You dont have to venture into the wilderness to discover plant or insect life with your kids. Take a look at these simple ideas for back-to-nature projects:
Look underneath the leaves in your backyard with your kids and find caterpillars for them to collect. You can help them rear a caterpillar into a butterfly.
Show your child how to take seeds and plant flowers or herbs in a window box. Teach your child the whole miracle of plant life and how it can grow from a tiny seed.
Set up a bird feeder in the backyard. It provides a great opportunity for children and parents to see the incredible variety of wildlife bird life, in particular.
Give your child a two-gallon fruit jar for him to put dirt in. Then send him on a mission to collect ants that can live in the new glass home. Immediately your youngster can watch the ants start digging, making little chambers and compartments. He can keep them for months at a time.
Go on a nature walk. (Dont forget to take binoculars.) You dont even have to lead children by the hand or take them to show them anything in particular. They'll discover something on their own and will usually bring their discovery to you. (Be sure to dress them properly so they don't have bare skin exposed. Avoid exploring any areas where there may be poisonous snakes.)
Give your child a camera so he can take pictures of wildflowers blooming, squirrels racing up a tree and birds swooping down for a few crumbs from the backyard feeder. It doesn't have to be an expensive camera. Not only will it help him focus his attention span, but it will also inspire him to use his spare time exploring nature rather than playing the latest online game.
Be enthusiastic. Its the most contagious disease to a child. Whatever you're excited about, your child will likely get excited about it, too. If you show interest in bugs, birds and plants, your kids will have much more fun exploring with you.
