrating simple, daily outdoor routines—like short walks or backyard exploration—rather than focusing only on big trips. Key strategies include fostering unstructured play (e.g., building forts, mud soup), removing digital distractions, modeling curiosity by using all senses, and preparing with extra snacks to keep kids comfortable. https://extension.illinois.edu/dkk
Resources
explain here
Activities for at home
- Fall Activity Guide | The Nature Conservancy
- Spring Activity Guide | The Nature Conservancy
- Summer Activity Guide | The Nature Conservancy
- Winter Activity Guide | The Nature Conservancy
- Cloud Gazing | Florida Museum
- Stories in the Clouds | University of Alaska, Museum of the North
- Build a Nest for Native Bees | Grade 2-8 | CLOVER by 4-H
- Garden in a Glove | Grades 1-5 | CLOVER by 4-H
- Grow your own Microgreens | Grades 3-8 | CLOVER by 4-H
- Gardening at Home: Activity Guide | Grades 3-8 | 4-H at Home
- Heading in the Right Direction | Illinois 4-H
- Hula Hoop Observations | National Geographic Kids
- Leaf and Bark Art | Grades K-3 | Illinois 4-H
- Make an Underwater Scope | National Geographic Kids
- Soil Layer Cake | Illinois 4-H
- Sprouting Seeds | Grades 2-4 | Illinois 4-H
- Wild in your own Backyard | Illinois 4-H
Field trip ideas near you
Sources
Works cited
Under Construction