Children can find all kinds of treasures everywhere. When adults go for a walk, we're usually on our way somewhere, and we walk at a steady pace. When children go for a walk, they stop and look at things around them. In fact, for them, looking is far more important than walking.

Materials:

• A place to walk (sidewalk, yard, or trail)
• Small bag or box (optional)
• Magnifying glass (optional)

Directions:

Plan a walk with your child. You may not get very far, or move very quickly, but your child can have a chance to look for things like:

• Leaves, flowers, or plants
• Tiny bugs or stones
• Squirrels, dogs or cats

If your child likes to collect things, bring along a small bag to gather things that you find along the way. When you're back home, those things might become part of a collage or mobile. Leaves can be used in rubbings. Stones can be painted and used as paperweights. Your child might want to keep the collection in a "treasure box" like a shoe box.

Children who are interested in trees might enjoy a "tree walk." Help your child get to know the trees on your walk. Look carefully at their shapes and sizes. Touch the bark. Look at the shapes of the different leaves.

If your child is an explorer, take along a magnifying glass for close examinations.

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