have you taken a walk lately?

From time to time I have to share my Grandma Says with you. Today's email was just so practical that I had to pass it on...

GOING FOR A WALK

I recently came across a paper written by a former student, detailing all the learning possibilities she identified in taking a group of preschoolers for a walk around the neighborhood. It got me to thinking about the hidden curriculum that is potentially present in such an every-day event as taking your children for a walk.

In a time when both adults and children are being encouraged to get frequent exercise, just the physical act of going for a walk provides a healthy example of keeping fit, breathing fresh air, strengthening muscles, and building endurance. Another plus is stress reduction in enjoying an activity with no agenda.

Taking the time for the walk teaches the idea of setting priorities, for both physical enjoyment and emotional benefits.

Observational skills and awareness are heightened as we notice familiar places as well as novel additions to the surroundings, as new plants emerge, landscaping is adjusted, and decorations are added in yards.

Different kinds of vehicles pass, and we comment on colors, styles, and preferences. Animals, birds, and sounds surround us, and we listen, becoming tuned in to our environment. We absorb notions about respect for property, and diversity in personal decisions about living conditions and style. We express our likes and dislikes, and listen to each other's opinions.

We look out for each other as we walk, and learn to be responsible near traffic. Enjoying a common, shared experience, we develop conversational skills, and learn how to interact with passers-by and their dogs.

As a casual introduction to literacy, we read stop signs, street numbers, street names, and learn to "read" traffic lights. We become aware of our community, noting all the service people required for the smooth functioning of the world around us, and incidentally begin to understand the world of work as we interpret the signs on trucks.

We are introduced to a sense of direction and local geography, figuring out where our home is in relation to where we walk. We become aware of what it means to walk "around the block." We learn to identify markers for our location.

We notice the weather. If we walk regularly, we notice the often-subtle changes in season in the plants around us. I know one family who has adopted a favorite tree on their walk, and they watch eagerly for the changes in bloom and bud that tell them the days are growing warmer and longer.

We make up stories about the houses and the people who live in our neighborhood. We enjoy asking questions and pretending in our familiar neighborhood, and we get comfortable learning about our neighbors, their children, occupations, and pets.

Who knows, the walk may inspire our play or art projects when we return home, filled with the sights and thoughts of what is around us. Perhaps most importantly, we have enjoyed being together in a simple, relaxing activity.

Do you have time for a walk today?