Outdoor time and physical activity can have lasting impacts on your child’s development. As we continue to self-isolate in our homes, it is especially important to try to get outside to take in breaths of fresh air or enjoy an activity outdoors. Find a grassy spot and lay out a blanket. Or, go for a walk and stop along the way to point out the surroundings to your child so he/she can take note of the outdoor environment. Whether you are lounging on a hill or strolling through the park, observing nature will help your child’s developing understanding about the outdoor environment.  “Look at the green grass. It smells like it was just cut.” or, “Check out these leaves. Where do they come from?” or, “This stick is long and smooth but this one is short and bumpy.”  Your pointed questions and comments will act as invitations to your child to consider their surroundings and make new connections to their world. Additionally, natural materials that are found in nature have a lot to offer our young children. With your help and guidance, introduce your curious child to rocks, leaves, grass, flowers and plants, trees, birds, sticks, etc. There are so many natural materials to learn about and to explore.