520 Hours Outdoors

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As the number of school shootings increases, school districts are paying more attention to the social/emotional well-being of the students. They are also focusing on creating a classroom community or family. One way that classrooms are building stronger communities is through the implementation of Responsive Classroom Morning Meetings.

Morning Meeting engages students and provides them with an opportunity to start the school day in a positive manner. Students and the teacher gather together to interact and complete four purposeful components: greeting one another by name, sharing information about one another, an activity to build and practice social skills, and the teacher’s morning message which is designed to get students ready to learn.

In my experience, the children love all four components of the Morning Meeting; however, the sharing seems to be a favorite. Students love having the opportunity to talk about themselves, tell a story from the weekend, or share something they are excited about.

I have noticed a trend every Monday morning when I invite my students to share what they did over the weekend… A majority tell me that they played video games or watched television. Very few students talk about going outside to play with their friends. While facing the possibility of Hurricane Dorian, my students were brainstorming activities they could do to fill their time. A majority of the kids talked about playing on their tablets or video game consoles. And then had a look of disbelief when told those aren’t viable options when there is no electricity. 

I do not exaggerate when I tell you they look at me like I have two heads when I ask them if they played outside. The art of outdoor play has been lost. 

So, imagine my delight when I stumbled upon the 1000 Hours Outside Challenge! The idea is to spend 1,000 hours per year outside in nature with your family. That breaks down to about 20 hours per week. Which, can honestly sound daunting if your children attend school for 6-7 hours/day and one or both parents work outside the home.

So, let’s start with baby steps… 10 hours per week. That’s about an hour and a half per day. I can commit to that easily! A minimum of 10 hours per week would still equate to 520 hours per year. That’s not too shabby! I also know that I can easily get more hours in on the weekend. I’m always down for bonus points!

And let’s be honest… Committing to getting my children outside in nature sounds more enjoyable than that plank or squat challenge I see circulating on Facebook every month.

I know times are changing and it gives our mommy hearts anxiety, just thinking about sending our kids out to play. The world is not the same world we grew up in and that is scary! But, think of all the benefits of outdoor play…

  • Running around outside means children burn off energy. What does that mean for you? Children don’t fight bedtime so hard and more quiet time for mommy!
  • Children get to practice their social skills.
  • Children learn about the world around them.
  • Children practice problem-solving skills, which are critical as they grow up.
  • Hello, imaginative play! Children are so full of wonder but do not exercise that part of their brain as often as previous generations did.
  • Children learn and discover information about the world around them through exploration.
  • Running around and playing is actually a form of exercise! Without even realizing it, they are exercising and strengthening their growing muscles.

When I stop and think of all the benefits of outdoor play, it gives me even more motivation to get my kids outside. I’m specifically looking at that very first point… You had me at less resistance for bedtime! Maybe I’ll actually get to enjoy that glass of wine I poured for myself and before I promptly fell asleep!

So, who wants to join me on this journey? Challenges are more fun when done as a group and I need people to hold me accountable. Let’s make a pact here and now… Our children will be one with the outdoors!

Need some ideas on ways to get your kids outside? Here’s a short list to get you started:

  • Go to the park or a playground! Palm Beach County has so many parks or playgrounds just waiting for our children to play on. Go earlier in the morning or in the evenings during the steamier weather. Just remember to bring an old towel to wipe the morning dew off the slides!
  • Have a picnic outside.
  • Go on a nature walk in one of the nature preserves.
  • Go for a bike ride.
  • Go fly a kite.
  • Go to a splash pad. This is such a great option with littles when the heat is unbearable.
  • Go swimming. Whether you have your own pool, a community pool, or visit a public pool… A pool offers hours of fun! (Don’t forget those swim lessons!)
  • Play catch.
  • Climb trees or build a treehouse.
  • Go to the beach! (That was a given, right???)

Have more ideas for outdoor activities? Post them in the comments below!