Rain or Shine Mamma

There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes

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Simple Outdoor Play – Tinkering with Tools

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November 21, 2014 By Linda McGurk

Child-led, play-based learning is a cornerstone of forest schools and something that I’m a huge proponent of. Even though I occasionally plan learning activities, for example a word hunt in nature, my agenda is not set in stone and my daughters always help shape the process. The final result isn’t always what I had envisioned, but I’m OK with that. I realize that they sometimes learn more by following their own inquisitiveness rather than a lesson plan that is imposed on them. And that’s exactly what happened in our driveway recently.

Child-Led Learning: Tinkering with Tools. Rain or Shine Mamma The Little Naturalist had watched me use a wrench to tighten some nuts on her bike, and I noticed that she was interested in the process. “Can I try?” she asked, and I let her. I loosened up the nut so that she could help tighten it again. It was in an awkward spot under the seat that was hard to get to, so I had to help her out. And then: “I want to do more!” “Well, the bike is all done now.” “Do we have more of these?” she said and pointed at the nut. “Uhm, I’ll look.” And that’s how the Little Naturalist’s tinkering session began. Admittedly, I was caught somewhat off guard by her sudden interest in tools, but knew I needed to find a way to nurture it. So we started digging around in the garage.

Child-Led Learning: Tinkering with Tools. Rain or Shine Mamma

A box of wrenches of varying sizes proved a great place to start. I gave her a bolt and asked if she could find a wrench that would fit that particular bolt. She did.

“I want to screw it in,” she said.

I started scrambling for a piece of wood and finally found a block that was thick enough. Using a power drill  I made about a dozen holes in the wood with four or five different bits. Then I grabbed the jar of random, leftover screws and bolts that we keep in the garage in case we’d ever need them for something (yeah, right). I poured out a small pile and gave the Little Naturalist some more tools – a screwdriver with a hexagonal shape and one with a cross shape. Then she went to work.

Child-Led Learning: Tinkering with Tools. Rain or Shine Mamma

Through trial and error she quickly figured out that some of the screws were too thick and others were too thin to fit in certain holes. But she was also able to successfully screw quite a few of them in. I had to go back several times to make new holes as she kept running out.

The best part of this activity was that she was completely absorbed with it for well over an hour and a half. I rarely see a 3-year-old work with such focus and determination on a single task for such a long period of time. I think part of the reason was that she was allowed to use the same tools as she had seen me use. They were real tools, not toys, and I think that lent weight to the very important work that she was doing.

In all, I loved how the Little Naturalist packed so much learning into this one spontaneous activity:

  • Problem-solving skills
  • Fine motor skills
  • Construction skills
  • Math (shapes, thickness, length)
  • Vocabulary
  • Patience and perseverance

What kind of tinkering activities do your kids enjoy and what kind of tools do they use? Please share your experiences in the comments!

Child-Led Learning: Tinkering with Tools. Rain or Shine Mamma

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Filed Under: Outdoor Play, Play in Nature 26 Comments

Comments

  1. Nicolette says

    November 21, 2014 at 3:49 pm

    I love the spontaneous activities! It’s funny how we put so much planning into some of them & it’s always those spur of the moment ideas they seem to love the most. This post game me some great DIY gifts ideas for my daughter – I’m seeing a miniature tool belt and a trip to Tractor Supply in our future 🙂

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      November 21, 2014 at 4:40 pm

      I know, right! And conversely, more carefully planned activities sometimes bomb completely…Glad you felt inspired – thanks for taking the time to comment.

      Reply
  2. Kate says

    November 21, 2014 at 6:30 pm

    What a fun learning session! You have so much patience and ability to just let go–something I need to work on!) to make all that happen for her, but I see that it paid off with her being so focused and engaged with the experience. Thanks for the great inspiration & thanks again for sharing my post!

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      November 23, 2014 at 10:08 am

      Yes, we did have a lot of fun:o) And believe me, patience is not usually my strong suit, but I saw some potential in this activity and I was right. Once she got going she didn’t need much help at all!

      Reply
  3. Emma says

    November 22, 2014 at 5:41 am

    My daughter loves playing with tools and tinkering that we got her a tool bag last Christmas. The hammer is definitely her favorite! 🙂

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      November 23, 2014 at 10:13 am

      That’s great! It seems like tools for kids are usually marketed toward boys but I think it’s important for girls to learn how to use them as well. Thanks for reading and for sharing my post!

