Three Great Summer Activities

Hey kiddos, put away your pet games and other digital paraphernalia. Go out and play. Listen to your parents - it's time to get some Vit-N!

There is no better sensory stimulation than what Nature so generously provides. Pedeatricians are prescribing time out in Nature for kids with sensory disabilities. There have been good results. Fresh air, a variety of textures, colors, smells, undulating landforms, bodies of water, how can this not be therepeutic and fun? As we march into the digital age, we are dumbing down are senses by confining ourselves to closed spaces and living in simulated worlds. It is important for all kids to spend time outdoors. 

Forest Contemplation by barackschloss

Let's make it a Sensorial Summer! A vacation does not stretch into infinity. Plan. Execute. Have some fun. 

Three wonderful things to do this summer:

1. Visit a National Park

One fifth of the US is under the care of national parks. Find one which is conveniently located, get the details, plan your trip and drive up. Find out if there are interesting spots for your kids. If they like climbing trees, find a place with trees with low branches. Some parks organize summer programs. Read the details. Checck with the kids. They like something - book a place for them. Walk around the national park. Have a picnic. Play tag. Chase shadows. Run barefeet. Feel the grass under your feet. Count the stars. Swing from the branches of trees. Touch the different types of tree bark. Find the insects. Identify birds. Pick flowers. Get familiar with the local animals. Few countries in the world have such variety in landscapes. When children are younger and enthusiastic, introduce them to this national treasure of nature. 

2. Start a kitchen garden

Kitchen gardens are great places for kids to be introduced to nature. Most schools get kids to try their hand at germination. Take it further and grow a kitchen garden. You could grow herbs you might use in your cooking or easily grown vegetables. Wherever plants grow, insects will visit. Observe them. Kids could learn to identify them. Compost your peels. The cycle of life can be easily observed in a garden. Here is a great place for information. The sensorial learning from gardening is immense because it involves  . Imagine the pleasure kids will have growing their own salad.  losening soil, digging, planting, watering, smelling the earth, watering, tying up vines, raking leaves - gardening is an invaluable life skill. More than that it is great sensorial stimulation. 

3. Spend time outdoors

Yes, just spend time outdoors. Sit under a tree and do your crafts. Have lunch outdoors. Do all your outdoor repairs. Let the kids play outside. Great time to bond with the kids. Take them on picnics. Cook outside. Go camping. Try some fishing. Read under a tree. Read outside. Sketch nature. Make sure you are in shade. Use sunblock if required. Keep covered. Dont get burnt. 

Summer is a time when schedules can be a little flexible. It's a time when kids can be a little lazy. This lazy time is when kids develop their creativity. Time spent in nature will help make their sensorial experience all the more rich. Have fun!