While keeping a safe distance from others, enjoying a nature scavenger hunt with your child outdoors (perhaps even in your own backyard) promotes writing and inquiry while getting some fresh air!

Here’s How to Get Started:

The objective of this game is to search for objects outdoors, and then record your findings. Children will have a chance to practice their writing skills while they participate.

What You Will Need:

• Something to write with (pen, pencil) 
• Clipboard to write on 
• Make your own list of items to find, or print ours below 

Process:

• If you’re making your own list, ask your child what they think they will see or what they hope that they will see on the walk outside. Choose around 12 items. 
• Now it’s time go for a walk to see how many of the items you and your child can spot. 

Tips for older children: Ask your child to write some observational notes about each item they find. For example, “I saw a black squirrel on a branch”, or “Found animal footprints, possibly a dog.” 

Variation:  Offer your child the use of a camera to photo document their hunt.