Screen-free play
Outdoor Shape Hunt
Why Outdoor Shape Hunt works
The value of Outdoor Shape Hunt comes from the choices between its steps, beginning with the request to choose one target shape. Search for geometric shapes suggested by outdoor objects, distinguishing approximate natural forms from perfect classroom shapes. That opening should make it easier to understand why the next instruction is to find an outdoor object or view that resembles it.
Set up — Choose one target shape
No special materials are needed before the child is asked to choose one target shape. The setup is ready when the child can choose one target shape and then move on to the instruction to find an outdoor object or view that resembles it without a new explanation. Stay inside the agreed area, walk rather than race, and leave plants and wildlife undisturbed while those two steps are connected.
Step 2 — Find an outdoor object or view that resembles it
After completing the instruction to find an outdoor object or view that resembles it, pause and ask what changed from the earlier step where they had to choose one target shape. Use that answer to decide whether they are ready to explain what part makes the match.
Step 3 — Explain what part makes the match
Keep the adult prompt brief while the child tries to explain what part makes the match. If needed, return to the earlier step to find an outdoor object or view that resembles it before asking them to find a second example.
Step 4 — Find a second example
Keep the pace slow while the child tries to find a second example. If the effect is hard to see, simplify that action before continuing with the instruction to compare which example is closer to the ideal shape.
Step 5 — Compare which example is closer to the ideal shape
Treat the attempt to compare which example is closer to the ideal shape as a checkpoint between the earlier step to find a second example and the coming step to compare which example is closer to the ideal shape. A perfect answer is not required.
What to notice before Compare which example is closer to the ideal…
After the child has tried to find a second example, ask what changed. An answer connected to the earlier attempt to explain what part makes the match is good evidence of what the child can support with something actually seen, heard, or recorded before the final step.
Make Explain what part makes the match easier or harder
If asking the child to explain what part makes the match is too demanding, stay in a small area and look for one obvious example. Once that step is comfortable, compare two locations, times, or examples without disturbing nature before returning to the final request to compare which example is closer to the ideal shape.
Finish after Compare which example is closer to the ideal…
End while the result of asking the child to compare which example is closer to the ideal shape is still clear. Once they can connect it with the earlier attempt to explain what part makes the match, move on to another idea through the activity search or activity generator.
How to play
- Choose one target shape.
- Find an outdoor object or view that resembles it.
- Explain what part makes the match.
- Find a second example.
- Compare which example is closer to the ideal shape.
Make it easier
When the child is new to the mechanic, do the setup and the next action, then finish. Keep “Choose one target shape.” and “Find an outdoor object or view that resembles it.” This reduces complexity without turning it into a different activity.
Make it harder
For an advanced pass, have the child identify what changed at the middle step. The step that stays central is “Explain what part makes the match.” The activity should still end in the same place.
Play together
In Outdoor Shape Hunt, for a clear role split, have one person start the sequence and the other take over at the middle instruction. Use “Choose one target shape.” as the opening job and “Explain what part makes the match.” as the handoff point. In Outdoor Shape Hunt, a second round should use the opposite role split.
Two or more kids
In Outdoor Shape Hunt, for a group version, have different players own the beginning, middle and finish. Keep “Compare which example is closer to the ideal shape.” as the common finish. In Outdoor Shape Hunt, no one needs to be eliminated for a mistake.
Skills practised
Classification, Comparison, Nature Awareness, Observation
Safety
Use close adult supervision outdoors. Do not pick unknown plants, disturb wildlife, taste natural items or enter roads, water, steep ground or restricted areas.
Supervision: Direct