Look at how many words start with the letter L. We found a lemon, a lock, a ladle, a lamp, a lunch bag, a piece of lace, a dried up leaf, a lid, a leash, and a lamb. What is the first letter of YOUR name? How many words that start with your first letter can you find? Can you find things that start with the other letters in your name?

If you have a few stainless steel bowls and some old baking supplies and access to an outdoor space with some dirt, you've got everything you need. Fill a pail or bowl with water and make some mud pies!

Take 5 similar items and a napkin. Hide 2 of the items under the napkin so that only 3 are showing. Ask your partner "How many am I hiding?" Then give them a turn to hide a different number so you can guess. After playing for a while, challenge each other with 10 items!

Find a special quiet spot outside (or near a window in your home), and sit for one minute (or two) while you look around you at all the things the Earth provides for us to share and care for. It can make you feel small and big at the same time.

Gather up some supplies: a magnifying glass if you have one, some neat nature items or something you want to learn more about, some paper and something to write with. Look closely at the thing you've chosen. What are its parts? How is it put together? Can you take it apart without breaking it? If not, can you draw a picture of it? Can you find a place to display it so other people in your family can look closely at it too? Looking closely is amazing!

Think of something you love about the Earth and make a picture of it using things you find inside and outside. Twigs, grasses, stones, paint and art supplies are all great choices!

Can you gather things from around your home and see if you can find 1 of something, 2 of something, 3 of something? See if you can collect 10 of something. How about 12 or 15 or even 20??? If you want you could try writing out the numbers and the tally marks just like we do at our snack table.

Bird nests are everywhere in the Spring and Summer! FInd some materials around your house to build a nest with. You can use scraps of paper or fabric, you can use toys or loose parts ...OR you can get outside and find things to create the perfect nest for your imaginary bird. Don't forget the eggs!

It might be outdoors, or inside near a window. Make a comfy spot where you can look closely at the nature around you. Just slowing down and looking quietly at the grass, trees out our window, plants, birds, and bugs you see everyday is a wonder. The world is filled with amazing things.

Have you ever tried to watch an animal or bird up close? Often they can be cautious with a person nearby. We set up a camera and then left it running ...and some friends came to visit! It was so exciting to see them up close - watch and see.

A few easily washable cups and bowls, a bit of water, and some grass, leaves and other natural items that can be crushed and you can get started! Put the items in a bowl and either cut them into small pieces, or smush them with the base of a cup or the back of a spoon, and add some water to make yourself some great potions!

Take some painters tape or masking tape and lay the pieces in different directions on a piece of paper. Draw or paint on the blank spaces left on the page and then (oh so carefully) peel off the masking tape to see what your picture looks like!

Did you know you can write letters and words with your finger without a pencil or crayon? Try writing a letter using a writing tray. You can use almost anything, like table salt, epsom salt, rice or garden dirt (soil). Pour a thin layer of salt (or whatever material you choose) into a baking tray. Spread it out evenly. Now try to write some letters or words using your finger. You can “erase” by rubbing your hand over and spreading out the salt or gently shaking the tray. Then practice another letter or word. Try to use material that can be reused again or recycled. You can put the Epson salt into your bath after your done. And the rice can be soaked and washed and used for cooking. Table salt can be used for making play dough.

Find a tiny creature (in nature or in a book) and learn more about it! What does it eat? Where does it live? We share the earth with so many incredible little beings!