Nature Educates

 

"All Nature seems at work.  Slugs leave their lair
The bees are stirring, birds are on the wing,
And Winter slumbering in the open air,
Wears on his smiling face a dream of spring."

   Samuel Taylor Coleridge 

Nature provides so many wonderful opportunities for educating children. They relate so willingly to planting gardens, searching for birds on their nests, raising bunnies and chicks, or picking flowers to press. The first appearance of spring creates many positive object lessons for learning!

Autumn Adventure Day

 

The school year starts in September for most families. The days are beautifully filled with autumn splendor. The sun is bright, but the shadows long on many autumn mornings. It is a great time of year. Every year our family would start studies with much anticipation and energy. After a few weeks the newness would wear off and the children would need a boost (and so would mom!). Every October or November we implemented something that we called “Autumn Adventure Day” — a day whose events were always a surprise for the children. On that morning I would wake the children up, telling them to hurry and get dressed because I had a surprise for them. A backpack for each of them was packed and ready to go, including a packed breakfast and a journal.  It was usually one I made and it was shaped like an apple or pumpkin with a colorful cover on it. We would hit the road, stopping at all sorts of planned adventures along the way. Usually we would usually include a visit to the children’s grandparents. Along the way we would do things like: pick a bucket of apples in the neighbor’s orchard; stop at a bakery to watch them make bagels; go to a park and identify trees and gather nuts and seeds; jog a lap or two around a running track; go to Grandma’s house for a story she would read; go to a tea room for lunch and learn manners; to the other grandma’s house for cookies and a nature lesson; and so on. The time line was scheduled and filled with many fun, short activities. The children would record events in their journal in the car between events. Zip lock bags were included in their backpack for collecting nature objects. And a camera was given as well, for recording things that weren’t easy to draw or write about. The journals became more sophisticated over the years — being age-appropriate as the children grew.  Our autumn adventures were chock full of learning activities and events, all mixed with a great deal of fun.  Each autumn the children would look forward to this ‘surprise’ day with much anticipation.

I highly recommend thinking outside of the box! It’s how memories are made! What a blessing it is to be the teacher of one’s own children. Having an autumn adventure day is just one way of making it a fun and happy experience.

Teaching Across the Curriculum

Use your time in the kitchen to teach across the curriculum. Relate what the child is doing to arithmetic, reading, science, and geography. Guided questioning is very helpful in expanding your child's field of knowledge.

Here is an example:

1) Have the child prepare Navajo Fry Bread (recipe below) and then answer the questions given.

2) Why do you think this is called Navajo Fry Bread? Look on a map and find where the Navajo Indians live.

3) Why did you use oil in the skillet when you fried your Navajo Fry Bread?

4) Describe how the dough felt when you kneaded it. Use as many different adjectives as you can think of to describe it.

5) What kind of shapes did you cut your Indian Fry Bread into? Which shape did you like best? Why?

RECIPE
Navajo Fry Bread

Mix together these ingredients (use a small bowl):

• 1/2 cup white flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder

In another small bowl mix together:

• 4 Tbsp. flour mixture
• 2 Tbsp. warm water

After the flour mixture and warm water is mixed together, take it out of the bowl and place it on a floured cutting board.

Knead the dough until it is soft and like elastic.

Roll it out so that it is flat.  Use a rolling pin.

Cut the dough into shapes using a biscuit cutter and table knife.

Pour a small amount of oil into a skillet. Heat over medium-high heat. Put your dough shape in the skillet and fry each side until golden brown.

Take your dough shape out of the skillet. Blot it with a clean paper towel.

Fry another dough shape until all the shapes are fried.

Serve your Navajo Fry bread with honey while it is still warm.

Birds Teach Many Lessons

This is a post written by my Aunt Evie in which she shares lessons that she has gleaned by observing birds.  Her article can be used as a mini unit study, encompassing the subjects of character development and science.  Character qualities are shown below in italics and are linked to a description of the character quality being discussed.  Each type of bird discussed is linked to a page that tells shares a picture, habitat, and qualities of the bird.  These can be shared with children and discussed while reading Aunt Evie's story.  To add language arts to this bird unit study, lists of spelling words can be created from this post and writing assignments given.  To include art, assign sketching or watercolor projects of the birds discussed.  An energetic bird watching hike fits into the subject of physical education.
~


Just as the Bible uses many chapters, all different so God's second book also has many chapters, and each one is full of character building lessons for those who look for them.  One of my favorite chapters deals with birds and I would like to share a few of the lessons they have taught me.


