It starts the same way in many homes: “Come on, let’s go for a walk!” and the response from kids is a loud “Nooo!” Suddenly, the children who were bouncing off the walls a moment ago act like their legs have turned to jelly. But here’s the thing: once you actually get them outdoors, everything changes. Puddles become portals, trees become friends, and stones on the path hide stories.
Science agrees, too. Studies show that just two hours of nature exposure per week can significantly improve children’s mental health, attention spans, and overall happiness. It’s no surprise, then, that schools around the world, and especially the Montessori schools in Bangalore, are embracing nature as a classroom.
The Walk That Became a Lesson
Take a simple morning stroll with your child. At first, they’re just pointing out bugs and laughing at oddly-shaped leaves. But soon, the giggles turn into observations: “Why do ants always walk in a line?” or “How many shapes can leaves come in?”
These questions could lead to discussions back in the classroom. Ants become a case study in teamwork. Leaves become a math exercise in geometry. And a casual walk? It becomes a real-world, hands-on science lab.
This is where the difference lies. As one of the pre-schools in Bangalore, we blend learning seamlessly with outbound trips and
Why Nature Walks Are More Than Walks
Children today are surrounded by screens, schedules, and endless “to-dos.” A simple walk outdoors provides what they often lack: time to breathe, observe, and just be. More importantly, it fosters:
- Curiosity – turning “why” questions into explorations.
- Creativity – a fallen branch can kindle the idea for a nature-inspired art project.
- Resilience – when kids climb hills, get a little muddy, or face small challenges, they build strength and grit.
- Calmness – walking in green spaces lowers stress and improves focus.
This holistic growth is at the heart of pre-schools in Bangalore that go beyond rote learning.
Making Walks Fun: Tips for Parents
Here are some tried-and-tested ideas that you can try to enhance their overall learning experience at Ekya Early Years:
- The Treasure Map Game: Draw a simple map with “X” marks and let your child hunt for hidden treasures (a pinecone, a feather, or even a funny-shaped stone).
- The Penny Path: Flip a coin at each turn; heads means left, tails means right. It makes even familiar paths unpredictable.
- Matchbox Treasures: Give kids a matchbox and ask them to collect the tiniest wonders, such as petals, seeds, and shiny pebbles.
- Nature Journal: Carry a small notebook. Encourage doodles of leaves, quick sketches of birds, or even written “sound maps” of what they hear.
- Mindful Listening: Pause and ask, “What three sounds can you hear right now?” Kids learn focus and gratitude without even realising it.
From Walks to Design Thinking
What makes Ekya Early Years different as one of the leading Montessori schools in Bangalore is how these walks connect back into structured learning. A walk by the campus pond may inspire a design-thinking challenge on water conservation. Observing ants may lead to a group project on community cooperation. Collecting litter along a trail starts a conversation about sustainability and social responsibility.
Here, hands-on learning is a mindset that prepares children to absorb knowledge and to apply it creatively and empathetically.
Why Parents Love This Approach
Parents often ask, “But does this really prepare my child for the future?” The answer is yes. In fact, it does more than prepare them for exams. Nature walks nurture problem-solvers, storytellers, and explorers. They encourage kids to lead, collaborate, and see the world with fresh eyes.
This is why families see Ekya Early Years not just as a school, but as a launchpad for curiosity and character. With over 35 years of the CMR Group’s educational legacy, Ekya Early Years is one of the trusted kindergarten schools in Bangalore, proving that the best learning often happens under the open sky.
—————————————————————————————————————————-
FAQs
1. Why are nature walks important for children in school?
Nature walks spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence while reducing stress and improving focus.
2. How does Ekya Early Years include outdoor learning in its curriculum?
Everyday activities, from scavenger hunts to design challenges, are integrated with academics to build holistic skills.
3. What if my child resists walking outdoors?
We make walks playful, with games, maps, or “mystery hunts”, so children see them as adventures, not chores.
4. Will outdoor learning distract from academics?
Quite the opposite! Studies show children retain concepts better when learned through real-world, hands-on experiences.
5. How does this approach connect to global education?
Internationally benchmarked, our curriculum blends design thinking, inquiry, and outdoor exploration to align with the best global practices.