Outdoor Life

Send your children out to play, or better yet, take them.  During the warm months, most of a young child’s life should be spent in the fresh air.  It is what is truly best for the child.  Give them plenty of time to explore and romp.  Their innate curiosity and wonder of the outdoor world teach better than any worksheet or book.  Leave them much to themselves to take in the beauty of earth and heaven but be ever near to keep the time as joyful as possible.  Here is the parent’s opportunity grow your children’s observation skills and communication skills (“Who can see the most and tell the most about that hill—or stream or grove—over there?”)

Your children do not need to be entertained but help them to develop the art of really seeing in detail the world around them.  “Do you see the reflection of the trees?  What do those tall grasses remind you of?”  The plastic and wooden play sets are acceptable for vigorous play, but then guide them to nature and be there to answer questions like, “What is it? What is it for?”  If you do not know those answers, be sure to look them up and return with your own new-found knowledge and wonder of the world our great God has created.  Even babies can feel the breeze and watch the leaves and the shadows.  Talk with them, “Do you hear the birds?  Look! that’s a butterfly.  The grass is funny isn’t it. Feel how soft it is.”  The great outdoors is the best classroom you will find.  Use it often for the most excellent education for your children.