Going on a looking walk

A looking walk is a great way to explore the outdoors!

In a recent discussion on the Teach Preschool page on Facebook, one of my readers suggested I check out “The Looking Book” written by P.K. Hallinan and illustrated by Patrice Barton. So, of course, I tracked down a copy of the book and loved it immediately…

Begin with a book

The Looking Book” is about two little guys who would rather sit inside all day and watch cartoons until their mom comes up with the genius idea of giving both boys a pair of lookers.  The boys wonder what the lookers are for and then with mom’s help, realize that the lookers are for going outside and looking…

As the boys begin their looking adventure, they discover lots of really cool things outside and decide that spending time outdoors is a fun idea after all…

Preparing for a looking walk

Now just so you know, whether you have a copy of this book or not, anyone can certainly introduce the idea of going on a looking walk.  All you need is a pair of cheap plastic glasses without the lens or kids can get really creative and make their own pair of lookers. Add your lookers and come up with your own tale to tell the children about going on a looking walk…

DIY Lookers

To make your own lookers all you need are some empty toilet paper tubes, yarn, masking tape, and loads of creativity! Kids enjoy making their own lookers and the materials are simple and easy to set up.

 

Expanding on the story

After reading “The Looking Book,” each child brought their own pair of lookers to wear. The whole idea of wearing “lookers” was fascinating to the children. Before going outside, everyone tried out their lookers. Together we all looked up, then down, then side-to-side, and stopped after each turn to shout out what we could see with our lookers on. This helped us practice the skill of looking through lookers. Next, I invited the children to go and grab their jackets so we could head outdoors and go on a real looking walk.  

If purchasing lookers, I have found packages of cheap kids glasses in the party supply area at our local Walmart then actually punched all the lenses out.  I saved the lenses just in case an idea of something we can do with them occurs to me in the near future.

Making new discoveries

The children looked everywhere and would often run to show Mr. Hayden what they found while they were looking…

By the end of our book, the two boys realized that they didn’t really need lookers to enjoy going outside to play and explore and it wasn’t long before most of my students discovered that they really didn’t need them either…

Exploring the outdoors

A wonderful way to inspire my students to get outdoors and explore all around them…

Available on Amazon

Links to Grow on

Try going outside for a Listening Walk too by Teach Preschool

The Looking Book is also available from Ideals Books

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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