Guiding children to notice the details in the world around them can be a wonderful way to connect. When we are intentional about slowing down to notice how things are experienced by our own, or another's senses, we can experience new understandings and appreciations.
Tuning into details can be calming for our nervous systems, and a way to take a
break from news cycles, routines and other demands. Over time, this can become a habit and a reliable way of steadying ourselves.
We've gathered some ideas for things to try with the young people in your life to connect observantly to the things you experience together. We'd love to hear about your ideas and experiences.
Ideas for Connecting Outside: Making Observations
I notice...I wonder...This reminds me of…
An alternative spin on urging children to look or listen, these three statement-starters offer another way into observing. Try sharing them yourself at first and then ask your youngster to share their own noticings, wonderings and remindings. For example, I notice the light through the tree leaves makes
a pattern in the grass. I wonder how long the shadows will stay. This reminds me of watching my own shadow move with me.
Source: https://johnmuirlaws.com/deep-observation/
Sit Spots
Developing a practice of sitting in one place and observing that place over time can be an amazing way for children and adults to tune in and notice their surroundings. Sitting in one place for an amount of time takes practice and patience by the guiding adult. Setting small goals that increase incrementally over time can help. This can also be a family challenge. Can we sit for 1-2 minutes during the first week and add a minute each week? Making time to share three things noticed from a spot can be motivating. Providing a little
tool for digging in the dirt near the spot can also facilitate exploration. Older children may want to bring along a nature journal to record observations or sketch. Sitting may be best after big or extended periods of movement with children.
There is lots of great information out there about creative ways to use sit spots. Here is a favorite of ours:
https://www.wildernessawareness.org/node/261
Imaginary Camera Game
In the era where we often carry cameras and phones with us to capture the most interesting and beautiful things in our world, we have become reliant on devices to do our remembering. This game asks each family member to capture their favorite memories from a walk or outing in memory. Sharing your “photos” is a conversational time to describe each person’s chosen moments. We can ask each other what the focal point or most important part of the image is or why that moment was chosen. Sometimes, being challenged to take just one imaginary camera picture during an outing can be an excellent goal.
Barefoot Observation Hike
Exposing ourselves to new sensations can heighten our awareness. Encouraging your child to take their shoes off (in a safe area) and feel the sensitivity of their feet can enhance their connection to the earth.
Choose a hiking spot free from glass shards etc. A good barefoot hiking place has a combination of grass, pebbles, dirt, mud, water, moss...
This could be your backyard, or a spot in a green-space near your home. Take off your shoes and socks and store them in your backpack (best to bring them along in case your bare feet get tired). When walking step straight down and try not to tip-toe. Say out loud the kinds of sensations you feel: smooth, rough, sharp, prickly, dry, squishy, warm, cool, soft, wet...
Point to something you see in nature: a fallen log, moss, dried leaves etc. Say how you think it will feel. Then test it with your feet.
Try to pick up stones, sticks, leaves with your toes.
Source: Horsfall, Jacqueline (1997). Play Lightly on the Earth.
Unwind with a good book. Here are some suggestions for sharing nature observation through story.
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