The following is a selection of activities Roots teachers have collected to engage your children during this time. We've selected resources that support the Roots Forest School mission as much as possible.
The list is in no particular order.
If you have feedback on any of the ones your family has tried, leave messages in the comments section so teachers and other families can know how it went for you!
- Children & Nature Network - this website was founded by Richard Louv, who coined the term "nature deficit disorder" and wrote Last Child in the Woods. They have a website called Finding Nature with resources and support for you during this time. We've selected a few for you:
- Together in Nature: Pathways to a Stronger, Closer Family - a guide to how and why being in nature has benefits. It shares ideas on getting outside with all ages, and background information on benefits of being outside as a family. These activities are adaptable to your own yards.
- Telling Stories - a blog post by Louv that encourages storytelling with families during this time. It includes examples and how-tos on the art of storytelling.
- 10 Nature Activities to Help Get Your Family Through the Coronavirus Pandemic - this list includes finding your own special "sit spot" from which to observe the world, doing exercises outside, and doing camping activities in your yard, among others.
- Ideas to Keep Kids Active During Social Distancing, by REI. This list includes scavenger hunts, geocaching, bike rides, and how to stay active indoors.
- Math in Your Backyard, by Green Schoolyards America. Check out the first 4 examples under "Part 2" to engage your preschooler.
- Project Learning Tree has a list of activities about the outdoors to do inside. We've linked a select few, adaptable to Pre-K, here:
- Pass the Plants, Please - an activity to think of the plant parts you are eating.
- Trees for Many Reasons - read The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss, and talk about how trees are used and how we can keep them for future generations.
- Nature's Alphabet - look for letters in nature and in your home. This is a printable book, as well.
- Tinkergarten's How to Bring the Outdoors Home Even When You're Stuck Inside - this list includes engaging children in your own backyard and activities for bringing the outdoors inside. Tinkergarten Activities are searchable by age, time of activity, and skill level.
- Bucket Full of Nature "Nature at Home" activities, by Nurture in Nature.
- Watch this video for a recipe to make your own play dough with only these items: flour, salt, oil, and water (optional: food coloring). No cream of tartar and no baking required. This is a great project to do with your child(ren)!
- The Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey is doing daily raptor presentation videos on their Facebook page! Previously recorded presentation videos can be viewed here, as well.
- Storytime with Miss Melody from the McCall Public Library. These videos can be found on the library's Facebook page and Mr. Casey's YouTube page. They are putting out a new storytime video each Wednesday and Friday. One of the videos is below!
Readings For Parents
- How the Coronavirus is Influencing Children's Play explains that children may use play to process ideas and information around COVID-19, just as they do with other concepts.
- Ways to Promote Children's Resilience to the COVID-19 Pandemic discusses ways to help support your child's continued well-being throughout the disruption and change caused by COVID-19.
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