Speech and Language in the Great Outdoors

My family loves to camp!  We find it a great time to unplug, slow down, and explore.  Turns out those elements make for some great language development opportunities.

Here are some of my favorite things to do while outdoors:

• Discover our senses (name 2 things I can smell, hear, see, taste, touch...)
• Discuss animal habitats and eating habits, "Who might live in this tree?  I see an acorn!  Who might eat an acorn?"
• Play "I Spy" games with a twist..."I spy something that is sweet and sticky!"
• Teach and review new routines (how to make a s'more, start a campfire, tie a knot)
• Compare/contrast leaves, bark, animals, camping food, etc.,
• Practice sorting outdoor things by what they look like, where you found them, what they are for, etc.
• Play "One Small Square" - a game from the "One Small Square" series by Donald M. Silver.  You use a twig to draw a square on the ground about 4 ft. x 4 ft. and then explore inside that square very closely.  The book is fabulous for expanding this activity, here it is on amazon.com 
• Practice following directions!  "Before coming into the tent, take off your shoes!"  "Always walk around the fire pit!"...lots of direction giving happens on our trips.

There are SO MANY fun ways to enjoy a trip to the great outdoors.  What are some of your favorite ideas?