One of the beautiful things about children in the four to eight age range is the mix of emotional and mental innocence mixed with physical capability. When they were “little” they couldn’t be out for long, but in a few more years they may be too cool for school. Right now their observational skills are off the charts.
“Mom! Look at this bug that’s in the dirt! It’s trying to turn over! Dad, look at that man across the street. He’s wearing a T-shirt with Batman on it!” (This age window is pretty fun!)
The possibilities are endless for the kinds of adventures you can have with your kids going out into the world together. Learning opportunities abound for introducing or reinforcing colors, numbers and counting, or reading and letters. At Raising Families, though, we emphasize time together, real-life experiences, and community engagement.
Anchoring your children’s knowledge about their home, neighborhood, and community is critical for all children. It lays the foundation for continued reinvestment in the community as they get older and begin to work, shop, volunteer, and as adults to vote, work, and establish their own families.
If kids feel no attachment to their communities, why would they stay or return?
So for Mother’s Day this year, in addition to the massage you are having (or the massage you are arranging for her), set out on some unrestricted and non-digital togetherness in the world.
Begin now to lay the foundation for your child’s connection and understanding of where they are from!
Activity
This Is Where I’m From!
This is a community-based scavenger hunt to learn about the people and places around us every day.
Remember:
- This is not an activity to put into your child’s hands and then walk away. This is a togetherness activity.
- Whenever possible, encourage your child to engage with the person on the other side. They may need your support, so stand right there with them. The idea is to support your child in feeling confident and safe in their environment.
- You know your child best. If he/she is clearly done after three or four items, wrap it up! Save the rest for another time. This is meant to be joyous, not laborious.
- When you’ve completed the scavenger hunt, review it and discuss it with your child so what they learned is reinforced. Ask where they might want to go next time!
Activity Guide
Family Scavenger Hunt!
Get to know your home, your street, and the people in your community.
What To Do Next
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Stefanie Small
Stefanie Small is Web Strategist, Content Producer, and Copywriter. From her home office in San Francisco, she nurtures entrepreneurs through their online materialization process, strategizing and producing all relevant content (video, photos, audio, website) necessary to present themselves with confidence and authority online. www.StefanieSmall.com
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