We have lived in many places since having kids and not all places are created equal when it comes to outdoor activities. Some places we really had to get creative when it came to getting our nature fix.Two types of cognitive learning but for the past month and a half, we have been fortunate enough to be living in santa fe, NM and have been hiking every weekend. We may have also caught some time on the trails mid-week between homeschool lessons too.Two types of cognitive learning my favorite part is that we are nowhere near repeating a path, santa fe has so much to offer when it comes to outdoor activities.

I will tell you that when we are hiking, skiing, snowshoeing or biking outdoors not only do I feel more connected to nature but it also gives me the recharge I need.Two types of cognitive learning I feel rejuvenated and connected to myself and more importantly to my family. My kids open up more, chat with me unsolicitedly and share their thoughts and ideas as we stroll down a hiking trail.Two types of cognitive learning

• it improves them physically. This makes sense right? Time spent outside means more running, jumping , digging and climbing. Outside play encourages nature exploration, play, and movement.Two types of cognitive learning not only are they getting vitamin D but the sunlight improves their long distance vision and being out in the fresh air and being active helps them with having better sleep habits.Two types of cognitive learning

• outdoor playtime improves sensory skills. There is so much to learn by things we see (animals, insect etc..), smell and touch like fragrant flowers, by hearing the crunch of fallen leaves beneath our feet or raindrop that form puddles and taste, eating a parent-approved berry.Two types of cognitive learning being glued to the TV or tablet only uses 2 senses hearing and sight.

• feeling protective of our kids is natural. But I don’t’ think there has been a child that has escaped childhood without some scrapes or bruises.Two types of cognitive learning kids are more resilient than you think. Create some rules for outdoor play, like not running out into the street or off with a stranger are certainly givens.Two types of cognitive learning but giving them some independence to figure a few things out is part of childhood development and they should asses their own risks and make mistakes within parameters.Two types of cognitive learning

One of our favorite activities to do while being outside is collecting various items we find in nature and creating a nature mandala. It’s really fun to look for unique objects and gather them along the way.Two types of cognitive learning whether it has been collecting seashells on the shores of nova scotia or florida, pine cones and twigs in the foothills of the himalayas in bhutan or rocks varied by shape, size and color in the desert of the southwest or even recycled materials found in our backyard wherever it may be as we travel and explore the world outdoors .Two types of cognitive learning

Let’s not make outdoor play part of our past but as a daily present activity. Start adding a little more outdoor fun to your everyday. If you want some ideas of how to incorporate some fun outdoor time with your kids check out our lesson plan this month “let’s go outside and yoplay”.Two types of cognitive learning it brings a little yoga, some mindfulness, a lot of playfulness to the great outdoors. So grab your sneakers, hiking boots or just go barefoot and get outside even for just 5 minutes a day.Two types of cognitive learning notice the changes in your mood, energy, awareness, and gratitude for nature.