Exploring the Nature

Ahhh, The Great Outdoors...

Camping is just one of the many things my family has been busy doing the past few weeks.  T Man is in Cub Scouts and we have two annual camping trips.  This time the camp site was right on the water. 

At first, I was worried because neither of my boys are great swimmers.  My fears were soon put to rest when I realized that the water had a gradual entry.  The boys were able to play in the water's edge with little problem.

Being near the water had the added benefit of allowing JJ to stay outside on a very hot day.  As I watched nearby, I would noticed my little guy wetting down his clothes to cool off.  He is becoming such a big boy.  He didn't even need me to take care of him.


Sunrise Over the Lake

Camping is such a great way to unplug and get in touch with nature.  I thought I would share a few tips of the trade to get you started.

First of all you need to select a location.  Discover America is a site that helps you locate various activities by location in the United States.  Simply select camping and fishing from the drop down menu, how far you are willing to travel, and your state. 

You will get to view a list of camping grounds in the area you provided.  It is not a comprehensive list, but it will definitely get you started.

Things to consider when selecting a camping site:

1.  Does the site have electrical hook ups?  Hard core campers will think this unnecessary, but for many families this is a priority.  With RV camping and various camping gear that can be purchased nowadays, electricity can make camping for the non-enthusiast much more comfortable.

2.  Are there public restrooms?  Any family with kids would want to make sure that bathrooms are available.  Most kids just will not do their business in the woods or an open field.

3.    Are there enough trees to provide adequate shade during the hottest part of the day?

4.  Can you swim on site?

5.  Is fishing available?

6.  Is geocaching available on site?

The above are only some of the questions to consider.  Sit down with the adults who will be on the camping trip and discuss options and concerns to ensure you get the most out of your nature experience.

Now that you have selected a site, you can begin to plan some activities for your down time.  This doesn't mean that you are providing your children with a step by step itinerary.  It simple means that you provide a pressure valve several times a day to reground your child and help to keep him or her from becoming overstimulated by all there is to see and do when you are spending the bulk of your time outdoors.

    

Activities to Consider: 
1.   structured free play:  Simply steer your child to a location that can provide a space to play with relaxation built in.  Remember the lake front that has a gradual entry? It  proved to be a hot spot for my kiddos.  Making motes, digging, and exploring the shallow waters was very calming amongst a day that was filled with high energy.

Here is a bit of the natural learning that took place:

Little J learned that digging in the slug next to the water causes the water to seep up from the ground.  This lead to discussion on sea level.  He also learned how to make a mote that would fill with water as the waves rolled onto the bank.  It took a while to make walls that didn't collapse, but he was eventually successful.

T Man explored the marine life in the shallow waters and practice balancing on the moss covered river rocks.  He explored every nook and cranny he could physically reach.  He even managed to squeeze in some swim practice as well.



2.  bring arts and crafts into nature:  Something as simple as building a small boat and sailing it in the waters can provide that much needed pressure valve, as well as, hours of entertainment. 

This was the activity of the day on our scout trip.  It took about 10 minutes to assemble the sail boats, but the fun lasted for most of an afternoon.

Another idea is to create a simple nature journal that you take with you on outdoor outings.  Click here to find out how we made our own.

Have a budding naturalist or scientist?  Check out these awesome nature bags.  They have a bit of everything to make exploring outdoors fun for all involved.

3.  cook with the kiddos:  Allow your child to make his or her own meal... sandwiches and chips, smores around the evening campfire.  Cooking is an engaging activity most kids love.

4.  pack up your bikes and go for a ride:  Put a couple bandages and wipes in your pockets.  Camping bike rides tend to have a few more cuts and scrapes due to the uneven terrain.

5.  hike through the woods:  Don't forget that trusty nature journal or nature bag.  This is the best time to put those to use.

6.  locate geocaches... hidden boxes with small treasures:  You will need a GPS and to have chosen a campsite that has several boxes on site.  Our Boy Scout den actually hid several boxes as part of our fall camp out last year.  If you are lucky enough to locate a camp like the one we used, you will have tons of boxes to hunt down.

