Journals for all of us....

 

What is Nature Journaling to me???? 

Its a way to record what we see, and how we see it.

Of course there are experts as in all things.  One web site describes a nature journal in this way:

Like a personal journal or diary, a nature journal is a place to record our observations and to reflect on them, but unlike a diary, a nature journal is used specifically to record our observations of, and thoughts on, nature. Take up nature journaling and you can end up learning more about nature and about yourself.

They used a lot more prettier words, but in essence the same philosophy.  We have played at Nature Journaling for a year in a half.  We still haven't fully arrived, but I think this year might be the year that it makes sense. Bear is attempting to draw and record what she sees in nature.  What she sees and picks up on may not be what I see and pick up on, but in my humble opinion, that's 100% ok.  In fact, I love that she is drawing something different from what I am.  We are journaling together you see.  What I draw is from my eye and standpoint what she draws is from her's and that is as it should be. 

You can make a Nature Journal very simply, or you can make it a complicated project in itself.  We tend to fall in the more simple lines.  For really young children I love the hard cardboard composition books that you can buy for under a dollar.  If you want to get a bit more fancy you can buy a non-lined sketch pad or book for under $10 (or more!  the sky--if you let it--could be the limit).    Its up to you what you do, and you can base it on the age of your child.  Get creative, make your own (gotta love pinterest!)....  But make it something you will use.  The best Nature Journal is the one that gets used.

As soon as he is able to keep it himself, a nature-diary is a source of delight to a child.

Charlotte Mason

What do you have for journaling?

In our nature journal stash I have included pencils, erasers, chalk pastels, crayons (broken ones work great for rubbings), water colors, and colored pencils.  We often include the things that we have in our nature bags as well.  This can include a ruler, magnifying glass, our loops, nature identifier books, clear bags, clear specimen cups, etc.  Let your nature bag help you if you want!  You can make your journal stash simple or more expanded, its really up to you and what you want.  A new item we will be adding soon is a backpack easel to encourage more art as well.  Plus it gives mom a place to stash supplies!  *smile*  Again, only have what you use and let your own needs be your guide.  Your journaling experience should be uniquely you. 

Grab a camera as well.  I am convinced that if Charlotte Mason were alive today that she would embrace digital photography.  I have plans to one day include photographs in my journal.  Nature journals are all about learning about the natural world that God created and enjoying it.  Through our desire to enjoy it, we will care for it as we are commanded as Christians. 

Children should be made early intimate with the trees, too; should pick out half a dozen trees, oak, elm, ash, beech, in their winter nakedness, and take these to be their year-long friends. ~~~ Charlotte Mason (Vol 1, II, Out-Of-Door Life For The Children, p.52)

Embrace the freedom of time.  Being in nature takes time.  Take the time that is needed to really examine the natural world.  So many times we rush through walks and this does a disservice to our children as well as our own beings.  We need to connect just as much as our children do.  At one time this connection was a given, but today we call playing outside a sterile playground where children play surrounded by dotting parents carrying hand sanitizer!   

If your child is older, try something I call Square Foot Nature Journaling.  I have heard it called other things as well, but the basic premise is that one take small natural stakes, jute twine, and measure off roughly one square foot of space and observe it for a period of time, recording in the journal what is seen and ones experiences.  I can't wait to try this. 

In your journal you will want to be sure to include the date, time, and location of where and what you are observing.  You might even wish to include the weather to help you record your observations.  Don't wait until the next day to journal about what you have seen, do it right away. 

Remember that your journal doesn't have to be perfect, just perfectly you!  Let it express you.  One mother expressed to me that she enjoyed going back over the years and seeing the growth she has made as well as the growth her children have made through the art of "journaling." 

Charlotte Mason had this to say about children in nature and embracing nature; its worth pondering as parents, "every child has a natural interest in the living things about him which it is the business of his parents to encourage; for, but few children are equal to holding their own in the face of public opinion; and if they see that the things which interest them are indifferent or disgusting to you, their pleasure in them vanishes, and that chapter in the book of Nature is closed to them."  Do you allow the wonder to infect them or do you look with scorn on dirty fingers and dangling worms? 

Get out there and have some fun and enjoy nature.  God created it for us to love and enjoy.  If we do this we will take care of it and make sure our own children will be able to love and enjoy it as well. Encourage and embrace the mess of being out doors.

