Wild Child: Intentionally Noticing Changes

Yellow maple leaves hang from a branch showing autumn change. In the background a bright blue sky can be seen.

Autumn is here and everyday is different. It’s the perfect chance to head outside and search for something new with your child each day.

  • What is different from yesterday?

  • Can you notice nests in trees that were hidden before?

  • Can you find a new shape of leaf? Which tree did it fall from?

To extend the fun, find a way to preserve the memory so you can look back together at what you discovered.

A lined journal with hand writting and drawn pictures of leaves. Soime drawings are by and adult some are drawn by a child.

You can create a collaborative Nature Journal where you draw, write, take rubbings, or stick your finds. Any notebook works.

Use a big piece of cardboard from a box and create a memory mural. After each adventure draw or stick something you found to the cardboard. You can add insights or experiences in marker or crayon.

Take pictures together. If you are comfortable letting your little one record their memories using a camera this is a priceless way to capture the world as they see it. Turn the pictures into a digital gallery and look through them together or print them and create a memory book.

Create a collection. Does your child have a favourite nature item? Maybe sticks? Snail shells? Leaves? Rocks? Something else. Try to find one of those items on each adventure. Just remember not to pick or take any living things.

Don’t miss the fun, if you don’t see it today it may be gone tomorrow.

Written by Tandy Morton, Wild Child Outdoor Playgroup facilitator

A child in a blue rain suit and rain hat holds a phone taking a picture of a snail on a log.
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