ABC Countdown to the Last Day of School: Letter Oo is Outside Day

by Megan Bacchus · June 3, 2024

Letter Oo is Outside Day!

Having an Outside Day in Kindergarten is a fantastic way to encourage exploration, physical activity, and appreciation for nature.

Going outside is fun. Did you know that being outside is great for your body and mind?

It helps you get exercise.
It helps you get Vitamin D.
It lessens anxiety (feeling worried). Even looking out of a window or having plants in your house can help!
It’s a great way to spend time with other people.
It improves your sleep.
It helps you feel good about yourself when you try an activity like biking, running, or gardening.
It improves your focus.
It gives you better immunity – your body’s superpower to fight off sicknesses.
It makes you more creative.

What are some of your favourite activities to do outside? Draw a picture of yourself outside and write about it.

Outside has the ou sound. It says “ow”. Let’s learn about the ou and ow sounds.

Let’s have a virtual picnic! Bring a snack and a drink and pretend that we are in a park. Use your imagination and describe what you can see. Do you think there will be any ants?

Here is a story about going on a picnic: https://www.uniteforliteracy.com/unite/go/book?BookId=1271

Let’s Go Camping!

First we need to pack. (Pretend to pack your bag with us.) Open your backpack – ziiiiiip! What do we need to take with us when we go camping?

Let’s look at the stars! What else can you see in the night sky?

https://www.uniteforliteracy.com/unite/earthandsky/book?BookId=118

Let’s Make Nature Art

How could you use nature to make art? You could glue pieces to paper or you could make transient art – art that you make that is not permanent. It can be moved again. Here are some ideas.

More Outside Day Activities

Here are ten more wonderful ideas to make the most of the outdoor environment:

Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items for children to find in the outdoor area, such as leaves, rocks, flowers, and sticks. Provide small bags for them to collect their treasures as they explore.
Outdoor Art: Set up easels, paints, and canvases or large pieces of paper outside. Encourage children to paint or draw the natural scenery, plants, or animals they see.
Garden Exploration: If your school has a garden, take the children on a guided tour. Teach them about different plants, vegetables, and flowers, and allow them to touch, smell, and even taste some of the produce.
Obstacle Course: Create a simple obstacle course using cones, hula hoops, and ropes. Include activities like jumping, crawling, and balancing to promote gross motor skills and physical fitness.
Picnic Lunch: Bring lunch outside and have a picnic on a blanket or picnic tables. Encourage children to enjoy their meal surrounded by nature and fresh air.
Outdoor Music and Movement: Play music outside and let the children dance, sing, and move around freely. Incorporate simple instruments like tambourines or rhythm sticks to add to the musical experience.
Storytelling Circle: Set up a cozy outdoor reading area with blankets or cushions. Read nature-themed books or stories aloud to the children, fostering a love for literature and the outdoors.
Bug Hunt: Provide magnifying glasses and bug containers for children to search for insects and other small creatures. Encourage them to observe and gently handle the bugs before releasing them back into their natural habitat.
Outdoor Science Experiments: Conduct simple science experiments outdoors, such as exploring the properties of water with water tables or conducting a sink or float experiment using natural materials.
Cloud Watching: Lie on the grass and look up at the sky, encouraging children to observe the shapes and movements of the clouds. Ask them to describe what they see and use their imaginations to create stories.

These activities provide valuable opportunities for children to connect with nature, engage in physical activity, and learn through exploration and discovery.