Learn Together

The complex worlds that exist outside our homes, and inside our own minds are places that house so much potential for growth, exploration and new learning.

Big and Little, you are invited to take some time together to go OUT -- into nature -- or go IN -- to the details of a good story -- to learn something new about yourselves and the world around you.

Activity 1

Go out: OBSERVE NATURE

“There is a way that nature speaks, that land speaks. Most of the time we are simply not patient enough, quiet enough, to pay attention to the story.”

–Linda Hogan, American Naturalist

  • Outdoors - Big and Little, coordinate a time to take separate walks through your own neighborhoods or a nearby park while chatting over the phone about what you observe. Describe the weather, the colors of the leaves, collect samples, etc. Otherwise, if comfortable with social distancing, arrange to meet at a common spot to take a walk together on a local path or trail.

  • Online - If you can’t get outdoors, you can still observe nature in all its amazingness! Visit https://explore.org/livecams to check out their LIVE nature cams; dive deep into the ocean, scope the spots on a tiger, or enjoy the cuteness of a napping kitten.

After your time outside or online, you may choose to keep a Nature Journal or sketch pictures of what you saw, what surprised you, or what you want to research further.

activity 2

Stay in: JUST R-E-A-D

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

-Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

  • Develop Reading Skills - Get literacy support, including help with writing and spelling, and gain access to educational games with Oxford Owl

  • Enjoy a Story - Read to you! Choose from a variety of awesome children’s books, read aloud by famous actors, while watching the story unfold in animation on Storyline Online.

  • Start a Book Club - Choose a book to read together, or separately at the same time, from a humongous selection of FREE e-books on Open Library. Then, reflect and discuss!

Here is a list of activity resources referenced above, as well as other options to check out!

to go deeper

What is your favorite spot for relaxing in nature? If you could read one book over and over, which would you choose?

Big and Little, if you’re feeling inspired, make a list of your very favorite places for learning, like the library, a park, or a local museum. Once social distancing measures are relaxed, consider visiting some or all of those places together during a match activity.

Below is a list of exciting local places to consider: