Summer Detective Walk

[20 Minutes]

Is it a beautiful day? Why not invite your child to go on a summer detective hunt with you and you'll both have lots of fun?

You'll need:

• magnifying glass • clipboard with paper and pencil • camera (if you wish) • paper bag

What to do:

1. Ask your child if he knows what a detective is. Explain that the detective looks for clues to tell him what is happening.
2. Invite him to go with you on a summer detective walk to look for clues in the world around him.
3. Show him the detective "tools" (the magnifying glass, clipboard, and pencil). Ask him how he thinks those tools can be used.
4. Begin the walk by looking around as soon as you are outside. Ask him what clues he sees.
5. Tell him to look at the people, activities, animals, plants.
6. Look at the soil and see if there are footprints or animal tracks. Are there any signs that a car or bike had been nearby?
7. Let him use the magnifying glass for looking closer at clues. Write down all of his observations.
8. Take home any special treasures you find in the paper bag.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• What clues told you it was summertime?
• Were there any clues that told you what people do in the summer?
• Do you think there were any animal clues outside? Is it hard work being a detective? Why or why not?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, your child is developing observational and language skills.