Geography Explorer
Here's What To Do
1
Choose a familiar park to visit. Bring snacks and clothes for outdoor play.
2
When you arrive, find a place you can sit and observe.
3
Ask your child to talk about the most important features of the park. Help them describe the things/people/landmarks/buildings they see around them.
4
Explore the area together.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- With your child, close your eyes and notice the sounds all around you. Tell your child about the sounds you're hearing, and ask what they're hearing.
E
Engage:
- "Pretend you're telling your friend who has never been here before all about the park. What's important for them to know about it?"
- "What do you see? Tell me about all the things you notice around us here."
E
Encourage:
- Help get your child started by describing what you notice. "One thing I notice about this park are all the trees. There are tall evergreen ones with pine needles over there, and shorter ones with leaves over here. What do you see?"
- "What's different about this park compared to other parks we go to?"
R
Reflect:
- "What did you like about exploring this place? Where should we explore together next?"
Not quite ready?
If it's difficult for your child to notice landmarks, point them out for your child and describe what you see.
Ready for more?
Have your child draw a map of the area you visit.
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to important features of a familiar park.