Friday, November 30, 2012
Nature Journaling with Your Kids
Nature journaling? Why am I writing about nature journaling when my son cannot yet do the traditional form of journaling? Or maybe you are simply asking-- what is nature journaling? It is simply the act of writing and sketching observations from the natural world around you. It can be an action to stave off writer's block, or a way to practice your artistic talents on new subjects. Recently it has become more popular as a way to encourage scientific observation and insight in children.
Although my child cannot yet write in words what he sees, he can still observe the natural world around him and put these thoughts to paper. Typically on a hike we take along a small backpack that Noah can carry on his own, which has things like snacks, diapers/ underpants and more fun things like his binoculars (an old pair that are broken, but he doesn't care) and an old Babar pencil case and a small notebook. After a walk or a visit to the nature center Noah will grab this and color his versions of what we have just seen and done.
A few of my favorite articles on nature journaling:
Simple Homemade's recent article.
The Sierra Club has a template for a nature journal, but it is not necessary to print something-- any notebook or paper that you have on hand is perfectly fine. Their article that accompanies this pdf is worth a read, however, and compares the practice to the historical figure John Muir's practice of observing the natural world.
The Handbook of Nature Study has many wonderful resources for parents looking to introduce the natural world to their kids, and nature journaling is a big part of this.
Although my child cannot yet write in words what he sees, he can still observe the natural world around him and put these thoughts to paper. Typically on a hike we take along a small backpack that Noah can carry on his own, which has things like snacks, diapers/ underpants and more fun things like his binoculars (an old pair that are broken, but he doesn't care) and an old Babar pencil case and a small notebook. After a walk or a visit to the nature center Noah will grab this and color his versions of what we have just seen and done.
A few of my favorite articles on nature journaling:
Simple Homemade's recent article.
The Sierra Club has a template for a nature journal, but it is not necessary to print something-- any notebook or paper that you have on hand is perfectly fine. Their article that accompanies this pdf is worth a read, however, and compares the practice to the historical figure John Muir's practice of observing the natural world.
The Handbook of Nature Study has many wonderful resources for parents looking to introduce the natural world to their kids, and nature journaling is a big part of this.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Our Nature Adventures: Duluth in Winter
I have been writing to you with my thoughts on the importance of outdoor play for children of all ages, but maybe I have left something out. You could read my posts here and wonder if I am spending all of my time online writing about being outside while I sit inside in my comfortable office chair not practicing what I preach.
Yes, it is something that I have to consciously decide when it is 8 degrees like today (it will soon be much colder here in MN) and when I am working to finish a project for a client or for grad school it is pretty hard to take a break and take a walk, but I deeply believe that taking those pauses to get outside and simply breathe will help me to be a better mom, student, worker as well as for the health of my child.
Recently, my family and I got the chance to take part in a wonderful example of how wonderful time spent in the outdoors can be, even in the winter months and after dark. My husband and I for our 5th wedding anniversary decided to take a weekend away up in Duluth, MN which is one of our favorite getaways. Since both of us grew up in SW Michigan, we are used to having the Great Lakes easily accessible, and although it is farther away, Duluth is our most convenient access to one of the Big Lakes.
Because Noah is a pretty important result of our marriage, and because he would love the event that we were heading to, we made it a family anniversary weekend. The beauty of the waves, and the way that the city is perched almost ludicrously on the steep hills heading down to the frigid lake, these are all reasons why we love the city. Another reason is because it is a place that seems to get it. It would be pretty hard not to understand the importance of nature with it impacting such a large amount of your economy.
While we were there we took the opportunity to enjoy one of the quirky events that makes this town so wonderful-- The Bentlyville Tour of Lights. While not strictly an activity geared toward nature (in fact, some animals were probably frightened away by the 157 foot LED laden Christmas Tree) but as one tours the lights it quickly becomes apparent that the event is working hard to make sure that people enjoy their time outdoors in the night air.
There are numerous free snacks, from popcorn to cookies and cocoa, but as one walks to the farthest point of the tour, they are met with warm fires blazing and complimentary marshmallows and sticks to roast your own treat. This detail may seem small, but the act of adding in the extra sensory experiences of the smell of the fire and taste of the lightly browned sugary treat in the midst of the cold and light of the fire and decorations adds something wonderful to the experience. The strategic placement of fires as well as the warming house nearby show a care and thought for the experience of families looking to spend time outside in the winter months that I really love.
Yes, it is something that I have to consciously decide when it is 8 degrees like today (it will soon be much colder here in MN) and when I am working to finish a project for a client or for grad school it is pretty hard to take a break and take a walk, but I deeply believe that taking those pauses to get outside and simply breathe will help me to be a better mom, student, worker as well as for the health of my child.
