To learn more about our environment, start local! Can you identify any trees in your neighborhood? Can your children? In this exercise, kids will do a little research about local trees, and make an identification guide of the trees they find. You might be surprised how quickly kids can learn to identify trees by their leaves, seeds, bark, and overall shape!
Visiting Chicago this winter, we took advantage of the cold snow to talk about Arctic Animals, and how they are protected from the cold weather. We decided to do the classic “blubber” experiment, using the scientific method (which they have been learning recently!). Continue reading
I am a strong proponent of getting kids outside, no matter what the temperature. As long as we’re dressed appropriately, I let the kids play in the freezing snow in Chicago, or at the park in 100+° in humid Houston- and I love to help them observe how nature changes with the weather. Last spring we made a duct tape bracelet on a nature hike, gathering treasures along the way. I wanted to display their nature collection this winter (on a visit to Chicago) and we found a great way to do so: ice sun catchers. Winter crafts for kids are more fun when you get the kids outside!
Posted in Around the World, Arts and Crafts
Tagged Earth Day, education, environment, outdoors, seasons, winter
Do you want to have a blast with your kids- getting fresh air and exercise, while they explore and learn about maps and geography? Geocaching is a world-wide hide-and-seek treasure hunt, and anyone with a GPS (or smart phone!) can participate. Continue reading
Posted in Around the World, Field Trips and Travel, Geography
Grab a roll of duct tape and put on some old shoes, we’re going on a nature hike!
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Posted in Around the World, Arts and Crafts, Celebrations, Field Trips and Travel
Tagged Earth Day, education, environment, outdoors, seasons, spring
Despite the ubiquitous GPS devices, map-reading skills are important and necessary. Obviously being able to read a map can help you on your way, but also the ability to imagine looking down from above improves spatial intelligence. Howard Gardener, a renowned developmental psychologist, professor, and author proposed the theory of multiple intelligences in 1983. According to Dr. Gardner, our schools and society focus most of their attention on logical-mathematical intelligence and linguistic intelligence (math and reading). However, he argues that teachers and parents should also encourage the other intelligences: bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic, and spatial. This map-making, map-reading activity does just that- with a sweet treat as a reward! Continue reading
