8 Ways To Help Your Child Connect With Nature
PUBLISHED
24 July 2024
Is your child spending too much time indoors glued to a screen? As our lives become increasingly digital, this has become a common occurrence for many families in Singapore. It is therefore more essential than ever to encourage your child to spend their time outdoors and reconnect with nature.
In fact, studies have found that being outdoors and surrounded by nature brings numerous benefits to children’s physical and mental health. Read on to learn how you can encourage outdoor exploration for your child and foster their sense of wonder and respect for the natural world.
Take a Hike
Reconnecting your child with nature can be as simple as planning a family hike outdoors. Whether it is a leisurely stroll along a wooded trail or a more adventurous trek through Singapore’s various nature reserves, hiking is an excellent way to encourage your child to explore and discover the sights and sounds of nature while staying active.
At NTUC First Campus Outdoor School, we offer numerous holiday programmes to ignite children’s curiosity and appreciation for nature. From discovering local flora and fauna on a nature hike with our Wild Troopers programme to getting acquainted with wildlife and learning basic survival skills through our Young Hikers programme, your child will have plenty of opportunities to engage their senses and immerse themselves in the great outdoors!
Try Planting at Home
You don’t always have to be in the great outdoors to immerse your child in nature. Even simple home gardening can be a fun way to teach your child the cycles of nature. This activity does not require a large space, either. For instance, growing and caring for a single pot on a windowsill is a rewarding experience for children of all ages. Not only does it foster valuable life skills like responsibility, but it also instils a sense of pride and accomplishment in them.
Visit a Zoo or Aquarium
While nothing can replace the thrill of seeing animals in their natural habitat, a visit to the zoo or aquarium can still be an exciting field trip for your preschooler to get up close and learn about the different species and ecosystems on Mother Earth. Your child can develop empathy and a deeper connection with nature through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, such as feeding sessions and animal interactions.
Bird Watching
The zoo and aquarium are not the only places in Singapore that are teeming with wildlife. A trek through your local park is also an excellent way to introduce your child to the wonders of the avian world. Bring a field guide and binoculars, and challenge your child to identify as many birds as possible. Bird watching is more than a great outdoor learning opportunity. This nature activity also teaches your child patience, observation skills, and an appreciation for the beauty and diversity of these feathered creatures.
Camping
A weekend camping trip for you and your child is an excellent way to disconnect from technology and enjoy quality time outdoors. Beyond a family camping trip, you can also consider enrolling your child in our holiday camps. Through our outdoor learning experiences, such as Tall TimberTM and Young LeadersTM Programmes, your child can learn vital outdoor skills, such as setting up a tent, building a campfire. They will also learn to coexist with nature’s rich biodiversity and discover their role in nature by leading their own explorations.
Get Creative With Natural Materials
Nature is not only a wonderful playground for your child to learn and explore, it also offers a wealth of artistic inspiration. Leaves, flowers, sticks and rocks can all be used to create collages, sculptures, or nature journals. Foster their creativity and imagination by encouraging them to experiment with everyday objects found in nature. There is no wrong answer when it comes to art!
Have a Family Picnic
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and head to your local park for a picnic to enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, and most importantly, nature. Remember to pack plenty of healthy snacks, sunscreen and water, and don’t be afraid to let your child explore their natural surroundings. Combining a relaxing family picnic with a fun nature-based activity like bird-watching can engage your child’s senses and foster their appreciation for the great outdoors.
Sign Your Child Up For Our Outdoor Camps Today!
At NTUC First Campus Outdoor School, we provide ample opportunities for your child to learn from our experienced instructors and explore new environments.
From field trips to Pulau Ubin, Windsor Nature Park, and Lower Peirce Reservoir to our holiday camps, your child will learn to make new friends, gain confidence in their outdoor skills, and develop a lifelong love of nature. Visit Outdoor School Singapore’s website to learn more about our outdoor learning programmes today!
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