Recently, my family and I got the chance to take part in a wonderful example of how wonderful time spent in the outdoors can be, even in the winter months and after dark. My husband and I for our 5th wedding anniversary decided to take a weekend away up in Duluth, MN which is one of our favorite getaways. Since both of us grew up in SW Michigan, we are used to having the Great Lakes easily accessible, and although it is farther away, Duluth is our most convenient access to one of the Big Lakes.
Because Noah is a pretty important result of our marriage, and because he would love the event that we were heading to, we made it a family anniversary weekend. The beauty of the waves, and the way that the city is perched almost ludicrously on the steep hills heading down to the frigid lake, these are all reasons why we love the city. Another reason is because it is a place that seems to get it. It would be pretty hard not to understand the importance of nature with it impacting such a large amount of your economy.
While we were there we took the opportunity to enjoy one of the quirky events that makes this town so wonderful-- The Bentlyville Tour of Lights. While not strictly an activity geared toward nature (in fact, some animals were probably frightened away by the 157 foot LED laden Christmas Tree) but as one tours the lights it quickly becomes apparent that the event is working hard to make sure that people enjoy their time outdoors in the night air.
There are numerous free snacks, from popcorn to cookies and cocoa, but as one walks to the farthest point of the tour, they are met with warm fires blazing and complimentary marshmallows and sticks to roast your own treat. This detail may seem small, but the act of adding in the extra sensory experiences of the smell of the fire and taste of the lightly browned sugary treat in the midst of the cold and light of the fire and decorations adds something wonderful to the experience. The strategic placement of fires as well as the warming house nearby show a care and thought for the experience of families looking to spend time outside in the winter months that I really love.
Cyber Monday for the Outdoor Family
Did you head back to work this week and take advantage of your break (shhh- we won't tell) to hunt online for a few fun outdoor items for the little kids, grown kids or grand-kids in your life? Cyber Monday is the growing tradition of using time during the work day to look for items from your Christmas and holiday lists.
However, for those of us who are looking for outdoors items the idea of finding items quickly is an intimidating task. Maybe you know that your daughter needs new hiking shoes
, but are reluctant to give this item as a present because you are worried that it will be met with an eye roll, there are many quality options that will no doubt elicit a much more enthusiastic response. I thought that I would share with you a few of the things that we are excited to get our son this year. At 3 1/2 I feel like he is finally at an age where so many of these things will make sense to him conceptually, and where his muscle development will allow these to be used.
One item that has been high on our wish list for this year is some kids snowshoes
for my son. My husband and I got some a few winters before Noah came along, and we feel like he is finally old enough to have a pair of his own. We're planning on also getting him a pair of gaiters
to go with them, which will also hopefully ease the bane of my winter Mommie-life of every pair of pants soaking up the muddy winter slush up to mid-calf every day. I am so excited to take him out on the trails and watch him stumble around with us. We have also tried to pull him in a sled behind us, but this has met with mixed results as he wants to get out of it all of the time.
Another item that we can't wait to play with both inside and as we explore outside is a good pair of walkie talkies
. I adored these things when I was growing up (my dad was a firefighter so once in a while we got to use the really high quality ones and listen in to police chatter as well). And yes, I know that soon enough he will be using cell phones, but there is something so fun about playing a game of "Come Find Me" in the woods with a radio to describe where you are hiding. I'm not sure if these are exactly what we will be buying, but I have already pinpointed that we want ones that are strong, waterproof and that can be recharged easily. There are already too many used AAs in my house that I need to take to be recycled.
For some reason my son is obsessed with learning to tell time (while pooping in the potty today was an entirely different story) and wants a watch
of his own. And, he insists that it be green. He also wants a yellow belt, and I think that the combination will be quite a dapper sight. :) I, meanwhile have been looking for a green watch that is water resistant, which has ended up a surprisingly difficult task. I was so happy to find a couple
that look like they will hold up to the wear and tear of a little boy.
He is a funny little guy, my son. He asked us recently for a snow plow for the front of his tricycle due to his fascination with trains with snowplows on the front of them, and after the recent first real snow falling. It is also funny that we are realizing that this could be the first stretch of time that he remembers into his adult years and we are doing our best to make this foundation one of health and fun and love.
