A nature walk can be a delightful addition to your science class, and Master Teacher Jenny Pursell suggests some helpful tips to help keep the walk productive!
During the busyness of our days in Kindergarten, one of my favorite weekly events is our nature walk. I’ve lovingly named it our “Wednesday Wander,” and it truly becomes a wonder-filled time for each of us. In my imagination, I’m just like Miss Stacy from Anne of Green Gables, leading my students into the beauty and curiosity of the natural world.
Through trial and error, I’ve created a few simple guidelines to help structure this time. If you’re thinking of incorporating a nature walk into your classroom routine, here are a few tips that have worked for me:
1. Set Boundaries
Since I’m with kindergartners, safety is key. I’ve set a firm rule: students should never be more than 10 steps away from me. They don’t need to walk in a straight line, but they must be ready to stop and return to line when called.
2. Guide Observations
Young children are still learning how to notice the world around them. Giving them a focus can help. Early on, I might ask them to look for red or yellow leaves, listen for bird calls, or check whether the orchard has visible fruit. As their awareness grows, so does the richness of what they observe.
3. Pause
Our wander has no set destination—and that’s part of the magic. Some days, we only explore the rocks and plants right outside our door. Other days, we make it all the way to the top of the hill to lie back and watch the clouds. Rushing steals joy; slowing down lets wonder in.
4. Use All Your Senses (Except Taste!)
We touch leaves, smell blossoms, and listen to the wind. But kindergartners need gentle reminders: we don’t taste nature. (No matter how delicious that acorn might look!)
5. Empty Pockets!
When we return, we unload our discoveries onto a cookie sheet outside our door. You’d be amazed what tiny pockets can hold: five crickets, one moth, and a very surprised small toad all taught me that some treasures are happier left outside, not found hopping around our classroom.
Our Wednesday Wander is more than a break from routine—it’s a gentle adventure into noticing, wondering, and delighting in the world. I hope you find your own path to wander with your students.
