Mommy Daughter Walks

    It has been extremely pleasant here, in the New England area. The grass is green instead of covered in a white blanket of snow.  The sun is shining bright, but not so warm that people are walking around drenched in sweat.  This weather is perfect for walking, an activity the princess and I delight in.  How could we not enjoy the fresh air and wide open space, but our walks offer us much more than that.
    In a previous post, I explained how I taught the princess how to identify letters and numbers while walking around the neighborhood.  We have increased the amount of structure in our "schooling" since then, but I still find that the princess learns more on these walks then any activities we do in the house.  Earlier this year,  the princess and I went for a walk earlier in the morning.  We went quite a distance and before we could make it home the sun came out in full force.  The poor little princess started to look like she recently showered!  I told her we needed to stop by our local store to get some water.  That then led to a conversation about sweat, what it is, why it's beneficial, and why it's important drink a surplus of water when we are going to be hot or exercise.  Now, what other time would we possibly have had that conversation?  Sweat production is not in the common corp curriculum for preschool or kindergarten that I am aware of.  There is much more that we learned by chance on these walks.  One day she came back from a walk with three words added to her vocabulary, one of the words be "pedestrian."  Now again, when else would this word come up in conversation.  I am sure there are a few times. But there are several ways to practice this word while on a walk.  In fact, on our way home the princess surprised me by saying "mommy, i don't want to be a pedestrian anymore I would rather ride in the van."  I just had to laugh, it was both humorous and impressive.  We also frequently discuss earth science subject like seasons, weather, and types of trees and plants.  The learning opportunities that arise on a walk are endless!
    Of course, I love how much I can teach the princess on these walks, but it is actually not my favorite part.  When we walk in the mall, my hand often has a tight grasp on her.  But, when we walk on a sidewalk in an area where I feel comfortable, the princess is able to walk beside me without holding my hand.  What is great about this?  She never goes long before putting her hand in mine!  The first time she went for my hand on these walks, the love I felt with that small gesture was absolutely gratifying.  When I start to reach for her hand, out of mere habit rather than her safety, I resist so that I can experience that feeling over and over again!  As we walk, hand and hand, we discuss things that she would like to learn and things I already plan to teach her.  It is really the only time we discuss our future academic plans.  When we are in the house, we are either busy working and playing or distracted by electronics.  Our walks are a perfect place for these discussions along with discussions over several other topics.  It is such a great way to strengthen the bond between parent and child.
    This warm weather will not last forever.  The grass will soon be crunchy and covered in frost. When the sun appears, its reflection on the snow will be blinding. We will no longer be comfortable outside, wishing we didn't have to go in.  But, while this weather is still enjoyable, we will be outside, learning, playing and loving!