Here’s a list of some of the activities I offer. Please contact me for more information, as programs can be modified for certain circumstances (location, length, number of children, etc.).
Introduction to Soil Science— Soil plays a huge role in our daily lives, often in many more ways than we can imagine! In this session, students will learn about the three main types of soil—sand, clay and loam. They will learn about each soil and its ability to absorb, clean or trap water. They will also learn how people use each type of soil for things like gardening, pond building, and filtering.
Map-Making— Map making is a great way for children to develop awareness of their surroundings. It can also enhance their measuring and math skills. Students will learn measurements, icons, directions, and problem-solving using maps. Children will create their own map of the room or outdoor area. Complexity of the map-making projects can be adjusted for age groups and/or skill level. Children will get a ruler, protractor, and pencil to take home with them.
How to Use a Compass— Having a good sense of direction is important in any aspect of life, and a compass is a good tool for developing directional awareness. Students will learn the basics of how a compass works. They will learn the parts of a compass, how to take a bearing, and basic navigation skills. We’ll also learn some basic games to play using a compass. Children will receive their own compass and basic instruction card to continue learning at home.
Letterboxing—Letterboxing is a great activity to do on its own, or in combination with the map-making or compasses sessions. Letterboxing is a sort of “treasure hunt” where students search for hidden boxes using clues and/or a map. It’s a good outside activity, where there will be more space for hiding spots and creativity.
Letterbox Stamp-Making—The “traditional” letterbox has a stamp inside. When the hunter find the box, they can sign the card in the box and stamp their card to show that they found the box. Children will use their creative skills to carve their own stamp out of gum erasers. After the class, they’ll be able to take their stamps home with them.
Using a Fishing Rod—You don’t need to be at the lake to learn about fishing. Students will learn the parts of a fishing rod, and the different types of rods and reels. They’ll learn how to aim and cast, and we’ll try to hit the targets at the end!
Obstacle Course Race—Need an entertaining activity for a field day or half day? This simple obstacle course can be customized to fit in any outdoor unpaved space, and can be modified for skill level and age groups. Obstacle courses can teach problem solving, get children moving, and give them a sense of accomplishment when they finish.
Knot-Tying—Knots are great for developing coordination and practicing how to follow written and pictorial instructions. Students will learn common knots and their uses, and will get to take home some rope and an instruction card. Older children can use their new rope skills to make coasters or crafts.
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt—Children will learn about insects, plants, and flowers by finding and identifying them in the schoolyard or playground. This is a great activity for warm weather when plants and insects are abundant. Children will get to keep a common plant and insect fact card to continue the activity at home.
Animal Tracks—Summer or winter, this is a good way to get children to notice small details when they are outside. We’ll learn about common animal tracks that you might see on a walk, and we’ll hunt for them. If that’s not possible in your location, we can learn about making a plaster cast of an animal footprint—and students will get to take their animal print cast home with them.
Outdoor Exploration—Sometimes, the best activity for children is to just get outside and see what we can discover. If you have a pond, path, or woods near your facility, it can be a great way for children to get out and explore. We can collect bugs, look for tadpoles, or just walk around and see what we find. Send me a message with the contact form, and we can discuss a specific plan for your area and it’s unique natural features.