What’s Happening Wednesday
March 17th, 2010 | Author: Shannon
Rhode Island
The Providence Children’s Museum is open from 5-7pm this Friday the 19th and it’s FREE! Oh it’s so fun!
Coastal Growers Farmers Market is having a fundraiser this Saturday at the Lafayette Mill in North Kingstown 7-10 pm. Great way to bring in the spring!
Around the Internet
From the Children and Nature Network… What’s Your State Doing to get Children into Nature?
The Let’s Move campaign is asking for your suggestions. Might I remind you that the plan is lacking one great link to…. you got it NATURE!
The Active Kids Club is seeking friends! Check out this video on all the fun they are having! Now who wants to stay indoors?
With spring coming I think we’re all ready to romp and stomp outside, but here are the pictures from one mom’s adventure with her kids… so much fun!
Tastefully timed tribute to the potato! Happy Saint Patty’s Day friends, now sit down and bake a tater!
Slow down folks! Here’s a great reason why… we miss so much when we’re running here and there.
If you’re thinking towards school next fall for a soon-to-be-preschooler (like me!) or re-evaluating educational choices… think about the places where education is free!
Back Home in My Backyard
We planted grass for our Easter baskets! Here’s how… and yes, we did this in our kitchen not our backyard….
Yesterday we spent a grand total of… can you guess? 6 hours in our backyard! Here’s what we did:
- Cleaned up pine branches that had fallen in the rainy, windy storm earlier this week.
- Ran barefoot.
- Made mud pies and mud puddles and got totally dirty.
- Looked for signs of spring we found 1) daffodils and tulips coming up, 2) a small iris flowering, 3) garlic shoots in the garden, and 4) buds on the trees.
- We planted lettuce seeds (and I am planning to plant spinach today).
- Played- our jungle gym turned into a myriad of wonderful things courtesy of the children’s magnificent imaginations.
- When we were tired, we took a “nap” in the backyard on blankets (but didn’t actually sleep because it was too exciting!
Our chickens are producing eggs… yesterday we got two perfect blue eggs and two perfect brown eggs. My son says that the blue eggs are just for him… laid by his special chicken.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day my friends… as a tribute to the day, get grass stains!
My Goals for Getting Outside
March 15th, 2010 | Author: Shannon
Debi over at Go Explore Nature gave me this idea, so I figured after the thrill of thinking about it, I’d share my discovery with you!
Our Backyard
We currently spend at least an hour a day outside, usually more… I want to keep this going.
I also want to explore our backyard more by:
- making a nature trail through our woods
- expanding our vegetable garden
- building a sunflower house (ref. Roots, Boots, Buckets and Shoots)
- having many backyard cook outs
- camping out in our pine forest this summer
- pick blueberries while canoeing on our pond
Local Exploration
We have an incredible number of local hiking places, yet we have so much fun at home, we rarely venture out… I want to:
- canoe or kayak down the Wood River
- wade in tide pools at low tide
- hike in Ninigrit Park
- visit Kettle Pond
- hike and take pictures at Trustom Pond through the seasons
- go to Normon Bird Sanctuary
- swim in the ocean
- take the ferry to Block Island
Further A Field
These are long term goals, so if I only get to one or two this year, I’ll feel successful but I’ve enjoyed thinking about some adventures for me and my little tree climber.
- go on an overnight backpacking trip with my son
- drive across country staying at National Parks and camp grounds
- go snowshoeing or cross country skiing in really deep snow
- visit organic or biodynamic farms locally and across the country
I’m excited, stir crazy and rearing to head outside!
What’s Happening Wednesday
March 10th, 2010 | Author: Shannon
Rhode Island
There is a Maple Syrup Festival at the Tomaquag Indian Museum, Exeter RI this Saturday at 1 pm.
I joined the wonderful PlayWatch listserve this week. It’s facilitated by the Children’s Museum of Providence. Contact playwatch-request@LISTSERV.URI.EDU to subscribe.
