Spring is finally here, and at U-GRO Learning Centres, we are excited for those warm, sunny days on the playground.
Spending time in nature sparks a child’s creativity and imagination. It’s also a great way for children to get outside. Here are three fun activities to enjoy with your children in the great outdoors this spring!
Hopscotch
Grab the sidewalk chalk and play hopscotch! Hopscotch is a great activity to work on motor skills as children jump on two feet and hop on one foot. To play, draw 10 spaces on the sidewalk or driveway that are large enough to fit one foot. Make sure a couple of spaces are side by side. Give children the freedom to draw the hopscotch game with whatever shapes they want. For an added challenge for toddlers and preschoolers, draw the spaces in different colors. You can suggest that they only jump on spaces that are red, for example.
Alternatively, have them say the number that corresponds to the space as they hop to practice counting and identifying numbers. Consider dedicating hopscotch to just colors or numbers so they can focus on mastering one concept at a time.
We also love What to Expect’s caterpillar hopscotch based on The Very Hungry Caterpillar. This variation is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
Sensory scavenger hunt
Nature can pique a child’s natural curiosity. Incorporate the signs of spring into a sensory scavenger hunt. For example, have children listen for birds chirping or look for flowers blooming. The Inspired Treehouse offers a free printable for a sensory scavenger hunt. Just grab a pen or crayon, head outside, and start hunting!
Mother, May I?
This classic game allows preschoolers to work on important listening skills needed in the classroom and doesn’t require any extra materials. Let children take turns being the “mother,” while other participants ask questions like “Mother, may I take five hops forward?” Not only is this game great for learning how to follow directions, but children can also work on counting and gross motor skills as they walk, hop, and jump.
While this game is ideal for outdoors, it can be moved indoors on rainy spring days.
Get more ideas for fun outdoor activities on the U-GRO blog.