Outdoor learning for toddlers is so important! Not only getting outside but using things found in nature to learn with. I want to share some easy activities to do with your toddlers or preschoolers that will bring them outdoors and have fun learning!
Why is Outdoor Learning for Toddlers Important?
Outdoor learning is an important part of a child’s development, as it encourages creativity, physical activity, and a connection to nature. It helps children learn important skills such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork in a fun and engaging way. By experiencing nature and the environment around them, children can gain an appreciation and understanding of the world around them. Outdoor learning also encourages an appreciation of the outdoors, which can help reduce stress, improve mental and physical health, and help foster a lifelong love of the natural environment.
Outdoor Learning Activities for Toddlers
A lot of these examples will be using two supplies: rocks and chalk. These are two supplies that most families will have at their house and makes it an easy outdoor-only learning activity.
Rocks + Chalk Shapes
For this first toddler activity, you will draw 2D shapes on your driveway with chalk. I would focus on circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles first. If four shapes are too much, start with just the circle. Your toddlers will find rocks and then place them on the line of each shape. Make sure to identify each shape as they are doing this activity.
Rock + Chalk Numbers
Just like the previous activity. You will trade drawing shapes for writing numbers. I would start with 1, 2, and 3. Your toddler will do the same things as above. They will find rocks and put the rocks on the lines of the numbers. This is a great fine motor activity as well. Working on hand-eye coordination, too!
Rocks + Chalk Counting
We are adding one more step to this activity. Use the numbers from above and make circles under each number. Next, put rocks in the circles to match the number. You can guide your toddler through this one. Tell them the number, then count with them as they place rocks in the circle.
Chalk Color Matching
This last one is an easy one that your toddler could help you set up! I drew dots with chalk then had my toddlers match the chalk colors to the dots. Instead of you drawing them, you can have your toddlers draw the dots. This is a great way to bring up color words. You could say, “Where is the blue dot?”, then your toddler can find the blue chalk and place it on the dot.
