nature play: backyard potions
We go on a lot of walks. We love the exercise and the fresh air but we also enjoy observing what we see around our neighborhood. We talk about what kind of wild flowers are growing, what critters we see and the sounds we hear. I don't think a lot of people realize how much learning can happen on a simple walk around the block. You just need to ask engaging questions and get the learning conversations started!
Some of my favorite questions to ask are:
- Do you hear that bird song? Do you think we can find the bird by listening closer?
- Should we take a photo so we can look it up later?
- What do you think that animal likes to eat?
- Do you think the animal sleeps during the day or night?
- Is that animal warm-blooded or cold-blooded?
I like to bring along a jar so they can fill it up with things they find for deeper observations later or for one of our favorite nature play activities -- backyard potions! Backyard potions are awesome because you just use what you have on hand and let their creativity jump out!
I like to start by giving the a large bowl of water. They choose the color they'd like it to be dyed, and I add one drop of food coloring to their potion water. Some supplies they like to use:
- droppers (I use recycled dropper bottles from my face serums)
- kitchen tools like measuring spoons, whisks, spoons, cups, etc
- tea strainer
- squeeze bottles
- items from their nature walk like flowers, rocks, leaves, pinecones, etc
After their potions were made they went around the yard pretending they were wizards adding magic spells to the plants. Honestly, the imaginative possibilities are endless and they never tire of this activity!
