Homeschooling tips Incorporating Art in your Nature Studies: Wildlife Wednesday

I participate on Wednesday with Kathy Balman @Kathy's Cluttered Mind and Master Books at Creation Conversations to bring you Wildlife Wednesday. We share our adventures in nature and information about encounters with God's beautiful creation.

*affiliate links may be present in this post - see disclosure page

We do a lot of different nature & wildlife activities. One of the best things we've incorporated into our homeschool nature studies - is art. It's fun and interesting, it helps the boys remember what they have seen. It reinforces what they have learned either out in the field or in studies afterward.

Incorporating art into our studies adds another layer of depth to our adventures outdoors. Our art can be very simple - in the form of a drawing or sketch in a simple notebook. Or it can be as extravagant as a sculpture, painting, or recreation/model about our experience.

Students can create a collage out of natural elements, or they can put one together from pictures in magazines (great for little ones). Art is a wonderful way to bring geography into your studies as well. You can learn a lot about culture, climate, and the people from any area on the globe, by studying the animals who call it home.

Using art in your nature studies requires the participants to take a closer look at the subject and allows for in depth discussions about God's incredible creation. It gives the opportunity to stop and appreciate the intricate details implemented by a loving and omniscient Designer.

You don't have to have a lot of complicated supplies to enjoy art and nature with your children. Start with a few basics such as a sketch pad and an art set with various mediums to try.

Suggestions:
Simple art tools
Sketch pads & Journals

Link up your own wildlife and nature posts and be Pinned to the Master Books Wildlife Wednesday pinboard and shared around the web. Please provide a link back to this post in order to spread the word!

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Rhythm - Once upon a summer in Southwest Florida

"O" is for . . . Once upon a summer 

Rhythm 

We finish up the morning and afternoon activities, a bit of school, time at the pool, picking up sea shells while walking on the beach. I hurry into the house and get dinner started. I brush sand off my feet the best I can, and don't worry too much about the rest. The floor needs cleaning anyways. I know I'll get to it one day here soon. 

The thunder rolls across southwest Florida as the summer storms it's way into our life. 
The air is thick with salty humidity. The smell brings back memories of childhood visits to the island that remained in my heart from the moment I'd set foot on it. I knew then, I was home. 

I close my eyes and breathe deeply, the salty air of my youth as I say a quick prayer for the one I love to remain safe.

 Across the water, he watches carefully as the next afternoon storm rolls in. The Captain's eye is sharp and he is accustomed to the weather. He takes in  the sky black as night, with intermittent rays of light and bright streaks reflecting off the water and bouncing off the dark clouds. He presses on. 

He's tired. He works, this man, in the hot sun all day. He's fulfilling his lifelong dream - a fisherman; He's fulfilling mine as well. 






Once upon a summer dream, a little girl said a prayer. I smile, remembering.  

I call the children to come in, all 3 boys dirty from head to toe with tad poles in hand, lizards in tow and an egg sack or two they have found. They are in search of a container to use as a home for their new friends. 

The sweat rolls down their faces, big blue eyes shine with excitement from the afternoons adventures. Their spirit is not dampened as the rain falls yet again. 

They know it will bring more tad poles. 




As the storm looms, ominously in the sky, the house shakes with the deep rumble of thunder. Bad as it may look, I know this too shall pass, and there is light shining there, beyond the storm. 




The steady rain begins to fall. I stop to take notice how it moves across the water, and travels across the flat landscape; sometimes raining on one side of the street, and not the other. 

The water pools, as it begins to pour and the ground is saturated once again. All the brown from winter is gone now, and has been replaced with the deep, rich green of summer. 












The heavy rains wash away the heat of the day, not completely, but enough.

 It is fresh. I smile, thinking about how the washing away - really does make everything new. 

As the pounding rain slows to a pitter-patter and the afternoon storm rolls on by. The southwest Florida sky shows promise of another colorful sunset. 







There may be time yet, to run down to the beach and catch sight of it as the sun sinks below the horizon. With dark clouds moved on, we may even get to see the illusive green flash.

 Maybe we will, but we won't rush. 