Reposted from Last fall.

Slug tails

Today we learned about slugs. 

Did you know slugs have more than one type of slime?  They do, HONEST! 

Or how about that slugs have small holes on the side of their heads that they use to breathe from? How freaky is that?  Yeah, freaky!

 How about that their antenna eyes can move different directions and look at different things all at once? 

I will never see slugs in the same way again.  

I guess slugs are pretty amazing creatures as well as.... well....SLIMIE.  :-)

From the web site
Accidentally Green

We found a slug trap and I think we will be making one the next time we have a jar from Prego.  :-)  Yeah we use Prego...  I admit it.  You could use anything that had a smooth side though.  The bug trap we are looking at is here.

Friday may find us on a small nature walk, trying to see how close we might be able to get to some pond water to explore what might be in a small sample of it.  We will be making a pond viewer (more on that to come).  Maybe we will even see a slug.  I am told frogs are already out and about, we even heard one last week on a nature walk. 

Through these lessons we are gaining Some very important skills:

• observing;
• learning the importance of following directions;
• collecting and counting samples; and
• researching or looking up things we don't know. 

All these are valuable skills which can be extremely useful as building blocks for elementary learning, and beyond!

Mid Winter Walk

Take the time to smell the roses they said.

I took that to mean that if the roses weren't in bloom I could substitute dandelions or fiddleheads. 

Spring is just around the corner, but winter is not ready to leave her throne yet.  Here is a recent stroll we went on to center our bodies and minds.

Being outside does that.

Yeah, we are enjoying exploring and learning in the great outdoors.

I had to stop Bear from clambering up the log before I got this picture.  She was sure she seen a blue fly that might have been a fairy.... 

Children in the woods

Children love the woods.  They love to invent, play, imagine, run, solve problems, and create whimsical palaces and castles with dragons.  Children love to play and that is an important job of childhood.  To often we don't see the value in unhindered, unstructured, unscheduled play.  Honestly, its invaluable.  Play for a child is worth rubies.  Play for children should be something we would sell our favorite ring to ensure that they continue to have this life force.  They can learn a lot about God through their play in the woods.

Here are a few images of some unhindered play time we experienced lately.  It really focused me and directed my thoughts to see the children, ages 4 through 11, all playing together.

Their play allowed me some time for myself.  I walked about, took pictures, and talked to God.  Its like Miss Mason said, my paraphrase, mothers need to care for themselves and their own spiritual needs as well.  When we structure so much into our day, we can lose sight of that.  We have constant loads of never ending laundry, dishes, lessons, emails to answer, squabbles to referee, and through it all we still need to get dinner on.

Its not about taking a "Moms Night Out", a class we enjoy, or even a date night with our spouse (although those are very nice indeed), it goes beyond this.  It goes to taking care of those parts we hide from everyone, including yourself.  We have to have time for us if we are to continue on with our own growth in God, in being a woman, being a wife, and in being a mother.  We are all those things but we are also living beings and we must take time and pursue things which help to quiet our souls so we can focus on the direction God would have us go.

I helped my gentle friend collect rose hips.  I knew I would not be able to take the time this week to make a syrup or tea so I gladly helped her. It was fun and encouraging.  God is bringing some very gentle spirited people into my life and I am welcoming the lessons they can teach me.  God has a way of doing that.  He clothes us with just what we need, when we need it, often times when we refuse to acknowledge that need. 

It was a delight for my heart to meander through the wooded path and spy signs of spring next to the obvious remnants of summer and fall.  Oh sweet fall, your scent lingers in my heart, but the taste of spring is on my lips. 

For now the Heavenly Power
Makes all things new,
And thaws the cold, and fills
The flower with dew;
The blackbirds have their wills,
The poets too.   

(the above is from Tennyson's poem Early Spring) 

\
I know we are still in the throes of winter, spring is still several weeks away, but the signs are there. 

Do you live in a area with urban woods?  Do you incorporate nature studies into your day?

A Winters Walk

Outside isn't an option for us, its a must.  Living in an apartment its very hard and to actually get outside we really have to get in the car and travel to a location.  It has been an adjustment.  Bear loves the outside and it has been particularly difficult for her to make the transition from playing at will outside to being cooped up or limited to a tiny playground. 

