Natural Harmony: How the Power of Playful Song Fosters Learning and Creativity Outdoors
Music! The universal language that transcends age, culture, and background.
Quite simply, where there are humans there is music.
For children in particular, music can be an essential tool for learning about life and the natural world around them.
In this podcast, we are speaking with singer, songwriter, and award winning children’s book author Sara Ernst about music, creativity, and following your childhood interests.
While it’s easy to get caught up in the responsibilities of looking after children, it’s also equally important to remember that play is beneficial for us adults too!
And what better way to play than sing about the creatures and world around you.
Pick up that “stick microphone” Celine...... it’s time for your heart to go on and on!
Because believe it or not, children don’t actually notice whether you’re a “good” singer or not.
They simply just want to experience the natural world alongside you.
Which means getting down in the dirt amongst the spiders, bugs, and other creepy crawlies.
And by playfully exploring together, adults and children can develop a shared sense of responsibility for the environment and the ways in which all living things are interconnected.
Here are Sara’s top three tips for helping children grow empathy toward nature and creepy crawlies:
1. Name it!
When we give animals names they suddenly have an identity. This is normally why farmers don’t name their livestock because having a name creates a connection.
Also, when a large spider is suddenly called “Harold” it becomes less scary.
2. Give it a story!
“How on earth did Harold get here?” Now is your chance to let children use their imagination to create a backstory about the spider's life, its troubles, and interests.
Harold could even be the winner of the 1993 Spider Olympics for all we know! Let’s see where our imaginations take us.
3. Give it a shelter
One thing that all living creatures have in common? A safe place to call home.
Encourage children to build a shelter or somewhere else safe for Harold to live peacefully.
So whether you’re singing or storytelling, remember to play too!
It’ll help work through your inhibitions and likely tap into the same wonder and curiosity of your own childhood interests.
Not to mention you’ll create lasting memories and connections that will benefit both you and your children for years to come.
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