I’m convinced that all a kid needs to have fun in nature is a stick, some rocks, a body of water, and a friend or two (or five) to play with. Nothing more. Photos taken this morning at Shadow Cliffs Regional Park, Pleasanton.
Category Archives: Homeschooling
Stop, Look, Listen, Observe
This afternoon we attended a family nature walk, a free naturalist-led event held in the Tilden Nature Area in the Berkeley hills. I couldn’t resist the event description… “Natural beauty, strange creatures and curious plants reveal themselves to those who seek such wonders.” We walked for two hours, slowly ambling along, observing the little thingsContinue reading “Stop, Look, Listen, Observe”
Water Drops
We’re on day four of much-needed rain here in the Bay Area. My son didn’t feel like going outside today at all, preferring instead to remain inside, constructing Lego farm buildings. I was able to coax him out for a few minutes between rain showers to look for water drops on the plants. NowContinue reading “Water Drops”
Outdoor Art: Sidewalk Chalk Drawing
For a quick, easy outdoor activity, I keep a bag of sidewalk chalk on our front porch. We were home sick yesterday, and drawing on the front walkway with chalk was about the only outside activity my son felt up for. I like this kind of art for its simplicity. Give child chalk, send outside,Continue reading “Outdoor Art: Sidewalk Chalk Drawing”
How do YOU connect with nature?
Originally posted on LEARN FROM NATURE:
Nature Wallpaper (Photo credit: tiltti) Tell me here or at Learn From Nature According to Richard Louv, you are part of the New Nature Movement if … You want to reconnect with real life in a virtual age. You’re a student who’s decided to build a career connecting people…
Our Neighborhood Walk
My boy wasn’t feeling well yesterday and didn’t have much energy. After playing inside the house all morning, by the early afternoon, he was ready for some fresh air. He asked to go on one of our favorite outings… a walk around the neighborhood. We’ve put together several walks from our home over the pastContinue reading “Our Neighborhood Walk”
Take Reading Time Outside
Today is Read Across America Day, and the forecast is for sunshine throughout the Bay Area. We’re going to celebrate by taking reading time outside today. Join us! Pick a favorite book or two, find a sunny, warm location, and, well, simply read to your child. Not sure where to go? Here are a fewContinue reading “Take Reading Time Outside”
Outdoor Art: Splatter Painting
Allow your child to channel their inner Jackson Pollock with this fun, messy painting activity. This art is made to be done outside, as no sane parent would allow it to take place in the house! Materials: Tempera paint Containers for paint (plastic cups, recycled jars, etc) Large paint brushes Masking tape Large plastic sheet,Continue reading “Outdoor Art: Splatter Painting”
Rainy Day Backyard Play
It’s finally raining! The easiest way to have some outside play on a rainy day is to put on raincoats and rainboots and send the kids into the backyard. Our backyard is tiny (only 10′ x 30′), but it’s more than large enough for some rainy day fun. My boy will stay outside for thirtyContinue reading “Rainy Day Backyard Play”
Exploring Nature with Your Baby: 6 Tips
The sight of leaves blowing in the wind, the scent of flowers, the feel of grass, the sound of bird song… these are just a few of the wonderful outdoor sensory experiences available for any baby to enjoy. Getting outside is good for both baby and parent… the more often, the better. WhenContinue reading “Exploring Nature with Your Baby: 6 Tips”
Nature Classes and Programs
A few times each month, I schedule some outdoor time through naturalist-led classes and programs. My son loves these classes, and, the best part, they take the pressure off of me for a couple hours. To be honest, I can’t answer all of the questions my son asks me while we’re out wandering in nature. Continue reading “Nature Classes and Programs”
Outside Play, Every Day
Getting outside every day is a necessity for me, both for my physical and emotional health. I begin to feel a little, well, off when I’ve been inside too long, and I’ve noticed my son is the same way. I can get sucked into staying in the house as easily as the next mom, lettingContinue reading “Outside Play, Every Day”
hike.wander.wonder 