When Raff started going to afternoon nursery in September I decided to create a little ritual for us to get our week off on the right foot. I wanted something that would get us out of the house, (I find it so tempting to huddle up indoors at this time of year but you can’t beat fresh air and letting the kids roam free).
Every Monday we pack a little bag, put on our rain boots and head out to the woods. If the weather is dry we take a picnic and lay out a rug to eat sandwiches on but sometimes we just play. There are so many opportunities for play outdoors – lately we’re into hide and seek behind the beautiful old oak trees and collecting conkers, acorns and beautiful leaves to take home for our nature table. As we walk, we talk about what we want from the week ahead and about how the seasons are shifting and the beauty all around. I’ve found it to be a really calming practice – not only is fresh air the best thing for all of our moods, but it’s a chance to ease our way into each week slowly.
I have all sorts of ideas about how we can incorporate little learnings into each adventure, and how we can use our walks to inspire crafts and activities at home. Often it’s the simplest of rituals that bring the most joy and foster a spirit of adventure among little ones.
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