Recently I have sat down with myself and decided that while everyday is not feasible, we can 3-4 times a week make a trek to a park or nature area. 

Here are a few pictures from a couple recent expeditions into the urban wilds. 

 

Birds are a favorite thing to spy while we hunt for fairies.  Here we branched off the main path onto a small trail in search of the waters edge.  We wanted to see if we could find the any early sign of spring in the lake.

We spotted a tree that looked suspiciously like it had been visited by a wood pecker.  It very well may have been!  It was nice to see the ducks were still in residence, holding court on the lake.

All this activity made for rich discussions and searches through our field guides as well as a spot of journaling. 

At home again I put some small roses we bought in a vase to help brighten up the room a bit. 

It was a good day.

The Courtship of a Fish

Recently we went with friends to Kennedy Creek Trail  between Shelton and Olympia, Washington. 

This was a wonderful learning opportunity and one I hope we do again.  The children were able to spy salmon and they learned through interactive play about the Chum salmon life cycle.  The children were able to learn what they might see and how to observe spawning and "courting" behavior.  They learned about how salmon might lay thousands of eggs but one a few survive and return to the stream that they were born in to spawn their own eggs.  They learned about the single minded focus that the salmon have on their trek homeward; A focus so strong that they neglect eating.  The children learned of the end process after spawning and what happens to the salmon as they drift down the stream, gentle rocked in a natural rhythm as their lives are complete.    Rather than the children seeing the salmon dying as a sad end, they were encouraged to view it as a very important part of the ecosystem and cycle of life.



During the course of the outing the children witnessed several salmon on their journey up stream.  A few children swore the seen the "courtship dance" back and forth.  Who knows, they might have, children are more aware of the natural world than adults are sometimes.    Regardless, seeing this lifecycle was a special treat and many go through their entire lives not able to witness this part of God's wonderful creation.  Scientists still haven't figured out why salmon do what they do. 

When preparing for this trip we bought a book called Salmon Creek (this is an affiliate link).  Its a beautiful book!  It reads beautifully and Bear fell instantly in love with the rich illustrations.  It introduces young children to the life cycle of "Sumi" the Coho salmon. 

 

On the first page the author Annette LeBox wrote,"...if she pressed against the curve of her egg, she could hear her mother singing."  She gently introduces the salmon mothers passing with sweet gentle words, writing that they drifted gently away, their songs growing fainter as they drifted further and further.  If I wrote children's stories, this is the type I would dream of writing. Full of  gentle words introducing children to some wondrous marvels of God's world. 

If you are local, please pay a visit to Kennedy Creek.  They are open on weekends until Dec. 1.  If you don't live around here but still want to learn about a wonderful fact  in the natural world, go to your library and check out some books on salmon.  Find out about the local fish in your area.  How do they procreate?  Discuss with your child what spawning is and how the salmon work their whole lives for this one act of selfless love.  They swim, heedless of dangers, with one thought on their minds...  to return to the stream of their birth.  In some instances they return to the exact bend and spot to lay their eggs.  They don't eat or sleep during this journey up stream.  They spend the 2-3 years in the ocean preparing for this one act.  Spawning salmon alone could cover a myriad of educational topics. 

Have your child journal about what they are learning.  If you don't live in the Northwest, observe local creeks and discuss how fish might migrate in their depths.  What kinds of places would make good hiding spots?  What predators might they face?

Do you do nature lessons in your home?

Science is FUN

Lets Talk About Science!

All children (and husbands too!) love to explore.  Things that encourage this are asking questions where you have to have a hypothesis and then deduce an answer.  This is where you get to explain what a HYPOTHESIS is.

What do you see? 

Materials needed: Your hands....  Added bonuses for loops, magnifying glasses, pod viewers, etc.

Directions:  Use your imagination and get outside. 

Have your child place their hands with fingers touching forming a circle.  Ask your child to look at something through that circle of space and to observe it.  What do they see?  You could change it up a bit by asking them to look for a specific color.  For example:  "Look for something white or whitish.  What can you find?"

If you have a magnifying tool then have your child take that tool and observe the found nature item again.  What's different?  Why is it different? 

These activities are very easily multi age, great for those with children in multiple age ranges.  You can easily adapt what you do for the child. 

