Get Outside Nature Challenge

by Janet Staal, Director of Outdoor / Nature-Based Education

Ah! It’s summer break—a time to refresh, reset, recharge and unplug. At West Side Christian School we’ve witnessed the powerful ways students learn as they’re immersed in God’s creation. This summer we wanted to pass along some play prompts to stimulate your young ones’ outdoor summer learning adventures. You’re invited to download the GET OUTSIDE Nature Challenge. Use the thematic prompts to invite your kids into some creative backyard unstructured play. In the process, they’ll be gaining the benefits of time in God’s creation as they develop their executive functioning skills, which have long been identified as one of the key skills for academic and life success.

SHARE THE ADVENTURE

Half the fun is participating together as a school community. To connect, tag your posts and stories with #WSCSGR or on Instagram @WSCSGR. 

HOW IT WORKS, It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3! 

1. GET THE CHALLENGE

Download here and here.

2. READ THE CHALLENGES 

Use the themes to pique your child’s interest. 

Ask what materials they would need to complete the challenge. 

Help your child think of where they could find any needed materials.

3. HEAD OUTSIDE!

Time to go out and do simple activities. Don’t worry if it is not exactly what’s on the listed challenge. If the moment naturally lends itself to something else, go ahead and follow how the Spirit leads. We’d love to see how your child’s creativity shined through their outdoor play moments. The point is to get out there, have fun, connect with God’s creation, and learn through play!