Let's Go Outside! Can You Find? #FitandHealthyKids
During the summer of 2025, "Let's Go Outside!" campaign will highlight nature play with "Can You Find?" activities which include a book recommendation and a downloadable activity.
Week 1: Can You Find A Dandelion? 🌻Dandelion Wishes! Find a dandelion puffball and make a wish as you blow the seeds away! This activity is perfect for developing oral motor skills while teaching cause and effect. Book suggestion: The Dandelion Seed by Joseph Anthony is a lovely story that follows the journey of a dandelion seed, teaching kids about the cycle of nature. Download the guide at - go.unl.edu/dandelion
Week 2: Can You Find A Bird’s Nest? 🪺Bird's Nest Hunt! Look up high in the trees to see if you can spot a bird’s nest! Share a photo of the nest you find! This encourages observation and curiosity. Book suggestion: Birds Build Nests by Yvonne Winer is a simple, beautifully illustrated book about how birds build their homes! Download the guide at - go.unl.edu/birdsnest
Week 3: Can You Find A Clover? 🍀Clover Search! Find a clover in the grass! Can you spot a four-leaf clover? Take a picture of your clover and share it with us! This activity promotes attention to detail and fine motor skills. Book suggestion: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover by Lucille Colandro is a playful, rhyming story that builds suspense and humor as the gets increasingly outrageous. Perfect for read-alouds, it supports early literacy, sequencing, and memory skills while keeping kids laughing. Download the guide at - go.unl.edu/clover
Week 4: Can You Find A Cloud? ☁️Cloud Watching Creativity -Lie on your back and spot clouds that look like animals or shapes! Share a picture of your favorite cloud shape with us! This encourages creativity and visual thinking. Book suggestion: The Cloud Book by Tomie dePaola. This book offers an engaging explanation of clouds and how they form. Download the guide at - go.unl.edu/cloud
Week 5: Can You Find A Flower? 🌼Flower Fun! Smell a flower, count the petals, and explore the colors! Share your flower find with us by posting a pic! This simple activity helps with sensory exploration and color recognition, which are crucial for future learning. Book Recommendation: Read The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle for a colorful story about the life of a flower! Download the activity guide at - go.unl.edu/flower
Week 6: Can You Find A Bug or Insect? 🐛🐞Insect Hunt! Can you find an insect? Follow its movements and count its legs! Share a photo of your insect discovery! This activity builds observation skills and curiosity. Book Recommendation: The Bug Hotel by Libby Walden — a cozy hideaway for creepy crawlies of all kinds! This beautifully illustrated lift-the-flap book introduces children to the fascinating world of bugs and their habitats. From bees to beetles, young readers learn where insects live, what they eat, and why they're important to our environment. Download the activity guide at - go.unl.edu/insectbug
Week 7: Can You Find A Shadow? Shadow Playtime! Find your shadow and watch it change as you move around! Try jumping or waving your arms to make it grow or shrink! Post a video of you and your shadow! This activity supports body awareness and learning about light. Book Recommendations: Shadow by Suzy Lee is a great read to help your toddler understand shadows! Download the activity guide at - go.unl.edu/shadow
Week 8: Can You Find A Stick? Magic Wand Fun! Pick up a stick and let your imagination lead the way turn it into a magic wand and create your own spells! This playful activity encourages creativity and fine motor skills. Book Recommendation: The Stick Man by Julia Donaldson is the perfect read to go with your nature walk! Download the activity guide at - go.unl.edu/stick
Week 9: Can You Find A Squirrel? 🐿️Squirrel Spotting! Look for a squirrel running or jumping in the trees! Can you follow it with your eyes? Share a photo of the squirrel you find! This activity strengthens observation skills. Book Recommendation: Reading The Busy Little Squirrel by Nancy Tafuri is the perfect way to connect story time with nature! As Squirrel gathers food for winter, little learners explore focus, responsibility, and the changing seasons. 📖 Pair it with a nature walk, leaf hunt, or squirrel-spotting adventure to bring the story to life! Download the activity guide at - go.unl.edu/squirrel