Have your child "journal" about their experiences.  There is no right or wrong here.  Don't view it as a "graded" project but rather a device  to help them become quiet and observe the wonderful world that God created.  Encourage them to express in their journals their thoughts, their pictures, their observances.   

We have a window where we do our book learning and Bear faces a bird feeder.  I have often asked her to pause and look outside and tell me what she sees.  I am hoping that this encourages observation skills as well as providing a break when little bodies are fidgeting. 

This weekend get outside!  explore what kinds of things you might find in a pond or your garden in the late Autumn, when the earth begins her "quiet" phase.  Most of all, have some fun outside! 

Weaving with Natural Fibers

 

A couple weeks ago our homeschool group's Nature Club had the wonderful opportunity to do a workshop with Wolf College, a conservation teaching educational experience.  It really is.  Chris and Kim are wonderful with kids of all ages as well as adults.  In looking at their class offerings I have several on my wish list for the upcoming year.  Perhaps even a camp will be in Bear's future.

But back to what we were able to learn during our workshop ... 

The workshop our group did was in harvesting natural fibrous materials.  We learned how to weave a rope and make a mat for sitting on (although time was short so we learned how to make something smaller.  To make one large enough to sit on you would just use more materials and make it bigger.  Same premise, but on a larger scale).  The applications for these products, besides the obvious benefit of learning a lost art and connecting with nature and the people that historically used the local plants for weaving, are great.  The imagination is really your only limit. 

The children were able to learn about harvesting the wild plants, how the eco systems connect and the importance conservation and using only what is needed.  Harvesting, when done wisely, is beneficial for the ecosystem.    I was very impressed with how well Chris and Kim taught the workshop; they taught an age appropriate level that captured the attention of all of us. 

We used raffia (like what you can purchase at the craft store) to learn how to braid a simple rope that could be used for fishing or weaving.  We learned, historically, how the natives in our area obtained raffia for the most part, as well as what they used it with.  Raffia is not a native plant to our area.  It was imported. 

We also learned about materials used for making baskets and mats.  Chris had a couple of the children sit on the cement and then on a mat made from cat tail leaves.  The warmth provided by the cattail leaves was amazing.  I could easily see where this was a wonderful use for sitting and sleeping. He briefly explained why this was so for the children.  In one class we had history, art, science, and social studies!

 Many of the techniques taught and skills explored reminded me of a graduate level anthropology class I took before Bear was born.  In this class we learned about the ancient tools from one of the native tribes in Minnesota, and the class ended with three projects that you created using things found in nature or made with the tools that would have been available during the period of time we studied (I can't remember the exact time frame right now).  The only modern equipment we were allowed to use was a hunting knife and a bow string.    I have wanted to incorporate these lessons into Bear's education and I think I have found the platform for this.  Bear is very much into exploration and animals and their habitats, so this fits the bill nicely. 


The needed supplies for this type of activity is relatively inexpensive.  A hunting knife or good pair of pocket pruners, bag or backpack, sturdy shoes, appropriate clothing for the weather, and a guide book of plants for your area is a must as well as knowing when the best time to harvest the fibers might be. Sturdy gloves would be a bonus as well.   I would look for local sources; people that know the local plants very well.  Most people love sharing knowledge like this and jump at the chance to share with others.

Always remember to only take what you will use and to walk carefully.  Incorporating nature into the learning experience is beneficial on many levels.

Miss. Mason really understood the importance of connecting with God's creation and the formation of the whole child.  I imagine that classes like this and teaching young children in the natural world would warm her heart.  Everyday, think about this:  How can I incorporate some aspect of nature into our learning experience?  The more I slow down the more I find I have "TIME" to incorporate more of Charlotte Mason's teachings into our life as a whole; and the more I have time to reflect and grow, spiritually.  Being quiet and taking on the pace of nature helps that.  Try it!

What types of nature learning do you do with your children?  You can do this even if you don't homeschool.  Afterschool and weekends can be created to incorporate some nature learning, just get out there and explore!  Keeping a nature journal of these experiences can help both parent and child see just how important the world is to us, and how God created it just right.

Pond Viewers

 

Recently our homeschool nature club got together and made POND VIEWERS.  Oh, these were super fun and super duper easy to boot!