From the common robins I have learned diligence.  Early in the spring while other birds are just flitting about choosing nesting sites and going through their courting antics, the robins are busily building their nests.  They have no time for nonsense!  They are the first ones up in the morning and the last to retire at night.  Their sturdy mud and grass nest is quickly finished.  By the time most of the other birds have settled down to start making their nests, the robin's babies are almost ready to fly.


In the killdeer I have observed courage and perseverance.  One hot day in late spring I watched a brave little mother killdeer standing over her eggs which were laid among the rocks on the edge of a sunny parking lot.  There was no need to sit on her eggs to keep them warm.  Instead, she stood beside them to shade them from the burning sun  Cars came and went on the lot but she would not leave her eggs.  Even when I walked up to her nest to look at the eggs, she stayed at her post of duty, though she was obviously upset by my nearness.


The lovely cedar waxwings have taught me refinement and good taste.  They do not go in for flashy colors like some birds do, but in their quiet way they are as beautiful as any of the more showy birds.  Every feather is always sleek and perfectly groomed and their soft conservative colors look so neat and smart.  Their voices are as gentle and harmonious as their colors, and their family life seems to go on without any scrapping or fussing,  They will sometimes sit side by side on a branch and pass berries to one another.

From the beautiful yellow warbler, I learned something about the meaning of this text from God's first book.  "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."  A pair of these sweet singing birds had just nicely finished building their nest when along came a mother cowbird and aid an egg in it.  She expected that her egg would hatch before the yellow warblers eggs did and then her larger baby would crowd the others out and get all the food.  Many little birds are thus forced to raise baby cowbirds which are bigger than themselves, instead of raising their own babies.  But the yellow warblers have found a way to overcome this problem.  I once found a very interesting nest that showed me how they do it.  It seemed to be a very deep nest but when I began to take it apart, I found that it was three stories high and the first and second stories each had a large speckled egg in them.  The cowbird had laid her egg in the first nest and the warblers had simply built another nest over top of the first one, covering the unwanted egg.  Then the persistent cowbird had returned and laid another egg in the second nest.  But the yellow warblers still did not give up.  They built a third nest over the second one and laid their eggs in it.  How often we try to do right only to find that something spoils all our plans  Can be learn from these little birds to keep on trying and "overcome evil with good"?  Next time someone spoils something you were trying to do, see if you can find a way to overcome evil with good.


Patience was the lesson that an Oregon junco taught me one summer day.  He was just getting ready to take a nice refreshing dip in our bird bath when a b  old robin hopped in and started splashing around.  Since the pool was not big enough for two, the junco flew to a nearby rock and patiently waited his turn.  The robin took his time, splashing and splashing, then just when at least he seemed to be finished he started all over again.  he took so long that the patient junco finally fell asleep while he was waiting.  Still the robin continued to splash.  At least he flew to a branch to preen himself, but the junco did not notice  he was too sound asleep.  Suddenly, with a start, he woke up and seeing the pool empty at last he hopped in for his long delayed bath.


A western wood pewee once taught me a very striking lesson:  dare to be different.  I watched him taking a bath at the edge of a lovely wooded lake.  But he was not content to just wade into the water and splash around like other birds do.  He had a style all his own.  From the top of a post at the waters edge, he darted at the water, hitting it a glancing blow with his chest, just before he swooped upward again.  Water splashed in every direction as he struck it.  he repeated this several times until he was thoroughly wet, then he settled on the post to preen himself.  Sometimes we need to have the courage to be different, not just for the sake of being different, but because it is the right thing to do. 

Last but not least, I have learned from my pet chickadees.  They have taught me to trust.  Birds generally do not trust anyone.  Especially do they fear the human hand.  It could close on them and take away their freedom and to a wild bird, freedom means  more than any delicacy.  But chickadees can be taught to be more trusting.  As I held out to them my hand, filled with seeds, I thought of how our heavenly Father holds out his hands to us and calls us to come to Him.  But we are so afraid that He might take away our freedom to do what we want to do, that we refuse to trust Him.  But the chickadees learned one winter day that they could trust and eat from my hand and still be free.  In fact, they were more free than ever.  The rich food that I was offering them kept them warmer and better nourished than the meager food that they were finding for themselves and they did not have to work so hard to try to survive in the cold.  So it is with us.  If we will learn to trust our heavenly Father we will find more real freedom and satisfaction than we ever thought possible.  

