Create a Park Explorer Kit
Finding unexpected treasures in your backyard or in the park will be even more interesting with a park explorer kit!
Before You Play
Tell your child that she is going on an outdoor adventure, where she will look for things to put in her homemade park explorer kit. Ask her, “What might you find if you look under a rock?” And, “What critters might be under a bush?” Explain to her that any insects she collects will only be observed; she’ll want to leave them in their natural habitat.
Materials
Directions
Clean and dry the coffee can. Cut a piece of ribbon or yarn long enough that a child can wear it across his chest or on his shoulder, about 24".
Poke two small holes, about 2 inches apart, through the plastic lid of the can. Thread the ribbon through and tie the ends together on the underside of the lid.
Grab some stickers and have your child personalize the can with markers or stickers.
Assemble the exploring tools:
- Explorer Notebook: Two playing cards are the front and back cover for each tiny explorer notebook. You can recycle old pads of paper by cutting the unused sheets to the size of the playing cards, stacking about 10 sheets between the cards and stapling everything together at the top of the cards.
- Pencil or Pens
- Pokers: Add two or three large and small popsicle sticks to the playkit. These "pokers" will help explorers examine and navigate around dirt, grass, plants or mulch while investigating.
- Specimen Containers: Place one or two small boxes or mint tins inside the playkit. Your child can personalize the containers, adding stickers or labels if she'd like.
- Waste Caddy: The small bags (or an extra small container) can be used as a waste caddy, in case your child runs into some trash along her route.
Now, you and your child can start exploring! Encourage her to lift rocks and/or look under bushes. Have her talk about what she sees. If she is old enough, have her write down what she observes or collects in her notebook. If she is not writing yet, encourage her to draw the items.
Amy Mascott shares the many ways she makes learning fun at teach mama. Head over and find more ways to build a solid foundation of learning for the children in your life.
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