We could all use a little more time outside with our kids. And this is the perfect time of year in New York to do it: It’s warm at midday, but cool enough that the bugs haven’t taken over shady areas yet. Rain threatens, but doesn’t fall too frequently.
But what do you do once you step outdoors? That’s where “I Love Dirt!” (Trumpeter, $12.95), the new book by Jennifer Ward, comes in.
It offers 52 ways to get little ones interested in the great outdoors. Many are suitable for younger children (5 and under), but even younger grade-schoolers will find a lot of activities that pique their interest.
In the spring section of the book, for example, they can collect, identify and preserve a leaf collection; go on an “I spy”-style treasure hunt for different types of birds (brown, tiny, on the ground, in a nest, one with spots, etc.); and make a formal scientific exercise out of some good, old-fashioned jumping in puddles.
Virtually all of the activities require you to be there, too, but that’s not a bad thing — most of us spend a little too much time under roofs and in front of screens as it is.
Getting outdoors can help your children develop. The foreword by Richard Louv notes studies that show that unstructured outdoor time develops everything from science grades to motor coordination to ability to concentrate, while reducing attention-deficit disorder, stress and isolation.
But realistically, if you do some of the activities in “I Love Dirt!”, it’ll be because you agree with your child — they just flat-out look like fun.
(Contact HEATHER NEWMAN at 313-223-3336 or hnewman@freepress.com. Find her other blog entries at www.freep.com/hnewman.)
