Maybe you’re here because you want to take your daily nature walks with your child to the next level. Or you’ve stumbled here because you want to help your child enjoy being outside more…and maybe yourself too. With a 4-step process you can ignite an interest and love for the natural world in your child. Inspire questions, explore answers, and then connect through reflection and expression.

Why do kids in nature need to be independent learners?

Sadly, being an independent learner is not commonplace. Children nowadays are told what to learn and when to learn it. Additionally, there is so much information already coming in that they have little to no motivation to pursue their own interests, ask deeper questions, and be creative. 

Lucky for us an extremely easy topic to captivate our children with is nature. There is a reason that elementary science heavily focuses on the natural world. There are countless mysteries, fascinating wildlife, and complex connections going on. And we naturally wish to understand our environment more. 

By simply setting kids in nature we are creating learning opportunities. However, there is a problem with simply putting kids in nature and letting them go without guidance. When we do this, our child will naturally gravitate to two extremes. 

The eternal daydreamer.

The first is that the child is very scattered and is not sure how to observe and where to focus their attention. To clarify, they are probably more interested in reenacting a knight’s battle with a couple of sticks, or simply observes and never seeks to understand.

By all means a playful and imaginary fight is a valid use of one’s time. I know because I have three boys. However, sometimes the pretend swords must be put down for more focused, educational pursuits. And the four step process does dedicate time to observing, as well as time for daydreaming.

The must have all the answers now.

On the other hand, we may find ourselves with a child who is unable to find a healthy balance between observing nature and finding answers. For instance, when you go on a nature walk is your child on their phone more than studying the bright green caterpillar? My guess is they are probably searching for the butterfly this caterpillar will become. However, this can become problematic if our child loses the in-the-moment experience because they’re always looking for that next answer. 

How to teach independent learning to kids in nature.

We want them to use their imaginations, just focus it on the topic at hand. And we want them to ask questions, but also take time to appreciate nature not just analyze it. So how can we support these two types of kids in nature and not dampen their spirit?

I think you’re going to enjoy the 4 step plan I’ve developed called S.I.S.E. S.I.S.E. stands for senses, investigation, silence, and expression. These 4 steps can be done on a nature walk or in your backyard. Furthermore, choosing the same location is important to begin with, but not necessary. 

Also, you can add to the learning experience by doing this 4 step process in each season. By the fourth season, you probably won’t even need to guide your kiddo through each step because they’ll already know the process.

Lasty, this 4 step nature experience can be conducted in a large group setting or simply within your own family. Now let’s get into it.

The 4 step experience to create independent learners of kids in nature.

Senses for kids in nature.

Time: 10-15 minutes depending on how much detail and the age of your child. 

Firstly, let’s go on a tour of nature using the 5 senses. What do you see? What can you hear? Smell? Taste? And Touch? By beginning with the 5 senses we begin to notice things that make us curious and ask questions.

 I wrote a whole blog post on this step so go check it out here. Additionally, I include writings from Helen Keller’s unique and compelling perspective of the 5 senses. Disclaimer: I should mention here that tasting wild plants is not recommended.

Investigation for kids in nature.

Time: 10-20 minutes depending on the location, age of your child, and if you’ve taught them this step before. 

Next, it’s time to satisfy the “must have all the answers now” kids in nature. We should encourage children to seek answers to questions, it’s how we learn. Part of that encouragement is teaching them how to do it efficiently and effectively. By being better researchers they are more readily able to get back to observing and in the moment.

I encourage you to purchase a field guide for your region and local area. It’s important to teach our child that not all answers come from a phone. But there is a place for the phone so do not forgo this powerful device completely. Instead spend time discussing how to word the question and choose from the search results.

Silence for kids in nature.

Time: 5-10 minutes depending on the age of your kiddo.

Thirdly, spend time in silence. This is probably my favorite time. No one is allowed to speak. All anyone is allowed to do is observe nature and listen to their own personal thoughts and inquiries. But you must sit with it. You can not voice it and disturb anyone else’s thoughts and inquiries. We’re simply being in nature and allowing the information that we have gathered sink in while appreciating God’s creation for it’s beauty.

Expression for kids in nature.

Time: 10-30 minutes depending on the age of your kiddo. 

Lastly, let’s encourage creative expression and externalize what we have learned. Whether this is for the eternal daydreamer who just wants to be a knight with a stick sword fighting monsters in the dark forest, or you have an artist who enjoys sketching. Now is when everyone has the opportunity to express themselves. I encourage you to look into nature journaling because this is the perfect time for that. These are the watercolor pallets I always have on hand, especially for painting in nature.

Special considerations for kids in nature.

If you have a child who is adverse to nature then I encourage you to begin in your backyard. Use S.I.S.E. in the comfort of their own surroundings. Also, plan to do these four steps on separate days over the course of a week or two. Then, after that you can try a park and maybe a nature trail. When away from home, combine these 4 steps into one outing.

For the frequent nature visitor do not expect your child to do this every time. You can use your better judgement to determine this. Since we frequent nature often I tend towards once a month stepping my boys ages 7, 5, and 3 through S.I.S.E.

Lastly, and this is for everyone, plan to use S.I.S.E. at least four times a year. Visit the same area in each season so your child can observe the changes that occur in a specific location.

S.I.S.E. is for everyone.

Everything that we hope our child will experience and learn from nature is all wrapped into one beautiful lesson and on one outing. Begin by formulating questions by using the 5 senses, then answer those questions by investigating. Use field guides and technology. Next, your child is able to process the information and take in new observations without interruption. Lastly, there is time for expressing oneself through art or play. What is your favorite step of S.I.S.E.? Let me know in the comments. I’m intrigued to hear what other Mommas might enjoy the most. 

Overall, I love that S.I.S.E. is adaptable for every age level, environments, and interest. But most of all it encourages a deep connection with nature. What are you waiting for? Nature is calling.