OUTDOOR LIVING
Outdoor Lessons from
Tinkergarten I started leading Tinkergarten classes for children age 18 months to 8 years with a caregiver over a year ago. It is a special time to explore outdoors in all weather and work on skills that help us thrive! While I am well versed in getting kids and families outside already, I find many nuggets of wisdom in this journey as I partner with Tinkergarten and the Elkhart Environmental Center for nature play in all seasons of the year which may help in your journey to get outside as well.
Enjoying puddle play!
• Meet others for time outside. Getting together with friends or other like-minded people can make getting outside more enjoyable. Having a regularly planned time encourages us to get outside. • Simple materials can be very engaging. For example, getting an inexpensive basket with a handle at a thrift store and attaching a thin rope goes a long way. We throw one end over a tree branch and experiment lifting a variety of things up and down. We develop empathy as we give stuffed animals a ride, explore STEM concepts as we try heavier items, and work on executive function skills as we transport nature treasures. Find out more at https://tinkergarten.com/blog/how-a-simplemachine-inspires-complex-learning.
Exploring the pond.
• Outdoor play develops many skills. When I step back as a play facilitator or as a parent or educator, I am always amazed by children in nature play. They are often communicating, resolving conflicts, problem solving, building creativity and imaginations, and working on gross motor skills. Outdoor play is an essential aspect of child development. Guarding and encouraging that time will reap benefits. • Rituals can be empowering. In our Tinkergarten classes, we have a certain structure and routine, with a warmup time, community circle with special song, invitation to play, guided play, and celebration, even cozying up with herbal tea in the winter. Regular rituals help build communication, a sense of belonging, and a love for the outdoors. Consider what rituals might be a part of your family time outside.
Examining our favorite log.
Tinkergarten.com has a wonderful Do-It-Yourself section. The site is searchable by age of child, time available, season, setting, and skill desiring to develop. The DIY section allows anyone to pull up meaningful invitations or sparks for play. We’ve enjoyed making many variations of ice to play with outside, painting the “sky,” using outdoor chalk in unique ways, and taking a fall lantern walk. Find the DIY section at https:// tinkergarten.com/activities.
Dr. Carla Gull blogs at www.insideoutsidemichiana.com and podcasts as “Loose Parts Nature Play”. She is often seen with her four tag-along explorers in the greater Michiana area. 6 inMiddlebury Magazine | March 2020
