One of the best things you can do over the summer to encourage children in their learning is to spend time in the great outdoors! Research has proven again and again that experiences gained through outdoor activities are beneficial to children academically, emotionally, and physically.
Time spent outdoors engaging in exploration and physically challenging activities fosters children’s confidence, creativity, independence, and ability to be resilient. That is why Tate’s School has dedicated much of its 54 acres as outdoor learning space, incorporating the teaching garden, apple orchard, pond, and forest areas into lessons daily.
Here in Knoxville, we are so blessed to have many resources for outdoor learning, from hiking in the Smoky Mountains, to summer sports like golf, tennis, and swimming, and of course, Tate’s Day Camp with zip lining, ropes course, boating, fishing, and archery, just to name a few.
If you’re planning on staying closer to home this summer, create some DIY projects for the children outdoors. Organic gardening is a great activity and can be done in planter boxes or large pots. Children can help select the seeds and soil, help with the digging and planting, and help care for the plants as they grow. You can have such wonderful discussions about the science of plants, where fruits and vegetables come from and how they help us grow, or how the children can positively impact the environment through growing plants free of chemical fertilizers. The best part of gardening is that it will be time spent with you, their parents, and that is what children want more than anything.
Take care and enjoy your summer!!