What is a pond viewer?  Well quite simply its a device used to view a small sample of pond or lake water (remember to always watch your child closely and never leave them alone when around water!).  When you use a pond viewer you can immediately view whatever organisms might be dancing about in the water.  The good... and the not so good.

First off, the needed supplies.

• A large can (a coffee can works great -- #10-- or a large metal juice can). 
• Duct Tape
• Clear Plastic Wrap
• Rubber band
• Scissors
• Can opener
• A pond or lake

First, remove both ends from the can. Clean the can well. Try to make sure that there are no sharp edges that will cu you or the child.  If there is, take some tape and carefully tape the edge. 

Step 1:  Cut two pieces of plastic wrap larger than the can.  Piece one will be snuggly placed on one open end (much as you would cover a bowl) and then place the second piece over the first piece.  Two pieces are to help ensure that no snags cause a pond viewer failure in mid view.

Step 2:  Use a rubber band to help secure the plastic wrap on your pond viewer.  Next duct tape around the plastic wrap. making sure its taut.  You may need to help the child with this part of the project.

 Step 3:  Make sure all the plastic wrap is secure and then get ready to view!  DONOT use your pond viewer to scope water.  To use your pond viewer, dip the plastic wrap covered end down into the water and look through the other end.

How and why it works:  Because your can is actually in the water and below the surface of the water it's easier to see what's going on below the surface.  The plastic creates a window in which you can view the critters in the water.  Think of it like snorkeling or wearing goggles in the water.  The plastic is smooth and, I am told, it kind of pushes the water away.  One thing I know for sure, the kids loved using them!  .

What kinds of things can you find living in the water of your pond?

Linking up with:

Nettle Hunting

Stinging Nettle

Yesterday we went hunting for stinging nettle with friends.  Do you have urban forests near you?  Maybe you have an actual forest to explore and hunt in?  Before gathering foliage in your forest be sure you are allowed to.  Some places will not look kindly on removing foliage, and be sure to not over pick if you do pick! 

Miss, Heather led the lesson and it was a fun energetic group that set out yesterday mid morning.  We learned about the proper way to pick stinging nettle, different ways to eat it, a few ways to combat the sting when it happens, and what it was historically used for.

So, what is stinging nettle?  The leaves and stems of stinging nettle are covered with little silky hairs that contain three chemicals.  One is a histamine that irritates skin (many of us can attest to this!), acetylcholine which causes a burning feeling (mine are still stinging!), and serotonin. When brushing up against the plant with bare skin, a painful rash similar to poison ivy will result. Because the irritant is acidic in nature, it can be treated by counteracting it with some basic items which include mud, Broadleaf Dock plants, spit, rubbing alcohol (how many of us carry this in our nature walk pack?), and even baking soda (not something normally carried in our bag on a nature walk...). 

Stinging nettle plants are said to provide a cure for arthritis; helping allergies; relieving hair loss; treating Celiac disease; and more.  They are high in vitamins and often used as a spring tonic (much like dandelions).  Its really something everyone could benefit from drinking.  We had smoothies and ate/drank ours that way.  I also read that the following can be helpful.  f course as with all things, weigh it carefully and consult a doctor if you have any concerns. 



Learning how to remove leaves more safely. 
You might still get stung by the "nettles"
on the plant but if you are carful
you can limit it.

Nettle Infusion (for teas):   Place about 16 oz of boiling water on the stove and add in 1 tablespoon of dried stinging nettles. Cover the pot and let set and steep for about 30 minutes.
 Nettle for your baths: This is good for sciatica. Place a large amount of the herbs including the roots in cold water over night. The next morning boil the concoction and place in the bathtub. Soak ...in the herbs for as long as you feel comfortable. This may also be used as a foot soak. (I want to try this!)

Shampoo wash: Place one half cup of the dried herbs in a huge 5 qt pot/pan. Bring the herbs to boil slowly. Remove from the stove and keep covered for an additional 10 minutes. Add in some shaved olive oil soap and bring to boil. Cool to a warm mixture and wash your hair with this. 

The leaf of a dock plant is said to help take
the "sting" out the sting of nettle pricks.



Gathering Nettles!

 

From:  Stinging nettle health benefits for home remedies that treat just about everything.

So get into nature and gather some natural foods (never eat it unless you know what it is for sure and that its edible!).