School season is upon us and we know things are looking a little different for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. Whether you children’s school has moved entirely online, or is following a hybrid model, we have a few ideas on how to keep your kids engaged and encourage them to get outside – and off that computer!

1. Outdoor educational activities: The internet is a wealth of information and there are millions of activities, experiments, and crafts for all ages that you can find with a quick Google search. Live close to a trail? Take your child on a scavenger hunt. Have a garden in your backyard? Do a soil experiment and see how different plants affect soil. Have an awesome view from your patio? Have your child draw the view from your patio. Here are some of our favorite websites for fun outdoor activities:
   1. https://outdoorfamiliesonline.com/free-outdoor-learning-kid-activities/
   2. https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/engaging-outdoor-learning-activities-for-kids/
   3. https://teaching2and3yearolds.com/44-preschool-outdoor-learning-ideas/
   4. https://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2012/03/50-simple-outdoor-activities-for-kids.html
2. Sports: If you have multiple kids or have neighbors with kids, encourage the children to get together and play a pickup game, whether it is volleyball, basketball, or tag. Getting off the computer and exerting energy can be a great way to help them refocus on school, while also taking a break from staring at a screen.
3. Eat your meals outside: Another great way to get some much-needed fresh air is to have lunch outside, followed by some running around in the backyard. This mimics what children are used to with school: a different location specific for eating lunch, followed by some time to blow off steam before learning again.
4. Patio Learning: While these ideas are great for elementary school kids, taking your 16-year-old on a scavenger hunt isn’t realistic. Instead of nagging at your teenagers to get off their computer or phone, send them outside to do their homework or for their English class. This way, they still get some fresh air and some Vitamin D. Patio learning doesn’t have to be limited to your older kids, either; send all the kids outside to the patio table do homework or read by the fire pit after dinner.

While we aren’t experts in school and education, we are experts in patio furniture and outdoor spaces. If you are looking to set up a space on your deck that is conducive to learning, or working, we can help you. Give Outpost Sunsport a call today at 970-225-1455 or stop by to see our current sales. Our biggest sales of the season are going on now until August 30. Save on in stock umbrellas, patio furniture, and more!