March Hike: Oh, So Green

We went on two wonderful hikes this week.  One was new to me, but the other we hiked about two years ago.  I couldn't help but notice how much greener our trek was this time.  Perhaps hiking in March rather than very hot summer months or the nice few days of rain we had a few weeks ago.  Hmm... Either one: it was oh, so green! Just getting ready for St. Patrick's day around here ; )

 

Impromptu Flower Dissection

My nature loving 10yr old daughter had a great time earning her 'Flowers' pin with her Keepers of the Faith group last spring that she requested to do some more botany this year; so, mama complied.  I found a great book: Look At A Flower by Anne Ophelia Dowden.  She's gently reading through this title and has a few others by the same author waiting (if she fancies more botany).  The book is about 100 pages and Dowden is known for her Botany illustrations. 

Science can be very much driven by interest around here.  I've designated a 'Nature Study', 'Natural History' and a 'Science' day on the schedule.  Really this gives them quiet a few days during the week to indulge on topics and books that they've chosen for the year.  Many times these become intertwined.  The books are available and science notebooks handy and, well, of they go to enjoy.  Narrations are always wonderful; my nature girl is always eager to tell me what she's learned.  Connections with her Co-Op Nature Study/Science reader on insects is icing on her delight.

I've been patiently waiting for the day she'd get curious enough to want to see the parts of the flower that she has been eagerly telling me about.  I knew she was getting close to finishing the section on "Flower Parts".  This week was it.  She picked a Hibiscus flower off the ground from our back yard, brought it in, grabbed her magnifier and asked for my help in making a good cut down the middle of the flower.

Botany: flower dissection complete! 

"The Living Page" Book Discussion Post 2: Nature Notebooks

Nature notebooks...what can I say...they have become dear friends in our education.  Those who are first introduced to Charlotte Mason always gravitate to her prescribed "Nature Study" and time outdoors.  Bestvater gently reminds us:

"Thus, it would seem that from the beginning, the Nature Notebook was not just about dry air brush technique or a sweet Victorian pastime, rather it was a symbol of much of Mason's pedagogy: her respect for children, her early leanings toward "scouting," and her commitment to the outdoor classroom and nature as teacher." pg 19

She fills this section with quotes from various sources, including Mason's own works.  I, myself, gravitated to nature study very quickly and have been so grateful to have found the worth in using the outdoors as classroom.  I loved reading Volume 1 Home Education and finding those bits of wisdom which validated the essence and abilities of the young child.  Specifically, as Bestvater notes (emphasis mine):

"The Nature Notebooks represent a way of life-a lifetime habit formed "as soon as he is able" but essentially an approach to Nature and consequently, to Science, indeed all of life, through the habit." pg 19

I've gone back and checked my post labels and discovered that one third of my post have something to do with "Nature."  It was a wonderful for me to see that because a lot of our learning happens outdoors.  Our nature walks/hikes always brings out the best curiosity in my children and this always translates into wanting to know more. 

These are some samples from my children's notebooks.  A few of my nature loving kids have already filled a few notebooks or have been so lovingly used that they've come apart.  So as you can tell from the top picture we continue to try new notebooks and so far these have held well.  I'm happy with the blue notebook because it is thread bound and has few pages.  I bought this as a three pack blank page notebook from Target.  I like it because it's sturdy for my 5 yr old and it is not overwhelming.  They are thin and as he grows up the notebook will change ; )

The idea of Nature Notebook Lists is not new as a concept to me but I'll shyly admit not one that I practice.  I was at the doctor's office with my nature loving 10 yr old daughter while I read to her this small section.  We were both happy to hear:

"The lists seem to vary slightly for plants and birds (and likely insects); perhaps they even varied among students, suggesting that there is more than one way to record what was wanted." pg 23

A list can be and become what we choose.  Hurray, takes some pressure off being just right.  Then again...so it is with our nature notebooks.  The lists have just become one of those things that I've been afraid to commit too.  She was inspired and has been planning how to add her list of insects (since she is currently reading Memoria Press' Book of Insects Reader which includes Arabella Buckley's "Eyes and No Eyes: Book VI, Insect Life") to the end of her nature notebook. 

The next section talks about Scrapbooks/Collections.  I've never required that the kids collect or keep their finds.  Somehow this too just naturally comes about.  So, I began to have a nature study table where the kids can bring their collections from walks and let them "hang out" for the season.  If the treasures are able they will end up in a mason jar...in a collection of sorts...and a few have even began to hide their treasures in their notebooks...

The last point I want to mention is the idea of Nature and Outdoor Clubs.  Bestvater mentions the role they had CM schools/groups.  I do love this. 

"Collecting is less about amassing finds than ensuring this personal connection.  This is supported by bringing together likeminded friends and useful resources." pg 24

If you recall I wrote a small post of our attempts at such a group.  While our MeetUp group didn't last our CM-CoOp continued the spirit.  We meet once a month specifically for Nature Study/Science.  Our kids divide into two groups.  The moms leading are prepared with appropriate reading(s) and even presentations sometime.  At the end of our session both groups are working in their nature notebooks.  Our reading/talk sometimes inspires their nature finds other times it is just what moves them, but an entry is made before they are off to play in the outdoors.  I love this idea because I do have a few children who don't always race to their notebooks so this at least gives them the opportunity to consistently make an entry.

Don't forget to follow the discussion here too:

Wildflowers and Marbles
 

An Anniversary Post

Last week my husband and I had a very rare opportunity.  We were able to take a two day, one night get away...without the kids!  The occasion; celebrating our 15th anniversary.  In just that small amount of time we were able to fit in some of our favorite activities: hiking, beach time, exploring, dining, and wine tasting.

MISSION FALLS TRAIL in SANTA BARBARA



This was us relaxing on a big boulder under a large canopy oak tree at the end of our hike.  It was amazing!

ARROYO BURRO BEACH in SANTA BARBARA

LOS OLIVOS and SANTA YNEZ VALLEY (Zaca Station Rd.)

While in Solvang, we toured the Santa Ynez Mission and were very lucky to have the priest give us an anniversary blessing.  It meant so much to both of us.  I hope you don't mind but I just wanted to post a picture of us 15 years ago a few months after our wedding on our first trip to Sequoia National Park (for prosperity's sake):

 

We discovered that even after 15 years we still enjoy the exact same outdoor things to do together...we also found ourselves scouting for possible day trips with the kids and planning a few family camping/road trips for the rest of the year.  They would certainly enjoy the nature trails and oh, the things we could talk about.  The books we could read.  Funny how my mind works 15 yrs later;  CM, nature study, books, living education...love it!

Early Saturday Morn...

we set off for a stroll at our nearby Botanical Gardens.  They open at 7:00 am.  The kids dragged a bit at first but once we were there they had so much to find and be amazed.  By the time we were ready to leave, some had already scouted a small trail to hike...

 

maybe next time.  The rest of us really wanted some breakfast ; )  Never to early for some nature loving though!

To Start the Year ...

A hike to Paradise Falls.  We couldn't resist the great weather we've been having in the middle of winter ; ) 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!  WELCOME 2014