Environmental education games for kids
Being in contact with nature is important for the development of any infant, in addition to making him sensitive to the planet. Many may lead a life in the cities, but taking advantage of parks and family trips to enjoy recreational activities and entertainment can bring more benefits than you think.
Children’s environmental education is quite relevant in the correct development of a child and, in addition, it is extremely important to teach basic survival and response methods in case of need.
Likewise, it should be noted that contact with nature is accompanied by multiple physical and psychological benefits in the development of the human being, especially in children, since they are beginning to live.
Throughout this space you will be able to learn about the most relevant and notable benefits obtained from accustoming a child to the natural environment, as well as several recommended outdoor activities, which can be beneficial in different ways.
Benefits of doing activities in the natural environment
Activities in nature for children have multiple advantages; mainly in their development, motor skills, socialization and more.
Putting the little one in contact with the environment that surrounds him, as well as teaching him to respect it, will give him advantages that he can take advantage of even in his day to day life.
For example, environmental education games can include information about species of animals, plants, fungi, and more, leading to neurological stimulation that, in turn, could spark interest in life and biological development.
On the other hand, it has also been proven that it helps the child to socialize. Being part of a team and doing activities outside can provide the child with confidence to start having fun, meet other children, help him get by.
Another advantage offered by doing activities in nature is the empathy that is generated between the child and the rest of the living beings. If during games or outings to natural environments they are allowed to know how other forms of life are formed and develop, this can provide them with sensitivity and a feeling of responsibility for the environment that surrounds them.
5 activities related to the environment for children
If you have been interested in creating a bond between your little one and nature, then we recommend some environmental games for children, so you can get ideas on how to entertain and interest them in the natural environment in a safe and effective way.
1. Hiking
Hiking is one of the activities that can be practiced with children to help them connect with the natural environment. In addition, you can increase the educational interactivity of the walk by analyzing with the little one each plant, tree, bird or mammal that is observed in the surroundings.
However, when practicing this activity or sport, it is highly recommended to carry a walkie talkie for children, in order to maintain active communication in real time at all times. This will prevent them from getting lost and serve to call for help if necessary.
2. Cultivation
Another activity that could easily become part of nature play is growing seeds. It can be done with very cheap elements and the process is simple, but interesting.
It will be enough to get a couple of plastic bottles, napkins, scissors and the seeds of your choice. Start by moistening the napkins and placing a couple of seeds between the leaves. Then, with scissors, cut the neck of the plastic bottle and insert the napkins with the seeds inside. Put the top back on, only upside down, so it’s shaped like a funnel and easier to handle.
Every day the napkin should be moistened a little until you notice the appearance of the root, thus generating an effective, entertaining and educational cultivation process.
3. Construction
Something that can become both a game and an activity that improves the environment for children, is construction, but not just any type of construction, but focused on offering a benefit to animal fauna and that, in turn, can be used to observe various species.
You can choose to start a project to make a birdhouse with popsicles and glue, which they can decorate with non-toxic paint to stimulate their creativity. Afterwards, set it up in a quiet spot in the garden, so you can watch the birds as they approach.
Also, if you want to get even more attention from birds, and possibly other animals such as squirrels, it is recommended to build a seedbed that will be filled with food to attract them.
4. Collection
Among the environmental activities for children from 2 to 3 years old, the collection could be one of the most appropriate, since it is simple to carry out and constant supervision can be maintained over the little ones.
You can turn the collection of dead leaves, for example, into a competition where the one who collects the most wins. This activity, in addition to being fun, provides exercise and fresh air, to improve development in general.
If there are no dead leaves to collect, you can apply the technique to collect garbage on beaches, for example, but you must be careful not to trip over any dangerous element.
5. Tracking
The tracking game is based on giving the little ones a series of clues or characteristics of some plant, fungus or animal so that they can identify them in the natural environment. This provides new information to retain, as well as increases visual acuity and recognition.
Here the best laser meter can be useful in case you want to point out a particular feature that can be used as a clue, delimit the space in which the object, animal or plant in question is found and help to track it accordingly.
