Kids and the Environment

In our office, staff members like to share some of the books they are reading with one another. One of our staff members is reading the book, Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv. The book looks at a growing body of research that indicates children need exposure to the natural world in order to develop into healthy adults. The book also includes suggestions for introducing your child to nature and keeping them engaged with nature throughout their lives.

The book sparked interesting conversations throughout the office about how staff members were introduced to the outdoors as children and how, in turn, as parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents staff members introduced the outdoors to children.

We decided it might be fun to share some activities you can do with a child in your life with the hope they will foster a life-long appreciation for the outdoors and create some great memories!

·         Take play groups to a campground or state/national park. These areas often have interpretive trail signs and an abundance of wildlife.

·         Let kids play in the garden. If you have space let kids have their own section of the garden that they are responsible for. If you don’t have the space for a garden, consider starting a window-sill garden.

·         Take a hike! Taking hikes with your child is also a great learning opportunity. You can point out animal tracks, wildflowers and discuss water safety and trail etiquette. A great resource for hiking with children and babies is http://www.wta.org/kids/children. The website offers helpful tips, suggestions, and reviews. Also, Best Hikes with Kids: Western Washington & the Cascades is a great book for planning hikes as well.

·         Take art supplies outside. Have your child paint, draw and color the natural landscape. It is a great way to stimulate creativity!

·         Create a scavenger hunt. Have your child find things like pine cones, wildflowers, trees, etc. This is a fun activity disguised as a learning opportunity!

·         Visit a farm.

·         Take a walk in the rain.

·         Send away for a butterfly kit.

You can check out Last Child in the Woods by visiting:  http://richardlouv.com/