As an outdoor enthusiast and educator, I love the mud, the sunshine, the puddles and the new things that spring brings.
As a parent, I sometimes still cringe about the mess, muddy boots and laundry that can come with the fun. If you can relate to any part of that spectrum, this challenge is for you! The SPRING challenge is meant to help get you and your family outside, and to encourage everyone to act like kids.
S is for Splash in puddles
Winter’s melt and spring’s rain brings the best puddles. Let go of the worries about getting wet, and jump on in! Puddle jumping and splashing is a great activity to meet proprioception needs — developing bodily awareness and meeting needs for pressure or big movement. Plus, it’s just plain fun. Dive on in with your kids!
P is for Phenology walks
Phenology is the study of cyclical and seasonal change. Spring is a great time to start noticing changes right in your own backyard. Go for a short walk as a family, noticing what is growing in your own neighborhood. Repeat that same walk several times throughout the season, noticing how your neighborhood is changing. What new things have sprouted up? Are there more neighbors outside?
R is for Run in bare feet
There are many scientifically proven benefits to bare feet on natural surfaces; some include better balance, improved immune system, more regulation and lower stress. Find a place outside that feels good to your feet — then run, walk or wiggle your feet and see what you notice. Celebrate the end of wool socks and winter boots, and welcome spring with your toes!
I is for Insect hunt
Spring is the time when so much is emerging from deep down in the earth, including our insect friends! Pick a few insects that you have not seen for a while, and see who you can find outside. Can you find any ladybugs, bumblebees, moths or stinkbugs? Maybe some beetles and caterpillars? Or maybe other animal friends like earthworms and spiders?
N is for Nature journaling
With new things sprouting, appearing and arriving every day, spring is a great time to do some nature journaling. Grab a sketchbook, a piece of paper or whatever you have. You can journal with fancy paints and pens, a simple pencil or anything in between. Journal by color — draw all of the yellow things you can find outside. Journal by location — go for a hike and journal the most memorable parts when you get back home. Journal by sense — use art supplies to depict the smells and sounds of spring. There is no wrong way to journal!
G is for Garbage collection
The melting snow often reveals litter that has been hidden over the season. Go to your favorite park or greenspace and pick up trash left behind. Use repurposed shopping bags to collect the garbage; bring gloves and/or grabbers to keep everyone safe. Make a game of it — who can pick up the most pieces of litter? Which bag of collected trash weighs the most?
Enjoy the S-P-R-I-N-G outside, together!
– Lee Alliet
Photos by Lee Alliet.
Lee Alliet is a co-founder of Naturing in Madison, a wildschooling mama and an outdoor enthusiast. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband, two kids and many dogs. You can follow her outdoor adventures at @naturinginmadison and @adventureschoolingalliets