However, for those of us who are looking for outdoors items the idea of finding items quickly is an intimidating task. Maybe you know that your daughter needs new hiking shoes
, but are reluctant to give this item as a present because you are worried that it will be met with an eye roll, there are many quality options that will no doubt elicit a much more enthusiastic response. I thought that I would share with you a few of the things that we are excited to get our son this year. At 3 1/2 I feel like he is finally at an age where so many of these things will make sense to him conceptually, and where his muscle development will allow these to be used. One item that has been high on our wish list for this year is some kids snowshoes
for my son. My husband and I got some a few winters before Noah came along, and we feel like he is finally old enough to have a pair of his own. We're planning on also getting him a pair of gaiters to go with them, which will also hopefully ease the bane of my winter Mommie-life of every pair of pants soaking up the muddy winter slush up to mid-calf every day. I am so excited to take him out on the trails and watch him stumble around with us. We have also tried to pull him in a sled behind us, but this has met with mixed results as he wants to get out of it all of the time. Another item that we can't wait to play with both inside and as we explore outside is a good pair of walkie talkies
. I adored these things when I was growing up (my dad was a firefighter so once in a while we got to use the really high quality ones and listen in to police chatter as well). And yes, I know that soon enough he will be using cell phones, but there is something so fun about playing a game of "Come Find Me" in the woods with a radio to describe where you are hiding. I'm not sure if these are exactly what we will be buying, but I have already pinpointed that we want ones that are strong, waterproof and that can be recharged easily. There are already too many used AAs in my house that I need to take to be recycled.For some reason my son is obsessed with learning to tell time (while pooping in the potty today was an entirely different story) and wants a watch of his own. And, he insists that it be green. He also wants a yellow belt, and I think that the combination will be quite a dapper sight. :) I, meanwhile have been looking for a green watch that is water resistant, which has ended up a surprisingly difficult task. I was so happy to find a couple that look like they will hold up to the wear and tear of a little boy. He is a funny little guy, my son. He asked us recently for a snow plow for the front of his tricycle due to his fascination with trains with snowplows on the front of them, and after the recent first real snow falling. It is also funny that we are realizing that this could be the first stretch of time that he remembers into his adult years and we are doing our best to make this foundation one of health and fun and love.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Black Friday and Outdoor Gifts
Black Friday morning, and in some cases Thanksgiving night will find many people fighting off their Turkey coma and heading out to the stores in search of a holiday deal that their kids will love. Typically Black Friday sales take the shape of an electronic gadget or a plastic toy that will be oohed and ahhed over for a few minutes, mainly while seated or laying down, and then forgotten in a drawer. Or even worse, the item requires additional purchases to make it work in the way that it is portrayed in a commercial, or to store the 1,000s of little pieces that come with it. Only very rarely are these items a toy that will involve large motor play, or that will get kids outside and into the open air.
I admit, we do have a house full of toys-- with my son being the only grandchild on my folks side and a portion of my husband's position in sales comprised with selling toys we do tend to accumulate more clutter than I would like. However, we have made a conscious choice to limit Noah's toy consumption and to select toys that leave options for open ended play available for him. Mommie and Dada also try to restrict purchasing items labelled with cartoon characters (a rule which we ourselves and many grandparents have broken.)
How do we as parents fight this? It seems like every year the sale creeps earlier and earlier, and even now people are lined up to get I know not what at stores around my neighborhood. As this holiday season begins I don't have an answer for you on how to handle your child's gift giving, but over the next few days I will be offering a few of the insights I have learned, as well as a few picks of my personal favorite possible Christmas presents for your kids that will encourage their imagination, as well as encourage them to participate in active play.
I admit, we do have a house full of toys-- with my son being the only grandchild on my folks side and a portion of my husband's position in sales comprised with selling toys we do tend to accumulate more clutter than I would like. However, we have made a conscious choice to limit Noah's toy consumption and to select toys that leave options for open ended play available for him. Mommie and Dada also try to restrict purchasing items labelled with cartoon characters (a rule which we ourselves and many grandparents have broken.)
How do we as parents fight this? It seems like every year the sale creeps earlier and earlier, and even now people are lined up to get I know not what at stores around my neighborhood. As this holiday season begins I don't have an answer for you on how to handle your child's gift giving, but over the next few days I will be offering a few of the insights I have learned, as well as a few picks of my personal favorite possible Christmas presents for your kids that will encourage their imagination, as well as encourage them to participate in active play.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Top 5: Forgotten Supplies for a Hike with Your Kids
1. Food and Water: Even if you think this hike will take only an hour or so and they just ate, kids can be as unpredictable as the weather. You do not want to be stuck hunkered down waiting out a rainstorm or re-tracing the path toward the trail you missed and have a hungry or "so firsty" little guy or girl on your hands who is also exhausted from hiking, and consequently a bit more emotional than usual.
2. Plastic baggies: Perfect for carrying new collections of pebbles from the ground or for carrying the wet clothes of a potty training oops (going potty on the toilet and going potty in a bush are two different things and sometimes that can make my own little one a bit nervous).
