Shade and Sun Run

Nature walks and scorching heat do not go hand in hand. In fact, it's been quite difficult to convince myself - let alone my Little Observers - that taking a walk is a good idea. They and I would much rather hang out in the sprinkler if truth be told but I know that we always feel more energized when we've had a good little exploration. So! We've found our solution. We take walks when the shadows are long - meaning morning or dusk.

This is not to say that it's not still quite warm at these times of day but we have the  benefit of the shadows to keep us cool as we go along. Recently, we've started a new game as we walk. We call it "Shade and Sun Run!" Wanna play?

Rules:

1. Run or walk quickly through the sunny parts of the sidewalk
2. Dawdle and linger in the shadows of the trees and houses

That's it! This works well on chilly spring and fall mornings too - you just have to switch up the order of your running and dawdling to take advantage of the warmth of the rays. Moreover, your Little Observer is learning all about shadows and what causes them, how the sun affects our body temperature, how light manages obstacles from different directions, and even the very basic but miraculous concept of the rising and setting of the sun. 

When you get home from your Shade and Sun Run, sit down with a nice tall glass of water and pull out your nature journal. Now try tracing shadowy objects like blocks or lego onto the page! What happens when a cloud rolls by? Ah... take another nice big sip of cold water. Gotta love these lazy hazy days of summer with the kids.