5 ideas for sneaky learning and backyard fun

Hip, hip hooray! Summer is here!

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous for us—not too hot and not too cool. It’s the spring we always seem to miss here in the DC suburbs.

I know it’s short-lived, though, so I’ve been using our great weather time to the max. And so should you.

Here are 5 quickie ideas for sneaky learning in your own backyard. Fun ideas for helping kids learn a little while they play.

Nothing too fancy, crazy, or time-consuming. Just a few cool ideas that will get your kids’ brains moving and creativity flowing.

Here’s the skinny. . .

5 Ideas for Sneaky Learning and Backyard Fun:

Water Painting

fine motor practice
talk about tripod grip
talk about letters, numbers, and sounds
use the time to talk about names and how to write names
watch water evaporate in the sunshine

2. Dissecting, Examining, and Learning about Flowers

talk about the parts of a flower
let your kids feel the parts of a flower
really use what is in your yard

3. Backyard Alphabet Hunt

kids are movin’ and groovin’
talk about letters and letter sounds
compare and contrast sounds
kids can see and hear and feel letters and sounds

4. Backyard Fragrance Experiment

use the plants and flowers you have in your back yard
let your kids use all of their senses
sneak in some mathy-language with most, least, same
kids are hands-on learning, experimenting, and trying

5. Backyard Rainbow Hunt

talk about colors
get your kiddos moving
celebrate plants, animals, and all things nature

With just a little bit of planning–or totally on the fly–you can sneak in a little learning in your very own backyard in ten minutes or thirty. Whatever you have will work.

And if you can’t do some learning in the real backyard, then you can try to bring the backyard in to you. Perhaps you and your kiddos can get crafty by making a simple DIY Terrarium. I love it!

How to you sneak in some backyard or outdoor learning? Do let us know in the comments–I’d love to hear your ideas and experiences!