One way or the other we'll peek outside to see what the summer sky has to offer. We'll soak up another evening sunset painted by the hand of God himself, especially for us. 

I bow my head in a moment of gratitude. I breathe the salt air, and I remember my childhood prayer; To live near my island and have a family of my own. Once upon a summer . . . a little girl prayed. 

Our boys run by, stopping only for a second, to notice the sun dipping down below the water's edge. 

This is the rhythm of summer in southwest Florida. 

stop

Confession: I wrote for more than 5 min. I stopped timing because the words poured out - from my heart. 

Linking with -

A holy experience

5 min Friday @thegypsymama
Blogging through the Alphabet

Freshly Brewed Life

#tellHisStory

5 days of summer . . . Adventure for boys: Extreme sports for the family

I'm joining Sarah Robinson of  Sidetracked Sarah and the team of the "5 days of series" to talk about various topics under the heading 5daysof summer . . . The topics range from summer recipes, games, and crafts for the kids to 5 days of summer . . . for Mom (and everything fun in between). Beginning June 17 - 21 we will be blogging about all things summer.  My topic of choice is 5 days of summer . . . adventure for boys. The specific titles are listed below. I do hope you will follow along to be encouraged, inspired and to get ideas for a summer full of adventure! 

*affiliate links are present in this post - see disclosure 

• Benefits of outdoor adventure  
• Getting out with little ones - where to start
• Exploring in style - outfitted for adventure 
• Boys and camping - printable camp checklist 
• Extreme sports - introducing your kids to  BIG Adventure (safely)

My husband and I spent our honeymoon whitewater rafting through the jungle in Costa Rica. It was there we became pregnant with our first son, and our life of adventure, travel, and excitement abruptly took a major turn. We went from daring and free to "they'll never let me skydive with a baby strapped to my back" in the blink of an eye.  

We wanted a family. We just didn't expect it to begin so quickly. Yet, there we were, on our 1 year anniversary, with a 2 month old baby in our arms. We spent that anniversary with a quiet evening at home eating lobster. It was nice, and we were happy, but it sure was a change. 

It wasn't too terribly long before the adventure bug was biting again. We found ways to take our little guy with us. He was boating and island hopping as soon as he could hold his head up. Boy #2 was only a couple of years behind him and before we knew it, we were a family of 5. 

What exactly is extreme adventure for families? How does that look differently from our prior adventures? Well, the number one difference is the amount of equipment that is required to haul around. With a family, you don't just take off to go wilderness camping and wing it. You have to plan, and haul stuff. You also have to have an emergency "out". 

Whether we are headed off on a road trip adventure or out into the wilderness, we always have a plan to check in with a responsible family member. If they don't hear from us at the appropriate times - they know where to come looking. 

Adventures are only truly fun when they are safe. Planning, research and common sense can take care of that in a flash. 

Although you cannot indeed, jump out of an airplane with an infant or toddler strapped to your back, you can paddle a river with them in a canoe or kayak. 

As a matter of fact, the sooner you introduce them to the idea that these outdoor adventures are a way of life, a special "family hobby" or an inherited lifestyle - the simpler it is when introducing new activities. 

Enjoying extreme adventure with the family can be affordable. Often times there is an initial investment to spend on equipment that will last as long as you take care of it. If it provides countless hours of enjoyment and family bonding, it is totally worth it. 

Extreme defined: 

It is what you make of it! A bike ride can be just a bike ride, or a cycling adventure. A camping trip can be just a camping trip - or a wilderness adventure. Like life - it is what you make of it and you can pursue outdoor adventure at your own level and pace . . . together, as a family. 

Why extreme? 

• Fun and challenging 
• Forms strong family bonds 
• Develops self esteem and confidence 
• Get's families out in God's creation together 
• Memories that last a life time 
• Traditions to be passed on through generations

What kinds of "extreme" activities are easily adapted for families? 

