A Magical Neighbourhood Walk Inspired by “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”
Last week, Little Rangers SG had the joy of conducting a delightful preschool neighbourhood nature walk with the curious young explorers from E-Bridge Preschool. Rooted in storytelling, discovery, and sensory play, this immersive nature experience was designed to spark wonder, connection to the environment, and hands-on learning in our local green spaces.
Storytime: “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”
Our journey began in the classroom with a lively reading of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen. The rhythmic storytelling not only captured the children’s imagination but also set the tone for the adventure ahead. After storytime, we played a short memory game to help them tune into details — an important skill for nature exploration!
Equipping Little Explorers
Each child received a cardboard egg tray “treasure box” to collect interesting finds along the way — from leaves and pebbles to tiny fallen fruits. Before heading out, we laid down a few ground rules to guide responsible exploration:
- No plucking flowers or leaves without permission.
- Nothing goes into the mouth unless guided by an adult.
- Be gentle with living things.
These simple yet essential guidelines helped ensure the children remained safe while learning to respect nature.
Nature Discoveries All Around
As we strolled through the neighbourhood, the children’s eyes lit up with each discovery:
- Banana trees, papaya trees, and lime plants taught them where fruit comes from.
- Ixora flowers offered a surprise treat — the sweet nectar hidden within.
- They blew dandelions, giggled at tree lizards, and admired a butterfly bush, learning that its flowers not only looked like butterflies but also attracted them!
- Snails and earthworms emerged from the soil, providing real-life encounters with invertebrates.
Throughout the walk, we observed, asked questions, and engaged all five senses — a vital part of early childhood development.
Wind Play & Water Science
Using a colourful parachute, we created gusts of wind and watched dry leaves dance in the air — a fun, physical way to understand natural elements. Back at our exploration station, we invited the children to test their “treasures” by dropping them into water. Would they sink or float? This spontaneous science experiment sparked laughter, guesses, and critical thinking.
Following the Bear Tracks
We ended our journey by following bear paw prints placed along the trail — much like in the story. The children squealed with delight when they finally found the “bear” at the end. It was a perfect closing to our adventure — blending imagination with movement and memory.
Key Learning Outcomes from the Nature Walk
1. Connection to Nature:
Children develop appreciation and respect for the natural world, learning how plants grow, how insects live, and how everything in nature is connected.
2. Sensory Engagement:
Touching different textures, smelling flowers, feeling the wind, and tasting nectar deepens their sensory awareness and cognitive processing.
3. Scientific Thinking:
Simple experiments like sink-or-float encourage prediction, observation, and reasoning — early scientific inquiry at its best!
4. Language & Literacy Development:
Linking the walk to the Bear Hunt story enhanced vocabulary, sequencing skills, and storytelling abilities.
5. Social-Emotional Growth:
Walking together, taking turns, and exploring as a group fosters cooperation, patience, and joy in shared experiences.
6. Physical Activity:
Nature walks promote movement, balance, and gross motor skills in a way that’s fun and meaningful.
At Little Rangers SG, we believe that nature is the greatest classroom. By bringing young children outdoors, we open the door to real-world learning, joy, and lifelong environmental stewardship.
Interested in bringing a guided nature experience to your preschool or childcare centre? Contact us today to learn more about our tailored nature programmes for early years education.