      Reply
  4. Kierna says

    November 22, 2014 at 5:52 am

    Sometime spontaneous is best, just love the photo of the pink wellies & the tinkering.

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      November 23, 2014 at 10:14 am

      Agreed:o) She really had fun with it.

      Reply
  5. Joanna @mumbalance says

    November 22, 2014 at 3:04 pm

    I used to love tinkering as a child. My granddad had a well equipped workshop and we were welcome to use any tools as long as we put them back. He was the sort of man who took out nails from wood before burning it, and would straighten any stray nail he found to use later. No waste allowed!
    Once Little F is old enough I will definitely put some tools his way 🙂
    #outdoorplayparty

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      November 23, 2014 at 10:16 am

      Joanna – what a wonderful memory to have! I think in general the older generation was much better about not letting anything go to waste. My grandparents were the same way, because they knew what it was like to make do with very small means. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  6. Mummy to boyz says

    November 22, 2014 at 5:13 pm

    My boys love playing with the husbands tool too. It’s so important to let them have a go 🙂 #countrykids

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      November 23, 2014 at 10:04 am

      Absolutely! My oldest daughter never showed as much interest in it, so I was a bit surprised when the youngest basically came up with this on her own. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  7. 76sunflowers says

    November 23, 2014 at 4:37 am

    I need to get some screws, tools and nuts &bolts for school and make a tinkering box! Love this activity. Covers so many skills. Thank you 🙂

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      November 23, 2014 at 10:02 am

      That would be great – I’m sure the kids would love it!

      Reply
  8. Coombemill says

    November 23, 2014 at 8:07 am

    I love the tools tinkering and the educational spin off you identify here. My kids are forever tinkering with Farmer Nick’s odd wood collection in the shed, mostly it is great fun for them making arrows or swords, though Farmer Nick does go mad when a nail is left on the floor and punctures a tractor tyre! thank you for sharing your tools learning and making experience on Country Kids.

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      November 24, 2014 at 9:36 am

      Thank you, Fiona! I’m glad your kids get to experience some old-fashioned tinkering as well:o)

      Reply
  9. Karen Bell says

    November 24, 2014 at 5:24 am

    Letting kids play with tools is great, they learn so much and love as they think they are being just like mummy and daddy. My son absolutely adores playing with tools.
    Thanks for linking #LetKidsbeKids

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      November 24, 2014 at 1:32 pm

      I agree – there’s definitely some imitation going on. And that’s how they learn!

      Reply
  10. Sheila @ BrainPowerBoy says

    November 24, 2014 at 7:57 am

    Love your tinkering with screws post. I agree that when they ask to do something we need to feed that need. That is the best time for them to learn–when they are very interested.

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      November 24, 2014 at 1:33 pm

      Thank you for sharing, Sheila! I definitely felt like it was a learning activity I couldn’t pass up!

      Reply
  11. Karen Ung says

    November 24, 2014 at 4:19 pm

    I love that you encouraged her! I STILL know people who think tools are not for girls. In our house, both parents fix stuff, so my girls had a toy tool set and stethoscope before they had a Barbie house. I don’t slam playing with dolls (it’s their favorite!), but feel it’s important for kids to be well rounded. We let them play with the tools & wood too, got them smaller brooms and snow shovels so they can help clean and clear the walk, and let them help with the gardening too. They love it and are so proud they can do “big kid” stuff. : )

    Wanted to comment on the bird feeder too – so awesome! The same ingredients but big pine cones work well too. They are so cute you can leave them up all winter (hang them in your trees). : )

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      November 25, 2014 at 9:51 pm

      I couldn’t agree with you more – I feel like children are still very much judged by their gender in so many situations and I’m not a big fan of that. My girls love Barbie movies and their My Little Ponies, but they also climb trees, love dirt, roughhouse – and tinker with tools. In all honesty I sometimes get lazy and let my husband do the handy work around the house but my daughter’s interest in the tools really motivated me to pick up the power drill again! Like you I think it’s important that they see us both doing a variety of chores around the house.
      And yes, I believe we’re going to try some pine cone bird feeders too. We picked some nice big ones on a walk recently, so we have all the materials ready!

