Exploring Nature in December: Outdoor Adventures for Young Learners
As the final month of the year unfolds, December brings with it a unique opportunity for outdoor experiences. While colder temperatures and shorter days may deter some, the changing seasons offer a wealth of opportunities in early childhood education programs. With a little creativity and preparation, families and educators can turn chilly December days into moments of discovery, learning, and joy.
1. The Wonders of Winter: Sensory Exploration
December’s natural elements create a sensory wonderland for young children. Frost on leaves, the crunch of snow underfoot, and the crispness of the air all offer engaging ways to stimulate the senses.
- Activity Idea: Frost Art
Bring magnifying glasses outside to examine frost patterns on plants, windows, or outdoor surfaces. Discuss the shapes and textures. Older preschoolers can use sticks or safe tools to trace frost patterns, encouraging fine motor skills. - Activity Idea: Sound Walk
Go on a walk and listen to the sounds of winter—birds chirping, leaves rustling, or even the silence that colder days often bring. Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you hear?” or “How does it sound different from summer?”
2. Holiday-Inspired Nature Play
The festive spirit of December can inspire outdoor experiences that blend cultural celebrations with environmental learning.
- Activity Idea: Natural Ornaments
Collect pinecones, twigs, or evergreen branches, and create ornaments using biodegradable materials like twine or yarn. Hang them on a tree in a special area as “gifts” for wildlife. This fosters creativity and teaches children about giving back to nature. - Activity Idea: Winter Treasure Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt focused on seasonal items such as red berries, animal tracks, or icicles. This activity promotes observation skills and builds curiosity about seasonal changes.
3. Wildlife Watching in Winter
Even in colder weather, wildlife remains active, offering young learners the chance to observe and connect with animals.
- Activity Idea: Animal Tracks Detective
Look for animal tracks in snow or mud. Encourage children to guess which animal left the tracks and research their behaviour. For younger children, provide simplified field guides or pictures to match the prints.
4. Preparing for the Cold: Teaching Resilience
Outdoor adventures in December also teach children about adapting to their environment. Use the preparation process as a teachable moment.
- Activity Idea: Dressing for the Weather
Turn getting ready for outdoor play into a fun experience. Discuss with children about layering, waterproof clothing, and why certain materials keep us warm. Let them experiment by feeling the difference between wet and dry gloves or warm and cold scarves. - Activity Idea: Cozy Basecamp
Set up a “basecamp” with warm drinks and blankets outdoors. This can be a spot for storytelling or quiet reflection, teaching children to find comfort even in the cold.
5. Reflecting on the Year in Nature
December is also a wonderful time to look back on the year’s outdoor adventures and celebrate growth.
- Activity Idea: Nature Journals
Create a simple journal with children to document their favourite outdoor memories from the year. Encourage them to draw pictures or paste small natural items like leaves or feathers. - Activity Idea: A Year of Gratitude
Sit together in nature and share what everyone is thankful for, tying gratitude to the environment. It could be a favourite tree, a special animal sighting, or the joy of outdoor play.
A Final Note: The Gift of Nature
December is a month of giving, and one of the most valuable gifts we can offer children is a connection to nature. Through hands-on exploration, imaginative play, and moments of reflection, we teach children to cherish the world around them—a gift they will carry into the new year and beyond.
Bundle up, head outdoors, and discover the magic of December. Nature is waiting to inspire wonder, even on the coldest of days!
Happy exploring!
Check out our blog post on Unleashing Creativity: The Magic of Loose Parts in Outdoor Play