• Biking/ cycling adventures on trails and tracks through woods, mountains and paths 
• Kayaking in oceans & down rivers 
• Hiking - start early with family walks and gradually lengthen them 

• Family camping in campgrounds and resorts 
• Wilderness camping (rivers, islands, mountains) 
• Skiing - water and snow 
• Surfing & body-boarding 

Whitewater rafting/ Elkhorn Creek, KY - Class I & II 

• Whitewater rafting- Class I - Class III (most places it's not legal to do Class IV with young kids) 
• Tubing 
• Spelunking - exploring caves 
• Rock climbing - real or simulated (takes expertise but can be done safely)

• Paddleboarding 
• Canoeing - rivers, lakes and creeks 
• Fishing (yes, this can be an extreme sport too)  
• Snorkeling

To put a little excitement into your summer - get out and try some of these (or your own) ideas for extreme family adventure. There are special bonds created when you step out into the unknown together and discover something new in God's wonderful creation. 

Be safe - and enjoy making memories that will last a lifetime! 

A fun & informative book to help prepare you: 

Outdoor Parents Outdoor Kids: A Guide to Getting Your Kids Active in the Great Outdoors

Giveaway: 

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Wildlife Wednesday - Nature study link up for Master Books

I participate on Wednesday with Kathy Balman @Kathy's Cluttered Mind and Master Books at Creation Conversations to bring you Wildlife Wednesday. We share our adventures in nature and information about encounters with God's beautiful creation.

This week:

Are you getting out to the beach this summer?
It's a great opportunity to take a closer look at God's Creation with the kids

Read full article and get FREE: Florida from Aa-Zz Printable Unit Study

on the Creation Conversations site here

Link up your own wildlife and nature posts and be Pinned to the Master Books Wildlife Wednesday pinboard and shared around the web. Please provide a link back to this post in order to spread the word!

Grab the button below or use a text link back please:

5 days of Summer . . . Adventure for boys: Getting out with little ones

I'm joining Sarah Robinson of  Sidetracked Sarah and the team of the "5 days of series" to talk about various topics under the heading 5daysof summer . . . The topics range from summer recipes, games, and crafts for the kids to 5 days of summer . . . for Mom (and everything fun in between). Beginning June 17 - 21 we will be blogging about all things summer.  My topic of choice is 5 days of summer . . . adventure for boys. The specific titles are listed below. I do hope you will follow along to be encouraged, inspired and to get ideas for a summer full of adventure! 


*affiliate links are present in this post - read full disclosure here

• Benefits of outdoor adventure  
• Getting out with little ones - where to start
• Exploring in style - outfitted for adventure 
• Boys and camping - printable camp checklist 
• Extreme sports - introducing your kids to  BIG Adventure (safely)

Getting started with little ones 

Moms tell me all the time "I'm just not outdoorsy". But, getting out for adventure with your boys doesn't have to be an extreme sport. Nature walks are a great place to start.

You can make it more exciting by calling it an "adventure hike"  an "exploration" or an "excursion".
My boys love to carry a backpack with a water bottle, binoculars, field journal and snacks. They always look for a special hiking stick as part of the fun on our adventures.

Start them young and teach them to keep a sharp look out for wildlife to enjoy. Use over exaggerated movements and whispering voices to teach them to walk softly and speak quietly out in nature. This is your best shot at being able to view special animals in creation.

Take time to notice the details. God's fingerprints are everywhere in nature. If you slow down and look carefully, you will see the hand of the Divine Designer on His wondrous creation. 

Summertime Adventures for Boys and the Family -from JMCremps has loads of supplies for backyard fun, beach toys, metal detecting (e.g. "treasure hunting"). It is fun to spice things up a bit and add special gear for your adventures when possible. But, a quiet walk  hike in the woods, an adventurous spirit, and an eye for detail is all it really takes.

You never know what adventure a bike ride down the local nature trail my bring. 
These Florida Scrub Jays (which are protected) just flew up and landed on our hat, hand, and bikes when we stopped for a water break. It was an amazing experience and an adventure memory we cherish. Remember, don't feed the wildlife. It is imperative for their own safety and sometimes yours. We would not have been touching these birds, except that they just flew up and landed right on us. Exciting stuff! 

You don't have to go far for some big adventure. Start small in your own yard or neighborhood park. But, be sure to get outside this summer and make special memories. Your boys will thank you! 

