Outings in nature are vital for school kids to appreciate nature and make them well rounded in this computer age.

Schools should have science rooms in which children—under adult supervision—can observe plants, animals and elements.

A class walk through the local woods is another great way for children to get to know the local terrain. Interaction with nature should take place at least once a day. This does not mean that the children need to take a field trip every day. Once children are inspired to “see” things in nature, they will be creative on their own in the science classroom and during school recess in the immediate fields surrounding the school.

To inspire children, school events can range from a small hike along a dirt path, on which the ants show off their busy habits, to identifying trees, looking at growth and movement near and in streams—pointing out the flowers, moss and other plants and animals that live on or near them.

A schoolbook that teaches children about nature is good. But the experience is not complete until the kids have smelled and touched the grass, bark, water, mushrooms and insects both in and outside of the classroom.

At the end of a field trip through the woods, it is a special treat for the children to take a break in a picnic area to enjoy some of the local fruits and vegetables. This is a great way to connect boys and girls to the earth.

School children not only learn about nature but they grow their social skills by talking with their classmates and teacher about their new discoveries and observations. Group and team challenges such as crossing a stream together or finding leaves or nuts in the woods necessitate cooperation and communication. This gives the children practical experience and common sense that they can use later in nature and in life in general.

Observing nature takes a fair share of patience as well. To see the habits of birds and squirrels, it is important to be quiet and observant. To wait for a gopher to come out of its hole might often necessitate too much patience. In such situations a bit of luck is involved. But the more knowledge kids gain, the more likely they will get in tune with the animals’ habits, such as the feeding time when the animals are more likely to come out and “play.”

Climbing and building outdoors help kids learn about the elements of nature such as sand and stone. Hiking and climbing promote physical fitness. Building with the elements helps advance scientific knowledge to better understand the text in schoolbooks and maybe even inspire the next generation forest rangers and architects. A nighttime outing under the stars can literally open new worlds for school children.

Schools can help educate children in nature, so that our next generation can not only appreciate but also better manage the elements of this small world.

From the first week of our child’s birth, we encouraged her connection to nature through all of her senses. Her ears perked up at the sound of the nesting birds’ melody. Her eyes opened to the vastness of a mountain lake and her perception increased gradually with each passing week as we said the names of the plants animals, insects, stones, etc. She smelled and felt the grass, leaves, flowers, and water as we passed through our surroundings. She later tasted the berries we picked for her along the way. And she is still always intrigued by the sound of a passing brook. We use our imagination to inspire and develop our senses every day. Here are some of the ways you can help your child do so, too:

Follow your nose: You can start in your own garden to stimulate your child’s olfactory senses. Plant a garden of flowers and vegetables. Let your child smell the flowers, mint leaves, tomatoes, grass, and other natural wonders in your yard. Also take him or her to the open fields and forest to smell the flowers, the bark, and the different growth. Don’t tell them what they must do. Just let them follow your example. Children like to imitate. Bend down and smell the wood and see how quickly your child follows suit. Kids are curious and will be telling you to smell this or that before you know it.

Have a bite: Make sure you clarify to your child that he should only eat things you give him. But once you know how to navigate to the edible mushrooms, berries, and vegetables in the woods and fields, it’s snack time! With time, you will realize how many little snacks you can enjoy with your kids along the way. In addition, pack a little picnic with bread, cheese, and fruits. If you are exploring near a clean stream, have a drink to supplement the drink you have with you.

Open your eyes: Look at those little ants and caterpillars below you. It is likely that your child will discover them before you anyway. After all, kids are closer to the ground than you. Give the animals or insects a name. Encourage your child to hold them or even to say “good morning,” as our daughter used to do to the ants near our house. Talk about the different color of lichen on the trees or moss on the forest floor. This will encourage your child to observe even closer and to get dirty making new discoveries of their own—opening not only her eyes, but her mind and other senses.

Touch and feel: Fill your hat with acorns, grass, wheat, sticks, and stones. Ask your child to feel the things in the hat—first while looking at the objects. Ask them what each object feels like. Then ask them to touch the objects without looking at them and to guess what they are. This improves your child’s sense of feel and his differentiation between different textures. Soon, your child will be gathering new objects and expanding on his or her sense of touch. Also, sit down and feel the wind blowing against your hand and hair. Your child will likely do the same. This will inspire his ears to do their part as well.

Hear the magic: Not only will your child feel the direction in which the wind is blowing, but she will hear the effects of the wind on objects surrounding her. Your child can hear the branches swaying in the wind or the rain pitter-pattering on the leaves on the forest floor. Your child’s ears will be touched by the waves on the lake caused by the wind. When there is practically no wind at all, the birds, the bees, and the flowing stream will enchant your child’s ears. When simply taking a walk, what does the crunch under your feet on different terrain such as wood, stones, leaves sound like? What is that noise off in the distance—thunder, a falling tree, a howling wolf?

Getting your kids out in nature is the first step to awakening your child’s senses for a lifetime of joy and learning. This encourages creativity, independent thinking, and an appreciation for the natural world.