      Reply
  12. Jen says

    December 3, 2014 at 3:03 pm

    We love tinkering…I am actually thinking about putting together a “tinkering” gift for my girls this Christmas.

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      December 4, 2014 at 9:54 pm

      That sounds like fun! Gives them something to do when all the excitement from opening the gifts has dissipated too:o)

      Reply
  13. Penny at Mother Natured says

    January 4, 2015 at 3:38 pm

    Ooo a linky! I’ll so have to join. It will be lovely reading everyone’s wonderful outdoor posts!

    I just love your tinkering with tools post. It’s funny how much we (well not me anymore) spend on toys, when you don’t need too. Yesterday I brought out the baking trays and the girls loved playing with wet sand and baking trays. No toys included and they got more enjoyment out of this.

    Reply
    • Linda McGurk says

      January 4, 2015 at 8:30 pm

      Penny – I would love it if you linked up to the Outdoor Play Party! Your posts are always relevant and well-written and if they’re linked up it makes it easier for everybody to share them:o) And I’m glad to hear your girls enjoyed playing with the baking trays – simple is often best!

      Reply

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"Misconceptions about outdoor learning are fairly commonplace, especially in places where the climate or culture is less conducive to it. But it’s possible to get parents off the proverbial fence about outdoor learning in early childhood education."My latest piece for the Famly blog is a guide for early childhood educators who encounter skepticism about outdoor learning from parents and other caregivers. ... See MoreSee Less

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All learning begins with the body - this is why it's crucial to protect and promote outdoor play in childhood🤸🏽‍♂️ Enough with the worksheets and wall words and pressuring young children to reach academic milestones before they are physically, mentally and emotionally ready. If we truly want our children to succeed in school - and in life - we must understand how the brain works and how children learn. And this is what brain science tells us:🧠 Children learn by building connections between brain cells called neural pathways.🧠 As many as 90% of the neural pathways are set in the first years of life, making early childhood the fastest period of brain growth in a person's life.🧠 Some of the chemicals that are needed for these neural pathways to grow are only released when children move.🧠 The more the neural pathways are used, the stronger they get.🧠 Being physically active outside is crucial to growing children's networks of neural pathways and, as a result, improving memory and learning.For more interesting insights on the connection between outdoor play and brain development, check out this white paper by the Institute for Child Success: www.instituteforchildsuccess.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Childhood-Unplugged-Outdoor-Learning.pdf ... See MoreSee Less
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To all the parents who are worried about not providing enough enriching and educational activities for your children - this quote is for you. The fact that you're even anxious about it tells me that you're probably doing more than enough to stimulate your child's growth and development🙌🏽 Remember that the most important thing you can do for a young child, aside from providing a loving and supporting home, is to allow ample time and space for free play, preferably outside🌿All mammals, including humans, learn by playing, moving their bodies and mimicking older individuals.So go outside and feel the joy of connecting with the trees and the earth and the birds and the sky. Follow your child's curiosity and see where it takes you. Get excited about their discoveries. Let them climb, crawl, roll, jump, run, cartwheel. Let them fall and get back up and fall again. Dare to say 'yes' and embrace the mess. Let them get bored. Take a step back and trust in the power of nature play.Quote by @themainenanny ... See MoreSee Less
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Linda Åkeson McGurk
One of the reasons why I’ve always made a point One of the reasons why I’ve always made a point to get outside with my kids is that there’s so much valuable learning involved from being immersed in nature. And I’m not necessarily thinking of learning facts about plants and wildlife, even though that’s part of it as well. I’m thinking about life skills like problem solving, decision making, risk management and grit. All crucial to children’s future success in life. But I also want to connect my kids with nature to help them fully understand where they came from🌿

As I’m writing this, my 11-year-old and I are on a train on our way to Swedish Lapland, where we will attempt to climb Mount Kebnekaise, weather permitting. This area runs deep through my family history, since my parents and grandparents took me here when I was little and it forever made an imprint on my inner landscape❤️ 

