Map A Nature Trail
Here's What To Do
1
Visit a nearby trail where your child can navigate a path and see nature.
2
While walking along the trail, ask your child to pay attention to important things they see like animals, plants, flowers, trees, insects, bodies of water, and landforms. (optional: take photos of things your child notices)
3
At the end of your walk, give your child paper and crayons to create a map of the trail based on what they saw and experienced.
4
Support your child by drawing the path on the map, and helping them to remember where they saw things along the trail.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Breathe in the fresh air and stretch your bodies for this walk!
E
Engage:
- “Put your noticing eyes on! Let’s look for animals, plants, flowers, trees, insects, water, and other important things while we walk."
- "We're going to make a map of the trail. I'm going to draw the shape of the trail, but I need your help to finish the map."
E
Encourage:
- When your child notices something of interest, pause to examine it more clearly. (optional: take a photo to help you remember it).
- Help your child remember details, like: "Do you remember where we saw that really tall tree? Can you draw it here on the map?"
R
Reflect:
- Ask your child to present and explain their map to you.
Not quite ready?
Ask your child to observe things along your walk, but skip drawing the map.
Ready for more?
Make a zoomed out map of the park, showing more trails. Use a trail map for reference.
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to create a simple map.