In an Audubon's Nature Encyclopedia I found an interesting note about chickadees.  It said that if you want to find birds in the wintertime, listen for chickadees.  They have an air of confidence about them that leads other birds to follow them.  I have found this to be very true.  Wherever there is a band of chickadees, there will usually be other birds close by. 


Those who learn to trust also develop an unconscious air of confidence in God that leads others to follow them.  Would you like to lead others to your heavenly Father?  Then first learn to trust and eat fro His hand, and your life will attract others and you will be able to teach them to trust your God.  "And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men".  Matthew 4:19.


To continue this study, click here.


Copyright EvelynS@2011

Experiencing Nature with a Journal/Notebook

Most homeschool teacher-parents realize the importance of nature as they study with their children.  It teaches so many things --- of science, art, ecology, physical education, observation skills, and of God's care.  With thoughtful attention, even math, history, language arts can be taught in nature.  Treasure and scavenger hunts in the back yard support observation skills and mathematics if designed properly.  And there's no better way for a primary age child to learn how to write the alphabet than with a stick in the sand.  Following famous footsteps, like hiking along the Oregon Trail, combine nature with history.  A well-prepared parent will be full of stories to share as the hike progresses.  Nature provides many opportunities for a teacher-parent to create mini unit studies that enhance learning.  It doesn't need to be difficult or complicated.  Try putting together a one-day unit study that uses nature as the classroom and teaches across the curriculum.  You will be sure to have the interest of all ages!  And after a long winter of dreary days, spring is the perfect time to implement this.

Keeping a nature journal or notebook is an easy way to tie everything together.  I like the idea of using both to implement nature studies.  A small journal with both lined and unlined pages works to write sentences and paragraphs about things observed.  The blank pages work great for sketching, watercolor, or chalk drawings.  And a notebook works great for quick notes and for collections.  Gallon size zip-lock bags, punched with a three-hole punch, make pages.  Using twelve gives students one for each month of the year.  Page dividers, marked January through December, give the child a place to put notebook paper, their zip-lock bag for that month, and handouts from their teacher-parent that might be helpful in their nature study.  Mini field guides, diagrams of the parts of trees or flowers, or scanned photos of birds, animals, or bugs give them guidelines as they search and identify in the outdoors.  Plants and leaves gathered can be brought home to press and dry, and later can be glued or taped to notebook pages and marked according to identifying parts. A story could even be written about the objects in the notebook or about the events leading up to gathering what is shown.  Scripture can be quoted and copied as it pertains to things seen or gathered.  Handwriting practiced.  A camera that takes photos that can be downloaded into a computer and then printed and put in a notebook is a great way for a child to document and learn.  There are no age limits!  From preschool through adulthood, this is a learning adventure that encompasses all ages!  Creative, active, and enriching, a nature notebook is a fun way to enjoy God's creation and apply it to everyday learning and lifestyle.

Summary: Lessons in Decision Making

Lessons in Decision Making:  In the past nine posts, lessons for presenting the principles of decision making have been shared.  This is a summary of those lessons with links to each one.  Hopefully this summarizing post can assist you in presenting these principles and skills to your children.  

Time spent in discussion and practice between parent and child is important as these precepts are taught.


Lesson 1:  Lessons in Decision Making


Lesson2:  Learning about Decisions


Lesson 3:  What is My Will?


Lesson 3B:  A Character Development Story:  I'll Do it Later


Lesson 4:  Determination and Decision Making


Lesson 5:  My Conscience


Lesson 6:  Reason's Role in Decision Making


Lesson 7:  The Three Questions of Decision Making 


Lesson 8:  Keeping Moods and Feelings in their Proper Place


Lesson 9:  Dealing with Peer Pressure

Freedom to Learn

Adults believe that freedom is an inherent right. At the same time, some adults believe that they are the keepers of their children and should be able to control them and tell them exactly what to do. There may be some merit in that way of thinking, but for children to grow and thrive, they need some degree of freedom and flexibility as well. This allows them to grow naturally and achieve much. The Moore Formula approach to learning teaches that within parental guidance and love, giving children the freedom to follow their creative instincts in work, study, and play allows them to find their own inventive genius! And that no one knows better than the teacher-parent where a child’s natural curiosity leads and what their interests are. Taking this journey of exploration together, as parent and child, is an opportunity that when implemented will be one that will be without regret. 