While I’d love for my daughter and I to make it to the summit, it’s not my main objective with the trip. It’s for us to learn and grow together through physical and mental challenges on the mountain. And to make Lapland part of my daughter’s history as well🏔
___________________________
#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #friluftsliv #outsideeveryday #wanderlust #wanderer #backpacking #backpackingwithkids
All learning begins with the body - this is why it All learning begins with the body - this is why it's crucial to protect and promote outdoor play in childhood🤸🏽‍♂️ Enough with the worksheets and wall words and pressuring young children to reach academic milestones before they are physically, mentally and emotionally ready. If we truly want our children to succeed in school - and in life - we must understand how the brain works and how children learn. And this is what brain science tells us: 

🧠 Children learn by building connections between brain cells called neural pathways.
🧠 As many as 90% of the neural pathways are set in the first years of life, making early childhood the fastest period of brain growth in a person's life. 
🧠 Some of the chemicals that are needed for these neural pathways to grow are only released when children move.
🧠 The more the neural pathways are used, the stronger they get. 
🧠 Being physically active outside is crucial to growing children's networks of neural pathways and, as a result, improving memory and learning. 

For more interesting insights on the connection between outdoor play and brain development, check out this white paper by the Institute for Child Success: https://www.instituteforchildsuccess.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Childhood-Unplugged-Outdoor-Learning.pdf
It’s during the dog days of summer that the sayi It’s during the dog days of summer that the saying “There’s no such thing as bad weather” is put to the test more than anything in my opinion. Because while you can always put on an extra layer or get a warmer coat to beat the cold, it’s harder to dress for the heat. At 95F/35C, I feel like not wearing any clothes at all most of the time, but when you have neighbors that’s not really a viable option🤣

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To all the parents who are worried about not provi To all the parents who are worried about not providing enough enriching and educational activities for your children - this quote is for you. The fact that you're even anxious about it tells me that you're probably doing more than enough to stimulate your child's growth and development🙌🏽 Remember that the most important thing you can do for a young child, aside from providing a loving and supporting home, is to allow ample time and space for free play, preferably outside🌿

All mammals, including humans, learn by playing, moving their bodies and mimicking older individuals. 
So go outside and feel the joy of connecting with the trees and the earth and the birds and the sky. Follow your child's curiosity and see where it takes you. Get excited about their discoveries. Let them climb, crawl, roll, jump, run, cartwheel. Let them fall and get back up and fall again. Dare to say 'yes' and embrace the mess. Let them get bored. Take a step back and trust in the power of nature play. 

Quote by @themainenanny
_______________________________________
#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #freeplay #natureplay #lessismore #playisenough #letthemplay #letthembewild #wildchildhood #1000hoursoutside #parenting #naturalparenting
While we cook outside all year, summer is definite While we cook outside all year, summer is definitely our high season. I don’t plan ahead a lot, instead using the motto that most things that can be cooked inside also can be cooked outside🥘 Last weekend, we went with tacos and a dessert that I’ve been wanting to try out over the fire. I’ll share the recipe once I’ve perfected it!😋
@muurikkasverige 
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #cookingoutdoors #campfire #tacofriday #friluftsliv
🌞Happy Summer Solstice!🌞 Today marks the lon 🌞Happy Summer Solstice!🌞
Today marks the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and to me it’s a highlight of the year - literally. Recognizing the changing of the natural cycles is a simple way to realign your life with nature. Having grown up on these northern latitudes, I’ve always cherished these long summer nights. Today, the sun rose at 4:06 am and set at 10:12 pm where I live in southern Sweden. When is your sunset? 
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There are a lot of good things about tech, but exc There are a lot of good things about tech, but excessive screen time is taking a toll on children’s physical and mental health today. Many apps and games have built-in mechanisms designed to make them highly addictive and children are even more susceptible to them than adults, since their brains are not fully developed🧠Screens are so ubiquitous in our lives today that it takes conscious effort to balance them with experiences IRL. 

For the past few years, our family has experimented with screen free or screen reduced Sundays. I’m not going to pretend that it’s easy. But if the goal is to increase quality family time outdoors and encourage the kind of creativity that arises from a healthy dose of boredom, it does work🌳

Some other tips to foster a healthy screen time culture in your family are:

✅ Learn how to use the parent controls on your kids’ devices and set age-appropriate limits.

✅ Have certain times or spaces that are always screen free, for example around the dinner table, in the bedrooms and so on, and be sure to be consistent. 

