
The current upside to being quarantined in our homes is that we are experiencing some BEAUTIFUL weather. You’ve probably taken walks and bike rides. What next? How about a good ‘ole fashioned scavenger hunt? There are a ton of resources online and you don’t have to leave your yard. We are in the season of Easter egg hunts too, but they aren’t quite as educational.
A scavenger hunt is something you can check off as “school” for the day. I consulted the Institute for Educational Advancement (IEA) and found some very good points.
Scavenger Hunts Build Problem Solving Skills
Its hands on learning and as such, according to the IEA, “increases memory of previously taught concepts.” According to these experts “It helps to reinforce and act-out methods they have been taught by parents or teachers in a physical way, leading to increased retention of the lessons.” Basically, you’ll be extra shocked when your child starts describing the life-cycle of a butterfly while picking up a caterpillar from the back yard. *(whisper) Redeeeeemer is amazing*
Scavenger Hunts Are Good For Your Body and Mind
Getting outside in the fresh air and sunshine is the perfect way to take care of both our mental and physical health. Include clues to get their little minds racing about what they are searching for during the hunt. The IEA suggests getting “creative and have your child….wander into the woods or climb a tree for the next clue.”
Scavenger Hunts Reinforce Teamwork
Remember, your children have not been interacting with anyone other than their siblings (if they are blessed enough to have any). Teamwork is an important skill that they can carry with them throughout life. Work together to solve clues and find the items on your list.
Here is a scavenger hunt sheet to get you started. Challenge: Use this sheet to create clues. Hide the clues along the hunt.
GOOD NEWS OF THE DAY
Want to make a few of your fellow Redeemer students smile?
Emmie (Pre-K) and Charlie (Before and After School) Edwards have two rockstar parents. Both are nurses who work at VCU. Both have been on the front lines, battling COVID-19, for weeks. For that, we thank them. They have sacrificed a lot. But most of all, they’ve had to sacrifice time with Emmie and Charlie. The girls left to stay with their aunt a few weeks ago in another part of the state. They are super bummed out because, not only are they in isolation and away from their friends, they are also away from their parents.
LET’S CHEER THEM UP, REDEEMER! Do you want to send them a picture or a note? They would LOVE to hear some words of encouragement from their Redeemer family. Email me directly and I will give you their address – lfarmer@redeemerric.org.
Let’s share good news today and make some sweet kids smile!