Other then that, do check out the KidoInfo for ideas for great things to do with the children!
Best of all… spend sometime outside, playing, getting dirty, going to the beach in any weather… be creative imaginative and free!
Around the Web
Need some gardening tips? The Veggie Gardener has it all! Links to 15 great gardening blogs!
PBS discusses the importance of the creative process for children and goes on AT LENGTH about the importance of play! Play is learning!!
Even with our busy lifestyles, it’s still possible to turn to Mother Nature for a healthy, wholesome… dare I say “green” meal. Here is some food for thought!
Another obstacle to nature-play, skyrocketing park-entrance fees in CT- can we really afford to make nature unaffordable?
Ever have kids that just don’t want to go outside? Yeah, we all do. Here are some tips to get reluctant kids outdoors!
We’ve been talking about building our little tree climber a tree-house, and then I came across this post from Slow Family Online and yes, I am so inspired!
Spring is really a time of new beginnings… I have been noticing the bulbs and buds peaking out from their winter hiding places. Part of this newness means new goals. Here’s some outdoor goals from Go Explore Nature!
We’ve been making mud pies this week, have you? It’s so fun and educational also!
Back Home in My Backyard
I have been feeling a little under the weather this week… but fortunately, that’s not all that bad because the weather has been spectacular.
On Monday my son wanted to take out our little pool to splash in the water… it was only 50 degrees my friends, but he’s ready! Yesterday I let him have an early tubby time, so he got in some water play.
I worked with my under 4 year old crew of gardeners spreading composted manure and seaweed on our garden area. It was so fun to be outside in a t-shirt working in the dirt!
I DID IT! I really put in my seed order and my moose tuber (seed potato and onion sets) In a few weeks the good will arrive and then….
we’ll have to wait to May to put most stuff in the ground.
So, all you folks out there planting seeds, playing in the dirt, waiting for veggies to grow. Oh how I wish I live in a different climate zone!
I have spent a minimum of 3 hours a day this week in my backyard… so I am a very happy Backyard Mama!
See you next week and have fun outside!
What’s Happening Wednesday
March 3rd, 2010 | Author: Shannon
Rhode Island
It’s maple syrup season!! Head over to Tomaquag Indian Museum March 13th, at 1 pm for Harvest of Maple Syrup. (30 Summit St. Exeter)
Maybe your three year old would enjoy a trip to RISD. Here’s one success story!
Don’t forget about the upcoming RI Families in Nature Hike on March 20th at Trustom Pond in S. Kingstown. (One of my favorite places!)
The Audobon Society of Rhode Island is working to connect folks with nature. There are tons of wonderful naturey things to do through them, and they have scholarships for schools who want to take kids on trips!
Around the Web
Every heard yourself say ” it’s too or I don’t ….. to go outside?” Here are answers to all the excuses so tomorrow is full of nature play!
Take Action! New Jersey congressman has introduced a Farm to School bill.. wow kids eating healthy food at school!… the bill needs sponsors. Call your congress folks today!
Good stuff folks all parents of young children read this! Needs of a three year old… sweet peace!
Wouldn’t these container gardens be great in an early childhood classroom? Can you imagine the glee of little ones eating fresh peas right out of containers they helped make? Try it and let me know!
I’ve been doing some homework on the Let’s Move campaign of First Lady Michele Obama two complains: where’s the recess? and where’s the nature?
Under ever good parent (or adult) is a WILD CHILD… take a walk on the wild side for National Wildlife Week! Yeah!
Try to squeeze a few of these great winter activities into your upcoming Green Hours… cause spring is just around the corner!
Back Home in My Backyard
I love my backyard… the play area is fenced in as a container for children, but it’s expansive and free, not a typical boundary.
We spend a good three hours outside today… even spread some manure on the garden! I got my hands dirty!!!
We also: played in the sandbox, used “tonka” diggers to move the compost, ate a picnic lunch on the back porch, okay foxtail and kick ball, got muddy and tired and trekked dirt through the house.
