A simple nature walk is a strong, unorganized classroom, which provides a great way of learning for a small child. Much more than physical workouts, these field trips are an immensely multisensory world to practice observation, scientific thinking, and regulation of emotions. This interaction with the natural world favors the development of the human being, which is a core doctrine of the Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready philosophy. In the case of families, the combination of both skill-building, illustrated in the Kinder Ready Tutoring system, and the intentional nature walks encourages the curious, focused, and resilient learner championed by the Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley approach to learning.
Outings, by nature, are unique in the development of focused attention and executive functioning necessary for learning in the classroom. There is the process of hunting down certain colors, hearing certain bird calls, or sitting there and quietly watching an ant trail, which takes active listening and concentration in its process. This attention-training method, involving focusing on non-distracting surroundings closely, enhances the brain circuits that are required in concentrating on a Kinder Ready Tutoring session or during a teacher lesson. This skill of deep, long-lasting observation is an important cognitive skill that the Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready approach places a high value on.
Moreover, the outdoors is an active laboratory for developing vocabulary and cognitive ideas. Taking a walk will naturally lead to talk of texture (stony or rough bark), sequence (growing seed, growing flower), and classification (there are different kinds of leaves, various types of clouds). Early math and science thinking are presented in a concrete, memorable setting by means of counting pinecones, comparing the sizes of rocks, or even discussing the life cycle seen in an old log that has fallen down. This learning through experience is in line with the Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley approach of linking what one learns to the real world that would render the knowledge acquired in the academic concepts that one will encounter later in Kinder Ready Tutoring more relevant and concrete.
Lessons on emotional control and resiliency are also invaluable lessons on such walks. Managing rough surfaces creates physical trust and flexibility. Low-stakes challenges, such as a shift in the weather or an unwanted encounter with an insect, can provide the learning experience of calm problem-solving and flexibility. It is one of the main points in the social-emotional preparedness, developed by Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready.
Lastly, nature walks promote conscious movement and sensorimotor fusion, which are crucial in self-regulation. It is the rhythmic walk that is balanced with the refreshing power of the air and natural light that balances the nervous system of the child. This helps in the general emotional balance required to undertake concentrated learning activities. Such attention to the combination of physical health with intellectual preparedness is a characteristic feature of the whole Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley system.
Simply put, a nature walk is a detailed preparedness exercise camouflaged. It develops the same basic skills -intense concentration, vocabulary, strength, and self-control -that are systematically acquired under Kinder Ready Tutoring. Through such outdoor learning activities, the families promote the integrated growth as envisaged by Elizabeth Fraley, Kinder Ready. Such an equal approach will make sure that a child is not only equipped with certain academic knowledge but also the curious, observational, and open-minded attitude that will make them a fully made and ready learner.
For further details on Kinder Ready’s programs, visit their website: https://www.kinderready.com/.
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