Don't know about geocaching?  You are definitely missing out.  Check out this site to find out more.



Hopefully, this will give you some ideas for your next camp out.  Spending time in the outdoors and amongst nature is a wonderful time to connect with Mother Nature and to go unplugged. 

Bright Blessings.

Alphabet Stones Rock

Have a little one getting interested in the alphabet?  Creating an alphabet set out of rocks is simple.  Plus, it isn't plastic.  Natural materials add a soothing sensory experience to play.

Here's what you do:

Collect small smooth stones... 50 or so will work perfectly.  Reuse a container from around the house for storage.  I am using the bottom to a terra cotta flower pot, but a repurposed glass jar would work great as well.  Gather a permanent marker in any color you choose. I used black, so it would be easy to see.  Another idea would be to have the vowels in a different color than the consonants.

With materials already gathered, you are ready to begin.  On the smoothest side of each rock, record a lowercase letter of the alphabet.  You should consider making about 5 of each of the commonly used letter and only 2-3 of the less used letters like "x" or "z".

*NOTE*

I have children practice with lowercase letters instead of uppercase because we write almost exclusively in lowercase letters.  Only important words are capitalized.  I never really understood why most parents work on uppercase letters... just doesn't make sense to me.

Here are some ideas on how to use your new alphabet stones:

 

1.  Practice spelling your name.

2.  Practice spelling common words.

3.  Place the alphabet in order.

4.  Work on letter sound correspondence. 

For example:  Orally say the word "cat".  Have your child find the letter that begins the word or ends the word.

Another Example:  Say a letter name or sound and have your child locate the correct letter.

There are so many ways to use the alphabet stones.  These are just some of the very basic.  If you need help on how to correctly pronounce each letter sound, check out the Johnny Can Spell site.  You will be a master of letters and their sounds in no time.

Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge

I came across this amazingly powerful challenge a bit too late in the year to implement with my kindergarten students, but wanted to share for all you homeschooling mamas & papas.  Looking at your environment now gives you plenty of time to plan ahead for a future project that would benefit our planet.

Here is what the site says about Siemens:

Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge is "the only national sustainability challenge that empowers students in every grade level to develop and share environmental solutions that just may change the world!"

The process seems simple:

• Go online.  Create a team. 
• Brainstorm with your children an environmental change that needs to be addressed in your home, classroom or school. 
• Come up with a plan to address the problem and implement the plan.

I really want to do something with lunch waste... both recyclable and compostable.  Not sure exactly how to gather data and what to do yet, but I guess that is what next year's kiddos will help me decide.

Please go check out the challenge and consider signing up next school year.  The environmental impact alone is enough of a reason for me, but there are prizes too... really BIG prizes. 

I could list the prizes for you here, but I really want you to take a look at the site for yourself.  I think you just might be interested.

What environmental issue do you think your children could address?

Bee Mine

Since my computer crash awhile back I have been unable to download photos.  I just got around to using my husband's computer, so sorry for the late Valentine share.

I got this cute Valentine card idea from Valerie at Frugal Family Fun Blog.  All you need is a couple of markers and white construction paper.

Here is what we did:

1. Color your thumb yellow with a marker.
2. Press your thumbprint to the white paper toward the top and in the center.  If the yellow is not dark enough, repeat this step.  Make sure to try to get the thumbprint to match up as close as possible to the original print when stamping.
3. Take a black marker and add detail to the "bee".  Also, write the words... Bee Mine... under the thumbprint design.
4. Next, use 5 different colored markers and add 10 dots onto the card in each color.  (i.e. 10 red, 10 blue, 10 green, etc.)
5. Finally, use decorative scissors to fancy up the edges.

Simple, cute, and fun. 

We send our cards to sick children in the local hospital, so they wouldn't miss out on all the Valentine's Day fun.  The kinder kiddos really loved this project!

A Walk in the Woods

About a month or so ago, Little J and I decided to go on adventure.  He wanted to use his Nature Bag, so we went off in search of the perfect place to explore.

Since we live in a suburb finding foresty areas is a bit of a stretch.  We decided to venture to the duck pond and explore the small wooded area nearby.

