We know Juneau families love to get out and explore. This year, instead of guiding 30 excited 4th graders through the wetlands to look for birds, or taking 2nd graders into their extended backyard behind the school to discover flowers and pollinators, we have been busily capturing video and thinking about ways to encourage folks to keep exploring and learning outside. To support students, teachers, and families, we have put together a number of video lessons and activities to encourage hands on learning outside, and learning about the outside inside!
The resources are a medley of things. There are some video lessons specific to grade levels and reflect what is happening out there in nature right now. There are lessons that encourage you to use your senses, activities where kids can get creative, and scavenger hunts for the treasure hunters out there. The bird sounds lesson teaches kids how to draw sounds, the beaver lesson how to build a dam, and the pollinator lesson has a matching game that you can play at home. Our recipe has been to share a little information with video, photos, and voiceovers, ask some questions, and always include a hands on learning activity. Some of them can be done at home, and others work better if you can move to a more natural space.
This is such a wonderful opportunity to slow down and look. To get your boots muddy, and watch your kids discover something, or smell something, or notice the way something grows. It’s all happening, and has been since time immemorial. Now is a great time to get out there and try your hand at listening to what the natural world has to say. I hope these resources are helpful in allowing you to do just that!
The lessons are focused toward certain age groups, but can be used outside for our suggested age range with appropriate support. Have fun exploring: virtually, and out in the wild world. Send us a photo of your work, or adventure- we love to see these lessons in action! info@discoverysoutheast.org
Check out the lessons here!