3. First Aid Kit: This one is pretty self explanatory. From blisters to splinters, all sorts of small boo-boos need regular attention on a hike with your kids. Hurt feet from blisters or other maladies can quickly turn a fun day into a painful experience, which brings me to:
4. A Good Pair of Shoes: Because our grown-up feet are on our own body, we know the importance of good footwear, but it can be easy to forget that your little one's tootsies need pampering too.
5. Baby Wipes: Even with older kids there is always a job to be done for these handy little wipes. Cleaning shoes or hands covered in mud, or simply wiping away sweat after a long day are just a couple of the uses of these little babies.
Stay tuned for other top 5 lists. Did I forget anything on this one?
2. Plastic baggies: Perfect for carrying new collections of pebbles from the ground or for carrying the wet clothes of a potty training oops (going potty on the toilet and going potty in a bush are two different things and sometimes that can make my own little one a bit nervous).
3. First Aid Kit: This one is pretty self explanatory. From blisters to splinters, all sorts of small boo-boos need regular attention on a hike with your kids. Hurt feet from blisters or other maladies can quickly turn a fun day into a painful experience, which brings me to:
4. A Good Pair of Shoes: Because our grown-up feet are on our own body, we know the importance of good footwear, but it can be easy to forget that your little one's tootsies need pampering too.
5. Baby Wipes: Even with older kids there is always a job to be done for these handy little wipes. Cleaning shoes or hands covered in mud, or simply wiping away sweat after a long day are just a couple of the uses of these little babies.
Stay tuned for other top 5 lists. Did I forget anything on this one?
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Nature Talks with your Kids: Seasonal Change
So, what season is it exactly now? Here in MN if you went by the weather, you could guess spring during a week of mid-50s and even 60 degree weather where kids are biking when they would usually be able to throw rocks into the early morning ice that has formed on ponds. Chronologically it is fall, but an iced tea sounds better to drink than hot cocoa.
Officially winter starts on December 21 and the Winter Solstice,but for much of the US the season has already seemed winter for far longer than that. Snow will blanket the ground and with plans of Christmas a few days later, most kids would have a hard time calling December 20th Autumn.
This change of season is a wonderful opportunity to speak to your kids about the concept of seasonal change and the process of the earth turning from summer to autumn to winter and what they can notice in the natural world around them.
If you are talking a walk with your children there are certain obvious changes that you can see-- the leaves changing color and dropping to the ground and the air feeling cooler. If you are playing in the park you can look at the flower beds that were once full of colorful blooms, but now are empty or full of withered stems. Another interesting change is the absence of bugs that your little ones were earlier able to catch
and study. To where have they disappeared? One of my favorite finds has been the wonderful "My Weather Station" freebie from Mr. Printables. This wonderful little weather station allows kids to track the daily weather in their area and is free to download, as is the site's other digital freebies, like their collection of Earth flashcards, that feature some weather and climate elements.
With older children, or for those smaller ones that love to talk (this might be all little ones) this idea can be taken a bit farther. As parents and caregivers we can guide our children into further looking around to notice other differences. Are the birds and other animals in your area behaving the same, and are these even the same animals that were here in the warmer months? The concept of migration is just one of many ideas that these talks can prompt.
So, when does Winter begin to you? Is it a date, an event like the first snowfall? Or is it tied to some personal life event?
Officially winter starts on December 21 and the Winter Solstice,but for much of the US the season has already seemed winter for far longer than that. Snow will blanket the ground and with plans of Christmas a few days later, most kids would have a hard time calling December 20th Autumn.
This change of season is a wonderful opportunity to speak to your kids about the concept of seasonal change and the process of the earth turning from summer to autumn to winter and what they can notice in the natural world around them.
If you are talking a walk with your children there are certain obvious changes that you can see-- the leaves changing color and dropping to the ground and the air feeling cooler. If you are playing in the park you can look at the flower beds that were once full of colorful blooms, but now are empty or full of withered stems. Another interesting change is the absence of bugs that your little ones were earlier able to catch
and study. To where have they disappeared? One of my favorite finds has been the wonderful "My Weather Station" freebie from Mr. Printables. This wonderful little weather station allows kids to track the daily weather in their area and is free to download, as is the site's other digital freebies, like their collection of Earth flashcards, that feature some weather and climate elements.With older children, or for those smaller ones that love to talk (this might be all little ones) this idea can be taken a bit farther. As parents and caregivers we can guide our children into further looking around to notice other differences. Are the birds and other animals in your area behaving the same, and are these even the same animals that were here in the warmer months? The concept of migration is just one of many ideas that these talks can prompt.
So, when does Winter begin to you? Is it a date, an event like the first snowfall? Or is it tied to some personal life event?
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