I must confess folks, I have not yet put in my full seed order… this week I promise! It’s started, the forms filled out… it need to get from the desk to the mailbox, or I really want to just fill it in online.
It’s a good day folks. See you next week!
Play Fosters Learning
March 2nd, 2010 | Author: Shannon
Indoor play areas can be imbued with natural colors and objects that come from nature or reflect the natural world.
This picture is of our play area and this gateway serves as a doorway into the incredible world of the beaming imaginations of young children.
This area has been:
~ A doctors office.
~ A library.
~ A restaurant/ coffee shop/ bakery.
~ A fire station with rescue workers poised and ready.
~ A construction site.
It changes daily and these young ones are learning so many vital skills as they create and re-create stories. They see themselves as heroes and heroin.
I’ve been reading through early childhood materials that act as a guideline for what teachers are “supposed to do” in their classrooms. This kind of play fosters:
Language development- as the children communicate with one another they are listening, comprehending and speaking.
Literacy- as they learn to tell stories they become interested in writing stories and see their story as book worthy.
Mathematics- the spatial relationships between items and object and the materials teach geometry and patters.
Creative Arts- this is dramatic play where the children see themselves as others and take on roles.
Social and Emotional Development- as the children play together in their world, “un- adulterated” they are learning to cooperate, self- regulate, and have social relationships with peers.
Approaches to Learning- they are interested and curious, engaged and persistent and are finding their own solutions as they use these other skill domains.
Physical Health- these play stands are moved and removed and covered and uncovered a bazillion times, using fine and gross motor skills. As they engage in the play (especially doctors office play) they are also demonstrating understanding of good healthy practices.
(In bold are 7 of the 8 domains of early child development per Head Start).
Play is REALLY fundamental to learning.
How have you fostered a child’s imagination today?
This is part of the 30 minute blog challenge of Steady Mom. Post time start to finish 30 minutes.
A Gift of Heart
February 26th, 2010 | Author: Shannon
I love it when I see folks doing meaningful work with their creative genius. I went to school with the guys that made this video about the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti.
Thank you Remedy for this gift from your Heart.
What’s Happening Wednesday
February 25th, 2010 | Author: Shannon
Rhode Islanders
This week is full of great opportunities for fun and community!
A nature-based, expeditionary learning charter high school is in the works for Rhode Island! Yeah! Support the Green School with donation, ideas, or some good old sweat and muscle!
An Evening of Refreshment is this Saturday 2/28/10 from 7-10 pm; hosted by mommy blogger Erin Goodman.. head over for great music, good food and fun company. Tickets are $20.00 online or $25.00 at the door and proceeds go to support the RI Food Bank and Coastal Growers Market.
The Children’s Museum in Providence is open from 5:30pm to 7:30pm this Friday 2/26/10 and admission is FREE! My handsome chicken farmer loves the Children’s Museum- head over to see us too this Friday!
Save the date March 20th for RI Families in Nature Hikeat my favorite bird watching walk- Trustom Pond.
Saddle Up the Chicken and head over to the Coastal Growers Market Saturdays in North Kingstown and March 20th from 7-10pm is a fundraiser for the market and celebration of the Vernal Equinox.
Around the Internet
Challenge your kids to spend time outside and learn how one Headstart Program in Alaska is encouraging nature play for their students. This is a great idea!
Garden lovers, Alison has shared why she gardens; are you ready to chime in?
The lovely pictures and sweet heartedstory by author and mother Marghanita is such a wonderful reminder of one of “mama’s” many jobs.
Lately, I’ve been observing my son as he builds with his blocks incredibly houses and then explains in great detail the forces at work. I enjoy watching him as he finds his passion. Then I read this post and really understood why I want to observe and not push.
I feel lucky to have the ocean so close, but for those further away, here are some great idea for how to heal and relax to the ocean. On a health note: nature needs to be a part of any good health plan.
Gardening is for the kids!I can’t wait to get my hands dirty, so reading this post from a California mom got me looking through seed catalogs.
