By Lea Wooldridge
Early Learning Mentor/Coach

Students in Ms. Amber and Ms. Sandy’s preschool class at Hustonville Elementary enjoy playing on their new playground.
Physical exercise and fresh air are important for children’s health and well-being. Lincoln County preschool children go outdoors everyday that the weather permits. They run, jump, climb, and use all of their large muscles. They move around, breathe fresh air, catch balls and collect leaves. The teachers talk to the children about the things they see, hear, touch, smell and feel so they become aware of changes in the weather, seasons, plants and animals. 
At home, caregivers should try to spend time with their child outdoors every day, too. Take walks, explore the natural world and watch what your child notices and show you are also interested. Children love to collect things and then play with them. They sort them, make patterns with them, and pretend with them. When you are outdoors you can collect treasures (seeds, leaves, and rocks) along the way and bring them home to examine. You can do some special activities such as:  Let your child draw what he sees outdoors. Create sidewalk art. Play catch with balls of all sizes. Bring bubble-blowing solution and a wand.
Make time each day to be outdoors with your child, exploring, making discoveries, and enjoying nature.