Kids have shown better progress in their development if given the opportunity to use all Five Senses outdoors. Let’s get them back out there.
Environmental child psychologists have noticed a frightening trend in the youngest generations. Kids’ senses seem to be dwindling due to their use of eyes to watch screens, ears for headphones, but a lack of use surrounding their other senses. Though nature isn’t a solution for every struggle kids may have to overcome, we know that humans evolved on a very green planet and that today’s children deserve the same access to green space where they can develop successfully through natural unstructured play. The events listed below hold the purpose of engaging children in fun outdoor activities so that they can take a break from screens and be outside just as we were at their age. All activities are centered on Indigenous reconciliation within early childhood development so as to move away from rigid colonial teaching and new themes will be added each season. We try our best to hold events during times that childcare is most needed so, whether it be getting the kids to smell the difference in blooming flowers, feel soft moss and rough bark, or taste pine nut pancakes that they made themselves; send them on a Five Senses Trip with us!
Free Play (ages 5-9)
Bring your littles on the first Five Senses Trip of the 2024 season! During this trip, kids will have the opportunity to hear Indigenous stories, go on a mini scavenger hunt, and make their own nightlight! We hope to see you soon!
Mini Culture Walk (ages 12-16)
As children begin to reach their teenage years, their struggles may seem all encompassing for themselves, as well as feeling rather stressful for the guardians watching them learn. However, it has been found that one of the best forms of stress relief is simply, “talking about it.” During this miniature Culture Walk, children will be encouraged to speak on any issues they deem pressing in their world, while age appropriate cultural/environmental context is used to help them problem solve their way through how they currently feel, and how they would like to feel in their future. Though these conversations may not always be easy, we promise to create many laughs with the kids who will soon be paving the way for the next generation of Voices of the Land. Snacks will be provided, we only ask that parents speak to their children regarding the requirement of very little screen use during their walk. Let’s have the kids use their other senses.
Environmental Scavenger Hunt (ages 7-11)
As kids begin to grow, they still need to play, but we can make their brains work a little harder with important environmental ties to this scavenger hunt. They will be asked to find objects such as something shiny (because they will likely pick a rock and therefore allow us to speak about minerals), or something blue (because this color is rather rare in nature and will allow l us to communicate how special it is). Snacks will be provided, and a non-plastic gift will be given to whichever child used the most environmental context when explaining their items. Let’s have kids use Five Senses.
Free Play (ages 5-9)
If you look back to some of your earliest memories, chances are they are in an outside setting where you had very little rules to follow. It has been found that free unstructured play is what gets children to use a much bigger area of their brain due to greater chances for problem solving and use of imagination. During Free Play, children will be invited to do just that - play freely. Snacks will be provided during play, and we promise to send kids home refocused and ready for bed. We only ask that parents/guardians hold a conversation with their children regarding heavily limiting screen use during Free Play (i.e., only using phones for emergency calls). Join us this afternoon to have your kids start using Five Senses.