Nature Collection

A bag and an open space, like a nature path or a park is an incredible way to help develop your child's vocabulary and senses.  As you walk, encourage your child to put different objects in the bag that they find (rocks, sticks, acorns, pine cones, pine needles, leaves, flowers, weeds, dandelions, etc.).  As you look at the objects together, you can talk about the way it looks, smells, and feels.  Key point - make sure the communication is equal (your child communicates and then you communicate).  Some kids will move quickly - going to the next item that catches their eye.  Some kids will move slowly - spending longer than expected looking in an area.  Regardless, follow their lead.  Watch and see what maintains their interest the longest.  Sometimes that means you are only
observing.  As you child looks toward you, they may have a question or a comment.  That's the beauty of being outdoors - we all spend our time a bit differently among nature. 
~Marena Mitchell, Speech-Language Pathologist