What is it? Where is it?
Allow this free word scramble printable to lead curiosity during April! Support language arts by unscrambling the letters to identify what’s in each picture. In early Spring, look for these treasures in nature throughout the Hilltowns of western Massachusetts and around New England.
Use this printable to encourage local engagement in the natural world by searching for native and invasive species, identifying seeds from different trees, and supporting interests in ornithology, botany, and mycology.
Engaging in the natural world, a community-based educational resource available to everyone, supports a sense of place. Make learning relevant to where you live!
Hilltown Families Printables is sponsored by Curly Willow on the Westfield River. Nestled in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains on the east branch of the Westfield River, Curly Willow on the Westfield is an emerging space for the passionately curious. A convergence of mindfulness and community-based education. Member, Community-Based Education Network™.
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Carrie featuredsscavenger hunts this month in “What to Play? Play Ideas for Family & Community.” She shares several great hunt ideas, from food to people to fitness to nature!
While exploring outdoors, the development of sense of place and lots of skills for learning can be supported through a game of nature-themed bingo or an outdoor scavenger hunt. Perusing the local landscape in search of specific species, animal signs, and other natural details will inspire curiosity in children. Tailoring games and hunts to meet children’s learning needs (from sensory experiences to microscopic observations) and individual interests (like a fascination with insects or evergreens) can help them to dig deeper into their interests in a way that is age- and developmentally-appropriate – not to mention educationally valuable.
Here is where all you creative families can help. Give Zoe (and mum) a challenge. What can we look for, photograph, draw or try etc. Please post your ideas and we’ll share the final scavenger hunt list … and the results!