When kids play outdoors, they learn of things which they otherwise would not. A couple of months ago, the kids came across a pine tree which had something lumpy on it. It turned out to be some dried up sap. We broke it off and took it home. From various angles, it looked like different things. Occasionally a bird, then a bear and sometime later even a face!
At home we spoke of the various ways pine trees could be used - melting sap and mixing with charcoal gave a high quality glue, the oils from the pine needles could be used in aromatherapy, the branches as building material, roots could be used as cordage, nuts were a good source of food, the plant itself offered shelter to innumerable creatures and when dried up the pine needles and wood make good kindling. Every part of a pine tree is useful.
Kids learn to climb small pine trees using the branches as steps. They learn to test a branch before climbing. The climbing familiarizes them with the roughness of the bark and the texture of the needles. The climbing improves there sensory awareness. Try and play simple games to keep the kids moving.
Playing outside is the best way for kids to understand how we are a part of nature. It's sensory rich. and very rewarding. Understanding this will hopefully contribute to a safe future for our forests. Here's hoping the pine trees don't go down the road of the giving tree.
Kulshan Creek Youth Program - Walking through Schriebers Meadow, Mt Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
by
At home we spoke of the various ways pine trees could be used - melting sap and mixing with charcoal gave a high quality glue, the oils from the pine needles could be used in aromatherapy, the branches as building material, roots could be used as cordage, nuts were a good source of food, the plant itself offered shelter to innumerable creatures and when dried up the pine needles and wood make good kindling. Every part of a pine tree is useful.
Kids learn to climb small pine trees using the branches as steps. They learn to test a branch before climbing. The climbing familiarizes them with the roughness of the bark and the texture of the needles. The climbing improves there sensory awareness. Try and play simple games to keep the kids moving.
Playing outside is the best way for kids to understand how we are a part of nature. It's sensory rich. and very rewarding. Understanding this will hopefully contribute to a safe future for our forests. Here's hoping the pine trees don't go down the road of the giving tree.
