Note: This post is sponsored by, and written in collaboration with, Maize Virtual Prep School.
It’s time to open the windows and doors and let the sunshine in! Better yet, get the kids outdoors and enjoy what nature has to offer. Put away your winter coat (finally) and enjoy these fun, simple ideas. Hop to it and get some fresh air while expanding their palettes of knowledge. Happy Spring!
- Plant a seed. Inspire their green thumbs by planting a few different flowers, vegetables, or herbs. It’ll be fun to get down and dig in the dirt and the real joy will come as the plants grow.
- Take a hike. Pick a local nature trail and become explorers. Challenge the kids to use a map and compass to chart their course. Take note of interesting things along the way, like animal tracks or different trees and leaves that are in bloom.
- Overcome obstacles. Get the neighbor kids together and plan an obstacle course/relay race in the backyard. Encourage teamwork, creativity, and physical endurance.
- All the world’s a stage. Kids love to play pretend and dress up, so why not make it educational? Have them act out a scene from their favorite story or play. Gather costumes and props from around the house, paint scenery, and write out cue cards on posterboard.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle. Participate in a local park cleanup or start your own. Create new toys, a collage, or a birdfeeder out of recycled materials. Earth Day is April 22. Attend local festivities and find out more about how you can contribute to saving the planet.
- To market, to market. This month, farmers’ markets are opening up all over the city. Give the kids a small amount of money and have them practice counting, selecting, weighing, and paying for items. Bring your own reusable bags and enjoy the homegrown treats and community atmosphere.
- Play “I Spy” with a twist. Spring is the time when colors are in full bloom in nature. Grab a bunch of free paint samples from the hardware store for inspiration. Out on a walk or in your own yard, point out or gather items that match the colors in the spectrum. Put the items together or take vibrant photos for a color wheel collage.
There are plenty of free or inexpensive ways to educate your kids in the great outdoors. At Maize Virtual Preparatory School, we encourage our students to get active through the MVPS Marathon Club. Families are challenged to exercise each day and keep track of their progress using our Marathon Club Punch Card.
Maize Virtual Preparatory School (MVPS) is a tuition-free K-8 virtual public school available statewide in Kansas. Our program creates a personalized learning experience for families using the Calvert curriculum. MVPS provides an opportunity for parents to be more directly involved in their child’s education outside the traditional classroom. Spark your child’s interest in learning and enjoy what this Spring has to offer.
To learn more, register for one of our upcoming events and meet our staff.
