Teach Kids to Overcome Challenges Through Nature
The Plant a Seed & See What Grows Foundation has provided parents and educators with helpful tips for how to encourage kids to dream BIG. Children should be empowered to accomplish any goal that their minds can imagine. But of course, not everything goes as planned, even when given full support from those in their familial, social, and educational circle. Both palpable and intangible stumbling blocks that kids come across when working towards a goal include the following:
- Lack of resources: Limited access to material, money, or helpful input from others.
- One-off external threats: Examples include uncooperative weather events, an envious bully, or anything that can suddenly and physically challenge completion of a project or goal.
- Self imposed obstacles: Self-doubt, fear, lack of focus, or limiting beliefs (imposter syndrome) that can undermine self-confidence and inhibit progress.
- Cognitive issues: Limited problem solving and critical thinking facilities.
Obstacles will invariably get in the way, and it’s when they do that a child’s resolve is truly put to the test. How can you help them overcome challenges? By immersing them in nature! Below is an overview of how engaging in outdoor experiences at your local park, forest trail, eco-reserve, or beach can teach a child all about overcoming challenges that may otherwise subvert their ambitions.
Experiences in Nature That Can Teach Children to Overcome Obstacles that May Challenge Their Ambitions and Goals
Hands-On Challenges Featuring Goal-Directed Play
Nature presents constant puzzles that requires children to employ creativity and a scientific-like approach of hypothesis and testing that will be applied not just to their outdoor experience, but to any other project they are working towards at-home or in-school. Hands-on challenges that incorporate goal-directed play in nature are the key. Goal-directed play in nature is a form of purposeful, intentional activity within a natural setting where a child actively works toward a specific outcome or result. Unlike unstructured, free play, it involves following a plan, a set of rules, or a sequence of steps to achieve a clearly defined goal. Below are examples that are practical for many outdoor environments throughout Canada, are doable for a wide range of ages and abilities, and FUN!
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Provide a child with a list (written and/or by picture) of specific items to find, such as a smooth stone, a specific leaf, or a feather of a bird that they have learned is common to the outdoor environment that they are in. The goal is to locate and collect these items. This activity teaches kids to overcome challenges by engaging their problem-solving and critical thinking skills as they navigate physical obstacles and find hidden items. It also builds resilience and patience through perseverance, encourages teamwork and communication (when family, friends, and classmates are involved) and boosts confidence with each completed task.
Fort Building
Kids can build a fort in nature with natural materials like sticks, logs, branches, leaves, and rocks, and by using existing structures like trees, bushes, and rocky outcroppings The goal is to create a functional fort that they can sit in or hide inside. This activity teaches kids to overcome challenges by requiring them to solve problems, build resilience, and develop independence and/or work well with one another (when another child is involved). They must use creativity and critical thinking to figure out how to make their structure stable using the natural materials referenced above, fostering confidence as they work through difficulties and learn to trust their own judgment.
Mud Pie Making
Making a mud pie in nature is a simple, creative activity that younger children really enjoy. Primary “ingredients” are dirt, water, and natural decorations found nearby. The goal is to create a set of edible-looking treats. This outdoor activity teaches kids to overcome challenges by requiring them to experiment and adapt, which builds problem-solving skills through a hands-on and creative process. For instance, when the mud is too dry or too wet, or a topping doesn’t stick, children must problem-solve by adjusting their approach, which also develops their patience, executive functioning skills, and creativity.
Organic Art Project
Kids can go on a nature walk to gather various natural items, then use them to create different forms of art such as sculptures, collages, or sketches. The goal is to complete a specific piece of art so that there is purpose and intent in their search for natural items. This activity teaches kids to overcome challenges by fostering problem-solving, creativity, and resilience through open-ended tasks, hands-on experiences, and experimentation. When creating art with found objects like sticks, leaves, and stones (etc.) children must figure out how to make their vision a reality, such as how to make a sculpture stand up or how to arrange different materials. This process builds critical thinking skills, fine motor skills, and the ability to work through trial and error in a supportive, open-ended environment. And in case you are wondering – yes, a snowman counts!
Gardening
This is the most immersive example of a hands-on goal-directed form of play to be done in nature. It’s also a longterm and repeatable activity that can keep kids engaged through all four seasons and beyond as they plant seeds, protect and maintain their crop/s, harvest upon completion, and preserve seeds for the next season and beyond. Anyone who has ever gardened understands how the activity teaches one to overcome obstacles. Things can and will “go wrong”, especially when more than one crop is grown. A child will develop problem-solving skills as they figure out how to fix issues like harmful insects or dry soil. It also teaches patience by showing that growth takes time and that success comes from consistent and long-term effort.
We hope everything above was helpful. Meanwhile, please note that the Plant a Seed & See What Grows Foundation inspires and promotes healthy living and learning for kids across Canada. You can help us help the next generation by pledging your support too! View more on how you can get involved.