With warmer weather on the way, it's a great time of year to grab a book and head outdoors! Backyards, parks, and neighborhood walks can lead to interesting conversations and new vocabulary words, observations, and investigations. Try these fun outdoor exploration activities to nurture the growing reader in your home!

• Notice and describe trees and other outdoor plants and their parts. Vocabulary might include trunks, branches, stems, leaves, and flowers. See how many different types of leaves you can gather. Describe and sort leaves by shape, size, and color.
• Observe any birds, squirrels, insects, and worms. Keep track of the different animals and insects you find. If possible, take pictures or draw a sketch of any unusual or unfamiliar ones. Other spots include a wood pile, a garden, or near the bright lights of a parking lot.
• Compare
  the illustrations in your favorite nature-themed book with the real-life settings. What type of trees, animals, and insects on the page can you find in your neighborhood?