Submitted by Christine Wosilius, Assitant Manager of Childcare Services

“Be home when the street lights come on.” Those are words that many of us grew up hearing. We would spend our days climbing trees, building forts and playing in the grass with friends. But with the changing times and neighbourhoods, it’s not usually an option for children anymore. So how we do bring the joy of nature to our children today? The simplest answer is that we take them outside. It really is that easy.

Here are a few tips to help get you started:

1. If you don’t have a front or backyard, then find a place that you like, and that’s quick and easy to get to. (This is important because if you don’t like being there or it’s too much trouble to get there, you won’t be likely to continue to take your child). It doesn’t have to be a spectacular park, it might be boulevard or a strip of grass by the sidewalk.

2. Ensure that your child is dressed for the weather (there is no bad weather, only poor clothing choices!), either sunscreen and hat or rain gear.

3. You can add in a magnifying glass or a camera and a journal to allow children to investigate and record things that they see.

4. Don’t plan too many activities, let the children’s interests and imaginations take the lead.

Remember the thrill of running as fast as you can, rolling down hills and balancing on logs? Nature play is just as easy for children now, it only takes a bit of planning.

At The Cridge Centre for the Family, we value children’s outdoor play. In our Nature Preschool, children are outdoors every session, rain or shine, we ensure the rain gear is on and the sunscreen applied! Children have the chance to run in our Gerry Oak meadow, climb rocks, jump in puddles, and make mud cakes all under the watchful eye of our qualified ECE staff.
Enrollment is filling up quickly! If you are interested in booking a tour, please contact Paula West-Patrick, Manager of Children’s Services at pwestpatrick@cridge.org.

To learn more about The Cridge Nature Preschool.