✅ Create a buy-in for the kids by letting them help plan screen free activities for the whole family.

What’s your biggest obstacle when it comes to keeping screen time under control?
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #screenfreesunday #friluftsliv #outdoors #greentime
That about sums it up, doesn’t it?☺️ This qu That about sums it up, doesn’t it?☺️ This quote is from Meet the Wild, a new picture book by Lindsay Kellar-Madsen of @the.madsen.littles. Inspired by the outdoor learning and play culture in Scandinavia, Lindsay wrote the book to invite children to explore nature all year round, regardless of the weather. 
I personally love the message and sweet illustrations in this book❤️ If you have a little one in your life, you can buy the book by backing Lindsay’s Kickstarter campaign. Check out her Instagram for details!
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#meetthewild #picturebook #outdoorplay
📚📚📚Book Cover Reveal📚📚📚 A few y 📚📚📚Book Cover Reveal📚📚📚

A few years ago, I did a poll in my social media channels to see what topic you’d like me to explore in my next book. One of them won by an overwhelming margin: the Nordic outdoor tradition friluftsliv. Well, I heeded your call. I’m pleased to share that it’s now possible to pre-order The Open-Air Life: Discover the Nordic Art of Friluftsliv and Embrace Nature Every Day from just about any place that sells books! (Link in bio)

The Open-Air Life is for anybody who is longing to lead a simpler, happier and less hurried life. It shows you how to channel the power of nature connection to improve your physical and mental health, as well as your relationships with both other people and Mother Nature. Plus, you’ll learn a few party tricks, like lighting a campfire without matches and cleaning water on the go. At a time when more and more people are starting to appreciate why they should spend more time outside, this book will show you how, with a decidedly Nordic twist.

I must say that I LOVE this dreamy cover that the designers at @penguinrandomhouse created. What do you think? 

@tarcherperigee @penguinrandomhouse

#theopenairlife #rainorshinemamma #coverreveal #bookcover #friluftsliv #friluftslivbook
I took my kids on an overnight paddling trip last I took my kids on an overnight paddling trip last weekend and it started out with sunshine and rainbows☀️🌈 Swipe to the last video to see how it ended➡️ 

We had set out to explore the northernmost island in our local lake and while we cruised up there with decent tailwinds, the wind picked up overnight. Going back the next day, we faced strong headwinds the entire time🌊 

For nearly three hours, we paddled in choppy waters, with waves sometimes so high that they splashed into the canoe. We had no choice but to paddle nonstop - if we stopped, we immediately started drifting backwards😩

The thing about being outdoors is that you’re never fully in control of all parameters - trips like these always involve a certain amount of risk. The weather can change quickly, and not always according to the forecast. What we can control is our reaction to the challenge, how we act on it and what we learn from it.

While none of us was happy about the situation, the girls did pull together and did an amazing job paddling💪🏻 And while they both vowed to never go paddling again, I told them that this will make a funny story later in life. They weren’t convinced at the time but I think they’ll come around eventually😅 

Do you have any stories of getting in over your head to share?😃
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #friluftsliv #openairlife #paddling #paddlingwithkids
Sunny days on the water can be lovely. But nothing Sunny days on the water can be lovely. But nothing compares to the stillness of the lake after an early summer drizzle. The water is dark and mysterious, the air thick with the smell of earth and lilacs. And we’re all alone. Not a single motor boat in sight to break the glass-like surface.

Evenings like these are worth putting of bedtime for. Even if it means padding in your pajama pants at 9pm🤩 
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #friluftsliv #paddling #paddleboard #sup
Summer is high season for TICKS…🕷 (I know tha Summer is high season for TICKS…🕷 (I know that’s a spider emoji, but you get the idea😅) 

A lot of people freak out at the sight of these blood suckers and understandably so, considering the diseases they can harbor. But they too are a part of nature and if we want to keep venturing outside during the warmer months (I definitely do and I suspect you do too) we must come to terms with them.

If you want to know more about tick prevention, I just wrote a pretty detailed post about it on my blog. Head over to rainorshinemamma.com to learn and share this post with others who worry about ticks!👌🏻
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#theresnosuchthingasbadweather #rainorshinemamma #friluftsliv #ticks #tickprevention
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