LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Rainy weather did not stop children from heading outdoors to learn about the sights and sounds of nature through a hands-on educational program.
The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District offers dozens of educational programs for people of all ages, including its “Nature Pals” program designed for children ages 3 to 5. During Thursday’s session, young participants took part in a “Five Senses Scavenger Hunt,” where they explored the outdoors by using sight, smell, sound and touch to discover elements of nature around them. Park naturalists say the programs are designed to match the developmental level of the children while also meeting educational standards.
“There are certain educational standards in Ohio for each of the grade levels, and so we look at what they should be learning at this developmental stage for their age group, and then devise a lesson around that, where we pull from nature and use what we have around us here at the parks to help them learn,” said Marie Walton, a naturalist with the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District. “And it's a really great way to engage their senses and learn and ask questions and be curious.”
The park district encourages families to take advantage of the free program. The next Nature Pals session will take place April 2, when children will have the opportunity to meet a live frog and toad.
More information about the program is available on the park district’s website.
