While wandering through nature, we take in our surroundings using our senses. We smell flowers, touch tree bark, listen to bird calls, see details (like an ant trail on a tree), and even taste some of the natural objects we come across (think berries or edible flowers). And, while investigating nature in this way comes naturally to most children, sometimes we forget to allow children the time and space they need to do it.
We are sharing five different ways to explore each of the five senses with children. So get outside as a family, slow down, and explore nature with your senses together!
Photo credit: Katie Fox
Our sense of smell is an incredibly important part of our body and plays a role in how we perceive the world around us. Not only is the sense of smell linked to memories and emotions, but our noses can smell about 10,000 different smells in the area the size of a postage stamp.
In other words, you and your children take in a lot of different smells every single second of every single day. But how often do you sit and really consider what you are smelling, especially while you are exploring the great outdoors with your children? Oh did we mention that the smells of nature are linked to lower physiological stress? It totally is!
Want to learn more about exploring nature with your senses? Check out our other posts on using your senses of hearing, taste, touch, and sight!
OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their first steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, benefit from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org
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