                     5 days of Summer . . . 

Red, White, & Blue - Sarah

Adventure 4 Boys  - Kelli

(Summer) Travel   - Tabitha

Camping Fun - Stephanie

(Summer) Fun - Laurie

(Summer) Learning - Monique

(Summer) Organizing - Sherri

Love for Mom - Christy

Little Style - Julie

(Summer) Salads - Becky

(Summer) Picnics - Jen

(Summer) Reading- Jamie

The Giveaway: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wildlife Wednesday: Close encounters (a little too close)

I participate on Wednesday with Kathy Balman @Kathy's Cluttered Mind and Master Books at Creation Conversations to bring you Wildlife Wednesday. We share our adventures in nature and information about encounters with God's beautiful creation.

Also participating with Real Life Homeschooling

This week:

Our friendly neighborhood gopher tortoise paid us another visit. This time he actually got in the house. He's been trying for quite awhile (kidd you not). He came up onto our back porch and scratched at the glass door (again) and then walked on down the patio.

I went out to take his picture and shoo him off my porch. I squatted down to take his picture . . . and he charged right at me - past me and right into the house! I was so shocked, I couldn't hardly get out of his way. I was tripping over myself to keep from stepping on him.

My son grabbed him for me and put him out. He'd been digging in the yard. You can see all the dirt on his back. I think he just decided he'd had enough and wanted in the "ready made" house. I am not sure why he isn't afraid.

It is not the first time he has paid us a visit. But, it is the first time, and hopefully the last time he actually got in the house!

We love our nature studies, but next time we'll study with the door shut. We always love exploring God's Creation - and that is working for us. I just have to remember wildlife is NOT predictable, and if a tortoise is scratching at the door like he wants to come in . . . he does!

Real Life opportunities like this are not to be missed. We take full advantage of them and dig in to our studies to learn more about the creatures we find on our adventures. This one found us!
(Linking with Real Life Homeschooling here)

Free wildlife resources:

Gopher Tortoise coloring page here

Gopher Tortoise burrow coloring page here

Read more about the Florida Gopher Tortoise here

Kathy @Kathy'sClutteredMind has written a beautiful post all about spring and summer babies you'll not want to miss. Our summer baby was a baby gopher tortoise. As always - Kathy has wonderful freebies for your homeschool included!

Our baby:

Visit the Creation Conversations Wildlife Wednesday group page to read Kathy's new article and to find valuable resources for your homeschool.

Link up your own wildlife and nature posts and be Pinned to the Master Books Wildlife Wednesday pinboard and shared around the web. Please provide a link back to this post in order to spread the word!

Grab the button below or use a text link:

Wildlife Wednesday: Leaping Lizards . . . and other such wildlife in my house!

I participate on Wednesday with Kathy Balman @Kathy's Cluttered Mind and Master Books at Creation Conversations to bring you Wildlife Wednesday. We share our adventures in nature and information about encounters with God's beautiful creation.

This week: 

Ll is for . . . Leaping Lizards . . . in my house! 
#letter of the week with Ben and Me

I'd love to tell you that our house isn't always full of bugs, reptiles, and amphibians - but to my chagrin, it would simply not be truthful. With 3 little boys running in and out of the house throughout most of the day, and with all the exploring I've encouraged, coupled with the hands on learning style we enjoy - I suppose it was inevitable that I would amass a collection of God's rather "interesting" critters. 

Um, yes, that is my lovely Daysprings lantern . . . with a lizard in it. 

Believe it or not, it wasn't all that long ago we had several scorpions as family pets. No, I'm not kidding. They actually turned out to be pretty interesting. 

Did you know that scorpions give birth to about 25 - 35 babies at a time?  They live on the mother's back for a couple of weeks until after the first molting. Interesting, huh? 

Read more about these critters, get links with free videos and information about how these critters of ours  point to the design of the Creator - on the Creation Conversations Wildlife Wednesday site here. 

Link up your own wildlife and nature posts and be Pinned to the Master Books Wildlife Wednesday pinboard and shared around the web. Please provide a link back to this post in order to spread the word!

Grab the button below or use a text link: