Visiting farms and other activities that promote natural settings is not only fun but a great opportunity to engage in all the senses. Children can explore by sight, smell, and touch in these environments all while expanding their vocabulary.

 

Children also gain exposure to initial scientific concepts in fields of botany and zoology where they begin to understand fundamentals of nutrition, growing food and caring for animals and wildlife. This environment boosts gross and fine motor skills while introducing them to initial problem-solving skills.

Museums are wonderful experiences for children. Not only for the obvious fun factor, but they provide great educational benefits as well. Museums are a great way to introduce children to critical thinking allowing them to form opinions on style, technique, and presentation. They are extremely beneficial in sparking curiosity about art, culture, and life.

 

It also introduces them to history lessons that they will soon get or may have already been exposed to in the classroom. For a child who learns best visually or has an interest in art, this environment provides a fun exploration for early concepts of creativity and critical thinking.

A day at the beach provides extreme benefits to early childhood development. While we know early on that ocean sounds are calming for young children, sand play also provides opportunities for children to learn in an environment full of sensory stimulation.

 

Children become aware of their body movements, preferences and begin to learn their own boundaries. Salt air helps to boost learning and water play assists with thinking skills for young children and toddlers.