This proved to be a wise choice full of woodsy fun.

JJ lead us into the woods near the pond.  He was fascinated to see the duckies swimming through the trees. As he lead me further into the wooded area, he kept turning back to make sure I was still coming.  I think he was afraid I'd chicken out and leave him there alone.

As we traveled among the bramble, my little sweetheart would take the time to pull branches back and make sure that I was able to maneuvered among the mayhem.

One thing that really disturbed J was all the litter.  He just couldn't fathom why another child would hang out in the woods and not take their trash with him.  He was very concerned that the duckies would eat the litter and get sick or die.

Before leaving the woods, we stopped to take a picture together amongst all of nature's glory.

Here is my king of the mountain as we slowly trek back to the car and civilization.  It is amazing how such a small wooded area can really give you some distance from all the business of a suburb.

J decide he needed to take a few picture before we returned home.  I think he did pretty good for a first try.

On our walk back to the car the sun was just right to view our shadows in all their splendor.  We discussed why the shadows were going in the direction they were, how the shadows were made, and why shadows sometime look soooo long.  Perfect natural learning.

This is apart of the Nature Bag kit.  It is a small square.  You lay it over the ground or some other area you want to observe.  It gives you a smaller area of focus in hopes of training the eye to truly look at all the world has to offer... to see in more detail and to love all the earth has to offer.

What adventures do you and your kidlets take? 

What kind of nature activities could your kids do almost daily if you let them?

Family Game Night

My family has had so much fun playing games lately.  We are considering inviting another family over to have a game night with us.  Snacks, good company and several board games going at once.  The kids are sure to love it.

Games to Try Out:
Wildcraft... Learn medicinal uses for herbs while working with your family to gather berries for Grandma to bake a pie.  cooperative game
Orges & Elves... Help the elves collect gems for the royal family.   cooperative game
Mancala... Move gems around the board and try to to collect more than your opponet.
Pentago... Move marbles around the a square.  Spin one square and try to make 5 in a row.  Great strategizing game.

Pentago... Move marbles around a square.  Spin one square and try to make 5 marbles in a row.  Great strategizing game.

Othello...  My boys love this game though I have yet to play.

Cathedral...  Place more buildings in the medieval city than your opponent to win.  Watch out because your opponent will try to block the land from your access.

Shut the Box... Roll the dice.  Add up the total.  Flip down tiles that equal the total.  Be the first to flip over all 12 tiles to win.

When it comes to purchasing games, I am a bit picker than I use to be.  I use to go with mass produced favorites like Candyland and Monopoly.  Though I still love these tried and true favorites, I have been having fun looking for more unique games to try.

I didn't think my boys would like cooperative games, but cooperative games have become a favorite at my house.  Cooperative games are when the players work together to win or lose as a team.  Working together toward a common goal has helped the boys to get along a bit better.  The aggressiveness that was present before has lessened tremendously.  We do still play competitive games though.  I think there is lot to be said for both winning and losing.  These are both important life skills.

Another thing I am quite fond of is games made from natural materials like wood.  If at all possible, I choose wooden games over plastic or paper/cardboard ones every time.  It is more earth friendly.  The quality is better and the texture of the game itself is so much more inviting.

Games I'd Like to Try:

Handy... Balance balls between the hands of players.  Drop a ball and the hilarity begins.
Chocolate Fix... Sudoku on chocolate.
Knot So Fast... Tying knots and speed will let you when this game.  Perfect for the family boyscout or camper.
Pop Belly... Feed the pigs til they pop.
Walk the Dog... Collect dogs, but watch out for the dog catcher.
The Secret Door... Use clues to figure out 3 treasures behind the hidden door.  cooperative game
Enchanted Forest... Go on a treasure hunt through the land of fairies.  cooperative game
Castle Panic...  Defend your castle against monsters.  cooperative game

I can't wait for another holiday, birthday, etc so we can get one of the games above.  I must say Handy will probably be the next purchase as it is both cooperative and challenging.  I know I will hear tons of belly laughs when the balls start to drop and roll all over the place.
 
