Walking out-of-doors with your children is a wonderful daily habit and an invigorating change of pace with many benefits.

Schedule a regular daily walk together in your neighborhood or once a week in a nearby area of nature. As you establish and maintain this habit, you will realize many benefits as well as experiencing pure enjoyment.

A half-hour walk every day is ideal for most people. Other alternatives are to walk at least three times a week, for a longer or shorter time, or (as we have to do in rainy Oregon) whenever the weather is good enough.

 •  Walking is an excellent form of exercise to develop healthy bodies.  Try to walk a mile in 20 minutes.  However, you will still realize a benefit if you need to push a stroller along with you at a slower rate.

For more information, read about benefits and guidelines for walking in "Walking for Exercise and Pleasure."

 •  Exercise reduces stress, and that can be a tremendous benefit to home educators and their families!

 •  Notice your children's posture and encourage them to stand and walk tall.  You might need to have your child checked if he has an extreme stoop or looks lopsided.  Read about Scoliosis.

 •  As the days get shorter, it is very beneficial to be in daylight and get some sun on your face.  This helps vitamin D production, can prevent depression, and aids in sleep.  See information on Seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

You can casually notice and comment on things in nature from time to time as you walk along, or you can plan a more formal nature walk.

Either way, it is important to teach your children, by word and example, to be aware of their surroundings and see the beauty of God's creation all around them.

Wherever you go, be sure you know and observe posted rules, common courtesy, and safety.  Stay on the paths, no loud running around other people, no picking plants or removing wildlife, avoid poisonous plants or snakes, etc.  See safety pointers at U.S. Forest Service.

 •  Within walking distance: around your own yard, neighborhood, or nearby park.

 •  Within driving distance: a nearby conservation area; garden; arboretum; county, state, or national forest or park; or the beach.

Check your library or the Internet to find parks and trails to explore.

For State Parks in your state, do a Google advanced search with "state park" in the "exact wording" blank, and your state name in the "all these words" blank.

 •  Take a day trip or half-day outing and picnic with Dad and/or another family.

 •  During your daily scheduled walk time.

 •  Try walking your regular route at different times during the day and observing any differences.

 •  At night (for a change).  Take Dad or an older brother, follow safety precautions, and go quietly so as not to disturb your neighbors.

Be prepared to observe nature and make your walk safe and comfortable by bringing:

 •  Your curiosity. On the way, talk about things you might see and raise questions about them.

 •  Snacks and water.

 •  First aid kit.

 •  Magnifying glass for a closer look at details. The large size is handier to use for small things like bugs.

 •  Binoculars for long-distance objects like birds.

 •  Camera to capture images of nature.

 •  Plastic jar with mesh lid for insects.

 •  Plastic bags to collect items such as small rocks, shells, leaves, pine cones, or sticks.

 •   Sketch book or small notebook for notes.

 •  Regular No. 2 pencil and/or good-quality colored pencils and a good eraser.

 •  Nature field guide(s) of trees, birds, insects, animals, plants, wildflowers, rocks, shells, etc. Look for those that specialize in species found in your state or region.

 •  Fun with Nature Field Guide, Ages 7-11.

 •  Peterson First Guide to Trees

 •  The National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees: Eastern Region

 •  The National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees: Western Region

 •  Free online, limited previews of Field Guides

While you are out, visit produce stands or barns and purchase vegetables that your family has not tried before.

 •  See 14 Vegetable-Filled Recipes

 •  Check out the top 200 Vegetable Recipes from hundreds of recipes.

Walking along, removed from the scene of your daily life, you can get a different perspective and a unique opportunity to visit with, and teach, your children in an informal setting.

Having this time to talk things through in a nonstressful time and place can greatly benefit your relationship with your child.

Really listen to your child; ask about his interests and what he is thinking about.

Smoothing the Way exists to serve the new homeschooler, or those struggling in their early years. Complete Teacher Training Course includes: • Member workbook with outlines, articles, and resource lists • Recorded webinars covering member workbook outlines • E-mail list for members hosted by veteran homeschoolers • Webinars featuring guest speakers on a variety of topics • Teacher ID card      Type "Teaching Home" in the instruction box at checkout and receive a FREE bonus CD with the following webinars: The Father's Role in Homeschooling, Top 10 Home- schooling Myths, Daytime Curfews and Homeschoolers, and Books: Yours, Mine, and Ours. Smoothing the Way 512-639-9341 / www.smoothingtheway.com