What Nature Can Teach Us: Introducing Ela Wild
Hello Everybody! My name is Ela Wild. Have you ever noticed that there is something magical about kids in nature? Watching their curiosity blossom into learning is one of my greatest joys. It is amazing how much nature can teach us and our children. I have been fortunate to grow up in nature and to raise my boys in it as well. I know not everyone gets this experience so I wanted to help people understand how much our environment can teach us.
That’s why I decided to start my “What Nature Can Teach Us” series. This series is meant to help parents know how to approach different situations and topics in nature. We will discuss a new topic every month. My kids and I are so excited for this series!
These nature topics will include:
- Nature Crafts
- Benefits of Risky Play
- How to Embrace the Mess of Outdoor Learning
- Finding/Teaching about Nature in an Urban Setting
- What we Can Learn from :
- watching ants
- looking at stars
- watching a storm roll in
- looking at the clouds
- AND MORE!
Each month I will also present you with a nature challenge based on the topic.
Follow Califf Creations on Instagram for more throughout the month and use #ElaWildChallenge so I can see all your nature-based learning!
I am so excited to be leading you and our child(ren) on a journey to an outdoor lifestyle. Together, we will explore concepts as large as the universe and as small as a dewdrop. You will learn how to look at nature through your child’s curious eyes and open them further using nature as your teacher.
Wondering how dirt is good for your kid’s health? Read more!
The simplest parts of nature are often overlooked, despite all the wonders they possess. Kids see this wonder in ways that adults often forget. In this sense, I never truly grew up and so I can connect with children outdoors. It is my hope to help other adults rediscover this magic and bond with their children.
The first step is simply getting outside.
Go for a walk together. If you can go hiking (it’s possible with both toddlers and babies). Bring Califf Creations’ outdoor color hunt for some simple, fun learning. Just get outside however you can.
That is your first #ElaWildChallenge. Get out with your kids as much as you can. Go for walks, play in the sun, laugh, and enjoy yourself. Take a picture of yourself and/or your kids and post it using #ElaWildChallenge so I can see. I can’t wait to see all those happy outdoor families!
Don’t forget to subscribe to see more in my series delivered directly to your mailbox along with other great topics from Califf Creations. Until next month, I’m Ela Wild and this is “What Nature Can Teach”.
Do you have a topic you struggle with or want to know more about? Comment below with a question for Ela Wild.
*Disclaimer: Ela Wild is a fictional alter ego of Kat Califf, owner, and creator of Califf Creations.
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50 Comments
Jane
What a great way to teach your kids about nature. Teach em’ young!
Thanks for sharing..
Kat
That’s my motto! Thank you!
Maria
I was fortunately enough to grow up in nature, my parents loved being out doors. While this is not how I like to live now, I think it made a huge difference as a child, and I’m grateful for the experiences.
Kat
I agree that whether it is continued or not, it makes a difference in a child’s life
Suzan
Great idea! Natures natural microbiomes in the soil and the earth are proven to lift spirits (anti-depressants)! Let them get dirty, let them go barefoot…love it!
Kat
I didn’t know that one! I know it benefits the immune system but boosting spirits is a major plus!
Stacey Kyle
This is great! In my opinion, our immune systems are weaker because we don’t get outside enough. When I was a kid, I mad mudpies, and my brother ate them! A little dirt never hurt anyone! Thanks for sharing!
Kat
I totally agree! I actually have another post about how germs are good for kids immune systems!
Heather
What a neat challenge. I look forward to following along.
Kat
Thank you so much.
Jennifer Morrison
This is so great!!! I think outdoor play is so important for children in so many different respects. Thankfully my kids have learned so much from outdoor play.
Kat
Giving the gift of outdoor play is a great one to give!
Jasmine
I’m falling more in love with nature everyday! Awesome photos of your kiddos! Thanks for sharing
Kat
Thank you! Always nice to meet more nature lovers.
Cindy
I love your idea! Nature is such an amazing teacher. My kids are grown and even my grandkids aren’t small anymore, but I still love being outdoors. I look forward to your posts.
Kat
Thank you so much.
Kendra
We love playing in nature! Great blog topic. I love your pics!
Kat
Thank you so much.
Carol
What a great idea! We live off-grid in a very remote area of the mountains, surrounded by forests. Although my kids are grown now, I can’t wait until we have grandchildren and can help teach them about the wonders of nature. This is a great reminder for everyone to help kids get outside and just let them be kids!
Kat
Sounds like you have an amazing place to share with your future grandkids!
Jen
Love your pictures! Great reminder to embrace time in nature!
Kat
Thank you so much.
Leigh Ann
Yes, you are so right! Nature can teach us so much, if we just make the effort to get out and experience it.
Kat
Thank you.
Candy K
I love watching kids discover new things outside. Families need to get out more and explore!
Kat
Totally! That is the point of this series.
Cynthia
Nature is such an important part of a child’s development. We take part in a local nature group. It’s been neat to see the kids interact with nature uninterrupted. Thanks for sharing
Kat
That’s so great that you have a nature group nearby!
Malia
How fun! I agree, putting kids in the great outdoors is a no-brainer. It is so fun to see what they discover! Looking forward to following along with this series!
Kat
Thank you so much!
Akiko
Love the idea of monthly challenges to incorporate outdoor activities with your kids! All my fondest childhood memories involve outdoors and nature and I feel like kids aren’t being encouraged enough to play outside these days!
Kat
I totally agree which is what motivated me to create this.
Stacy
Beautiful photos. Looking forward to more posts in this series.
Kat
Thank you so much.
Ramae Hamrin
What gorgeous photos of your kids! Nature is a wonderful learning and healing environment in so many ways. My kids are no longer little, but they loved being outdoors. I miss all those walks, those boat rides, and all the time we spent in nature.
Kat
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Angela
Looking forward to the outdoor adventures with you and those kiddos – so fun and yes good to see things again through their lil eyes!
Kat
It’s like learning about the world all over again! I hope you’ll join us on this journey!
Karie Babbitt
We need this aimed at teens. lol I have a hard time getting teens to simply look around outside. 🙂
Kat
I’m not there yet but I will try to get someone to write a guest post to help with this!
Lisa
We love watching storms roll in and being outdoors in general.
Kat
Watching storms roll in is one of my all time favorites!
Jordan
This is such a good idea, and I love how you’ve made it into a series!
Kat
Thank you! I’m looking forward to exploring it more.
Lisa Manderino
Great Challenge! Our kids do need to be outside more!
Kat
Thank you! I hope you’ll join me!
Matt Epley
As a child, I spent most of my days outdoors. I have so many good memories from “playing in the dirt”…even when I was doing it alone. We drank from the garden hose and we ate rhubarb, apples, and grapes straight from the plant as we dug in the sandbox or played football. Definitely following and subscribing.
Kat
Thank you so much! I’m really looking forward to giving that type of childhood to my kids and helping other parents to do the same.
Mary Cermak
Can’t wait to see what you come up with!! So excited about this new section of your blog!!
Kat
thank you. I’m excited for it too