So...
What are some over your favorite family games?
 
What is important to you when you purchase a game for your kids or family?

Get Your Garden Growing

Planning a garden for the spring?  If so, it's time to get it ready.  This is a great activity for the entire family.  Turn off the tv and get outside.

Simple Steps to a Great Garden:

• Using a shovel, hoe, or hand trowel loosen and break up the soil.  You will need to go down to a depth of around 6-12 inches.  If your kidlets are helping you out, you may want to prepare the soil a bit before they join you to deter frustration... especially if your soil is as hard as the stuff in my backyard.
• Add organic material to the soil.  Mix it in really well.  Try to level out the bed as much as possible.
• Sprinkle a slow release fertilizer on top of the soil.  Mix the fertilizer with the soil only going about 2 inches deep.

There you have it.  A simple way to prepare your soil for springtime planting.  Plus, a fun way to unplug and get active with the family.

Source

Book on Every Bed

*I wish I had come across this concept before the holidays and not a few days too late.*

The Book on Every Bed Campaign is simple:

• Wrap a book.
• Place a book on the end of every bed in your house for Christmas morning (or whatever holiday you celebrate).

What a wonderful new tradition to add to your family. 

The great part is that it transcends time.  There is no age limit to consider. No worry that the gift will not be well received.  Even if the recipient is not an avid reader; you can always choose an audio book. 

The Book on Every Bed Campaign strives to bring literature and reading to the forefront of every family... to instill the love for and value of reading into a culture that is lacking in so much.

In this technological age of video games, I Pads, computers, and gadgets, take a step back to the basics.  Place a book on the bed of every person you hold dear. 

This does not have to be a holiday tradition... consider birthdays, Easter, the first Saturday of the month.  You hold the key to giving this amazing gift to those you love.  They will get to share the memories with you for years to come.

Unplug Your Kids

There is no better time than the holiday to go unplugged.  In my search for unplugged activities, I came across some interesting sites, activities ideas, books and more. 

Take a look at what I found.

Websites...

Hooked on Nature
Unplug Your Kids

Books...

365 Unplugged Family Fun Activities


Unplug Your Kids

Other Ideas...
 
The Unplug' in  Game
"Unplug’in is a board game that builds children’s performance skills necessary for unplugging from TV and video games. Players answer questions from the four dimensions of Me. We, Earth and Spirit gaining points, confidence and skills to ‘unplug’ or reduce technology use."

Make Natural Play-Dough (ages 2 and up)
copied directly from the linked site

Combine the following ingredients in a pot:

• 1/2 cup white rice flour
• 1/2 cup corn starch
• 1/2 cup salt
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cooking oil
• 5 drops of vegetable dye such as beet or cherry juice

Cook ingredients together over low heat until you can form a ball with the mixture. Allow to cool. Store in a sealable plastic bag or container.

Make Recycled Paper (ages 7 and up)

1. Tear up two and a half pages of old newspaper into tiny strips.
2. Place the strips in a blender with 5 cups of water.
3. Pour about 1 inch of water into a 3-inch deep pan.
4. Measure 1 cup of the blended paper pulp and pour over a framed screen inside the pan with water (screen should fit in the pan).
5. Spread the pulp evenly over the screen with your fingers.
6. Lift the screen and let the water drip off.
7. Open a newspaper section and place on a waterproof surface. Place wax paper in the middle of the newspaper. Place the screen with the pulp on the waxed paper and close the newspaper.
8. Carefully flip over the newspaper section so the screen is on top of the pulp. Place a board on top of the newspaper and press out the extra water.
9. Open the newspaper and remove the screen. Leave the newspaper open and let the pulp dry for at least one full day. When your paper is dry, peel it off the waxed paper. Write or paint on it, make a card, or cut it into fun shapes!

