The end of the year is often associated with busy times, which can add some stress on grown-ups, ricocheting on young children. You may have your own way to cope with those times. Some of you may journal, others may exercise, but with young children around, some may just forget to take care of themselves for a while.

Today’s post is about slowing down, with a simple walk I recently took with Pierre-Qui-Roule, our Fellow from the Land of Leaves and Bushes. Mother Nature offers so many ways to slow down, and reconnect — hugging a tree, feeling the breeze, grasping the cold weather. Mother Nature also provides plenty of opportunities to engage with young children. Win-win for both grown-ups and children.

So, what was it like to walk around the park nearby, with Pierre-Qui-Roule keeping us grounded into the magical years of early childhood? 

We discussed art as we discovered a gate made of metal of different shapes and colors. 

What is this flower? Why doesn’t it smell anything? Why does it feel so cold?

We had a chance to practice reading.

What letters do you recognize? Are there any sight words you can read? Why do you think the park posted that sign?

We wondered about a piece of wood, that was used as a bedboard, and about prints on the ground.

Where does it come from? Why does it have a piece of metal coming out? What may have been his initial purpose?

Where could those prints come from? A dog? A duck? Some leaves, maybe? Is there a tree nearby with leaves that look the same?

And you know us, we engage with math, as we noticed the different shapes of some of the signs, and various numbers on a mile marker.

What shapes does it remind you of? What if you tilt your head? Yes! Do you notice the round corners? Do rectangles have round corners?

What is the number on the front? What about the number on the top?

We touched the trunk of a tree, with a lot of relief.

What does it feel like? Can you spot any other tree like this one?

We ended up with a special treat, as Pierre-Qui-Roule spent some time on the swing.

Hope our story provides some helpful examples of the power of a simple walk, and the benefits for both grown-ups and young children.

Take good care of yourself, everyone!