For more on this subject: Home School Burnout, Raymond and Dorothy Moore – Chapter 1

Kids in the Kitchen

I was looking for a letter opener this morning, and found these old photos instead. What memories they bring to my mind! It looks like this was a cooking day for the boys. The eldest looks like he was busy making pin wheel biscuits. And the youngest was trying his hand at a similar recipe where raisins and brown sugar are hidden in the middle of a biscuit before it’s baked. Each bite was like a little surprise when the sweet raisins were found. It was all serious fun and good eats!  Cooking with kids in the kitchen can be a great way to apply learning.  Measuring, reading recipes, following instructions, describing foods and flavors, exploring the senses of touch, taste, and smell are all skills that can be developed with food experiences.  Math, reading, social studies, history, and even spelling can be taught to kids of all ages in a room as familiar as the kitchen.   Add a cooking activity to your lessons plans.  I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

The Alphabet of Christian Experience

The development of character is an important facet of creating a child who is whole and emotionally healthy.  As a homeschool parent, it is important to not only help the child develop intellect through study, and a work ethic by giving opportunities for both useful and gainful employment, but an altruistic spirit by creating opportunities for service to others. Children from tots to teens can purposefully serve others, bringing joy to others lives, and growing beautiful hearts at the same time.  Service to others should be a family focus and an part of every homeschool plan.  Dr. Raymond Moore, sometimes called the grandfather of homeschooling, says that “when united with the heart, the head and hand move out in selfless service to others.  There is no discipline formula that can match this experience of work and service”  [Home School Burnout p. 135].

Implementing work and service into a homeschool program is sometimes called the ‘study, work, and service’ formula.  Applying the ‘study, work, and service’ method of home education can require that a parent-teacher think outside of the box.  Most people think of schoolwork, textbooks, copywork, and the three R’s when they think of a homeschool curriculum.  But, the development of the intellectual is only one facet of education.  When combined with work and service, the academic aspects of homeschooling become one-third of a whole.  In the beginning it takes effort and concentration to figure out exactly how to apply ‘study, work and service’.  It is generally recommended that each aspect receive equal time. Planning purposefully to achieve this goal is essential, although there is room for an ebb and flow in scheduling.   Over time it becomes easier and how it is applied becomes natural and unique to each family.

  

Writer, E. White, speaks of service to others as being a meaningful experience.  She says that “a company of believers. . .may do a work in the home, the neighborhood, the church, and even in ‘the regions beyond’, whose results will be as far-reaching as eternity.”  A few paragraphs later, she applies this principle specifically to the young, saying that “it is because this work is neglected that so many young disciples never advance beyond the mere alphabet of Christian experience”  [Desire of Ages p. 640].  How appropriate that she compares service to the alphabet of Christian experience.  Just as study teaches children the alphabet of academics, Christ’s alphabet reaches farther and deeper, shaping hearts and hands for eternity.

Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister — so should we, by example and instruction.  Everyone is needed, both young and old.  Together as families we can develop a finishing spirit and see a job well done.

Autumn Adventure Day

 

The school year starts in September for most families. The days are beautifully filled with autumn splendor. The sun is bright, but the shadows long on many autumn mornings. It is a great time of year. Every year our family would start studies with much anticipation and energy. After a few weeks the newness would wear off and the children would need a boost (and so would mom!). Every October or November we implemented something that we called “Autumn Adventure Day” — a day whose events were always a surprise for the children. On that morning I would wake the children up, telling them to hurry and get dressed because I had a surprise for them. A backpack for each of them was packed and ready to go, including a packed breakfast and a journal.  It was usually one I made and it was shaped like an apple or pumpkin with a colorful cover on it. We would hit the road, stopping at all sorts of planned adventures along the way. Usually we would include a visit to the children’s grandparents. Along the way we would do things like: pick a bucket of apples in the neighbor’s orchard; stop at a bakery to watch them make bagels; go to a park and identify trees and gather nuts and seeds; jog a lap or two around a running track; go to Grandma’s house for a story she would read; go to a tea room for lunch and learn manners; to the other grandma’s house for cookies and a nature lesson; and so on. The time line was scheduled and filled with many fun, short activities. The children would record events in their journal in the car between events. Zip lock bags were included in their backpack for collecting nature objects. And a camera was given as well, for recording things that weren’t easy to draw or write about. The journals became more sophisticated over the years — being age-appropriate as the children grew.  Our autumn adventures were chock full of learning activities and events, all mixed with a great deal of fun.  Each autumn the children would look forward to this ‘surprise’ day with much anticipation.


I highly recommend thinking outside of the box! It’s how memories are made! What a blessing it is to be the teacher of one’s own children. Having an autumn adventure day is just one way of making it a fun and happy experience.