15 Free Ways to Go Unplugged...

1. Go on an outdoor scavenger hunt.  Give your kids a list of items to find.  Little ones can be given pictures of the items.  Have the kids cross of each item as it is spotted.
2. Sidewalk murals are always fun.  Take out the sidewalk chalk and let the kids have at it.  If you are a homeschooling mama, challenge the kids to draw something related to the curriculum and then write about it.
3. Cooking together is great for kids of all ages.  Try cooking or making something simple like homemade pizza, popsicles, or cookies.
4. Visit the library.  Getting a new book (or better yet BOOKS) is at least 2 hours of guaranteed no tv time... driving there, selecting the books, and then reading the books at home.  Yippee!!
5. On a windy day, take the time to make homemade kites.  Flying kites is always fun, but making your own creation and seeing it soar above your head is almost too much for words.
6. Make a fairy house.  Fairies have enchanted little ones for eons.  Bring this magic to life by creating a home for the fairies in your own yard.  Place your fairy house in a location that is perfect for "secret' viewing.  Sit outside in the sun and try to catch a glimpse of these wee, magical wonders.
7. Take your puppy on a romp around the neighborhood.  Puppies and children alike need to get exercise to stay healthy.  The added bonus of this activity is the possibility of a "family" nap time that afternoon.
8. Fort making is a staple in our house.  My boys are always wanting to collect all the blankets and stools to create their own little world in which to play.  Play silks work wonderful for this as well.
9. Grow a themed garden in your backyard.  Consider a garden to make pizza/ spaghetti, herbs for cooking in the kitchen, herbs for healing, a salad garden, fruit garden, or flowers to adorn your kitchen table.  Keep a journal and track the growth and progress of your garden.  Write about your findings.  Photograph the garden along the way.
10. Make a homemade bubble wands and bubbles.  Have a bubble blowing contest to see who can blow the largest/smallest/etc bubble.
11. Visit a natural water source.  I can remember skipping stones into the creek behind our house as a kid.  I could spend hours in the quiet, tranquility of the water and nature sounds.
12. Have a backyard camp out.  Opting for a tent or not is up to your family.  it's a little escape with the luxuries of home (bathroom) not too far away.
13. Go on a family bike ride.  Taking the entire family on a little pedalled excursion is sure to be a blast.  Just remember the stamina of the littlest members or your fun could suddenly head downhill quickly.
14. Get in the crafty spirit.  Take out tons of recyclable materials and art supplies.  Let your kids have free reign and create til their hearts content.
15. Make simple homemade toys, games, and dolls...

• button toy
• marshmallow shooter
• basic bean bag
• cardboard boomerang  
• bongo drum
• egg carton mancala game
• hex
• sprouts
• guess what
• cork boat
• fairy houses
• panty hose polo game
• turning wonders
• homemade bear doll 
• glove dolls
• chipmunk glove doll
• clothes pin people
• spool doll
• topsy-turvy spool doll
• wooden spool family
• the ugly doll
• handkercheif doll
• sock monkey.

I hope this gives you some ideas on how to unplug your family for awhile.  I found several ideas that appeal to me, but I will need to get a consensus from the family as well.

I think I will start with an unplugged Thanksgiving.  From there, I will try to reduce the amount of plugged in time over our winter break.  Two weeks without being plugged in seems to be a bit of a challenge, but who knows.

I'll let you know how my "reduce the use" winter holiday goes.

Good luck powering down to power up both physically and mentally.

Nature's Playground

I received Nature's Playground  about a month ago.  I must say I am very impressed with the content. 

The book begins by going over outdoor places to consider, how to include the entire family and ways to encourage everyone to get involved.  After the introduction, the book divides into a section for each of the seasons, year long activities, activities for after dark, safety and resources.

This book is the perfect place to start if you are unsure on how to bring your family closer to nature.

The photographs are exquisite as they depict real children enjoying the great outdoors.

Several Suggestion for Autumn from Nature's Playground:

1. natural painting: using plants and berries to create paint
2. autumn collections: collecting various natural treasures most found on the ground
3. forest mobiles: using natural treasures to create mobiles
4. You must purchase the book yourself to find out details and more activities to get your family involved with nature.

Useful Resources:

• Nature Rocks
• National Wildlife Federation
• Be Out There
• Nature Club for Families Tool Kit
• Pathway to Nature

Additional Books to Consider: