Movement
I think kids learn better when they have the opportunity to move their bodies freely. They have more opportunities to develop coordination, strength, and balance. At Prickly Pears we have weekly bike days to give kids another way to move their bodies. Bikes can connect kids with other generations and is a great social activity.
All Weather
Being outside in all-weather builds resilience and gives kids a chance to observe the charges that are happening out in their community through all the different seasons. It also helps kids get in touch with their bodies and have better body awareness: practice listening to their bodies to know when they are hot or cold.
Environmental Stewardship
We do trash pickups but that in itself does not teach environmental stewardship. Coming back to the same park every day/week helps them connect to their park and helps children take ownership. Children then fell a deeper connection with the earth and about keeping it clean and caring for it.
“Encouraging a child to go outside in all-weather builds resilience, but more importantly it saves them from spending their life merely tolerating the “bad” days in favor of a handful of “good” ones - a life of endless expectations & conditions where happiness hinges on sunshine.”