Fall is a great month to take your preschooler on a hike. Hikes are great because of the obvious physical exercise that they give to your child. They are also a terrific way to teach kids about nature. Kids can learn to interact appropriately with the plants and animals that live in your area and can gain an appreciation for the world around them. Hikes can also be used for many different lessons including teaching the skill of observation, learning about the culture of people who once lived in the area where you are hiking and starting to understand about the weather and terrain. Plus, taking your preschooler on a hike is a great bonding experience.
| The most obvious way that a hike benefits your preschooler is that it offers physical activity. We are increasingly aware of the importance of physical activity for kids of all ages. The earlier that kids find physical activities that they enjoy, the more likely they are to develop a positive attitude towards exercise. You just might be getting your child started on a lifelong love of hiking. Additionally, physical activities like hiking are a great time to talk to your kids about how their bodies work. This makes hikes with your preschooler a great learning experience. |
In addition to learning about their own bodies and the importance of physical fitness, kids can learn about the world around them through hiking. When you take your preschooler on a hike, you’re likely to run into a number of animals out in the wilderness. You can teach your children about the birds, rodents and wildlife that you may see on the hike. Additionally, you and your preschooler can study the plant life in the area to learn more about that kind of nature. This will not only be a great science education for your preschooler but will also teach him or her to interact kindly with the earth. Hiking is a great time to teach your kids about the environment. And of course fall is a great time for other hiking lessons since the area is changing so much.
You can explore these changes (such as the new colors the leaves) with your preschooler during a hike. Learning to be observant is one of the key tools needed for studying science. You can also use this experience as a springboard for other lessons. Watch the weather changes. Do some research yourself about the native people who used to live in the area so that you can teach your child about this. Study the terrain and talk about the geology of the area. Kids love to collect rocks and leaves to take home for art projects. Make a diorama about your hike to reinforce the lessons that were learned. Alternatively, take a camera along with you when you and your preschooler go hiking. Kids’ cameras give great motor skills and encourage your children’s creativity.
And of course you’ll be able to take pictures on the hike to capture the memories that you are making while you are out there. Even if you aren’t actively using the hike to teach your child specific lessons, you will be creating a special experience between the two of you that will last a lifetime. Many great conversations happen on hikes. This may be something that you can use to continue to build and grow your relationship with your children over time.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hikes are so much fun for the entire family. My preschooler loves colelcting sticks, changing bugs, and listening to the leaves crunch under his feet.
This is such a wonderful suggestion! Not only does it allow you to have quality time with your kids, it is also a chance to stay active and encourage a habit of exercise.
What can I say? My toddler daughter just loves hiking! We do it at least once a month. Great getaway from the hustle and bustle of city.
What age is your daughter and how far are you able to hike? Does she get tired and want a piggy back ride?