Back Home in My Backyard
The little addition to our family is crying right now so I have to make this quick!
It’s raining it’s pouring…. we’ve got the rain boots out and ready for some puddle splashing!
I am really going to put in my seed order this week- although I have been saying this for three weeks.
In April 10th and May 8th the Backyard Mama will make her debut as a workshop presenter at early childhood conferences here in Rhode Island. I am excitedly nervous.
And that’s a wrap. I’ve enjoyed scanning twitter this morning for articles from all my favorites and am looking forward to keeping up better this week!
Thanks for the support and the great contributions!
Winter Fairy Houses
February 23rd, 2010 | Author: Shannon
One of my favorite summer activities is to build little forts and huts in the nooks and crannies of trees, or built a tipi with sticks and cover it with bark… all for the fairies of the forest.
This winter I decided to build winter fairy houses (cause the fairies need a place to stay all year- right?). So out in the winter-scape of sled tracks and snow angels, we built this lovely little igloo for the fairies of our forest.
After we built this, part of me climbed in to wait out the rest of the winter. I dragged myself out today to write this post… but I might end up back in hibernation.
How are y’all doing out there? I heard it snowed in Texas today- how ’bout that?
This is part of the 30 minute blog challenge of Steady Mom. Post time start to finish 20 minutes. (Although it took me all day to get the 20 minutes of sit down time!)
What’s Happening Wednesday
February 10th, 2010 | Author: Shannon
*** Wednesday comes too often.I feel like I just finished the last edition and I’m back at it again sifting through twitter finding all the great stuff from this week. I know I miss huge numbers of awesome articles. So consider this a snippet of what I am taking inventory of this week. Remember too that I forget stuff all the time, so if you read or write something great- send it to me! {Please!}
Rhode Island
Friday the 12th is the Mamaste Mother’s Circle with Erin of exhale.return.to.center. Mamas get a little Valentines Day Treat in for yourselves!
Author Pat Hastings {Simply a Woman of Faith} is leading a great program on Monday Feb. 15th on Spiritual Resiliency. She is a very cool woman with style and class… if you can’t make the class- get her book. It’s worth every penny.
Go birding this weekend at any of the great natural places we have in our wonderful state… it’s the Great Backyard Bird Count! Other’s else where please do the same!
Around the Internet
Being able to roam, explore, create and play are some of the greatest skills for children. Sue was inspired to write this post by the Free Range Guru herself. Did you have a Free Range childhood?
Finally proof! The NAEYC has written about the importance of nature based play and gardening in early childhood. Here ya go! There’s proof!
From Camp Creek Press {this blog was totally new to me this week and I am SO glad I found it – or it found me}. Education is being driven by testing, rather then by raising healthy, happy children. This is a must read for everyone pondering school choices!
What magical characters have inspired you to connect with nature? Toffee the Highland Cow shares some outdoor activities that lots of kids will love! Also from Marghanita beautiful pictures to inspire trekking into the woods to hunt for….
Another great post about enticing kids to play outside more! Nature is such a magical place and Caro writes of this with such ease.
Leave the references at home and go outside, explore, be adventurous, let go of the fear of not “knowing”. Bethe writes of all the great reasons why… and gives us some ways to learn what we don’t know!
A couple from the Nature Mama team, pulled together this week to write about great kids gear tips for those preparing for the snow (oh boy we need this!)
My first guest post over at Loving Nature’s Garden! Thanks once again Alison and all the rest of you, go birding this weekend and learn about some birds!
Back Home in My Backyard
We’re snowed in! We only got a few inches but it’s “wet” snow perfect for making snowman and snowballs.
Today, as the snow fell, we made Valentines Day cookies and Jeremiah painted what will become cards.
We went for a walk, at dusk, in the snow- my little man on the sled, me pulling, the pine trees dumping their little balls of snow on us the whole way.
We made a snowman!
Yesterday, in preparation for this storm, my under 4 year olds helped carry in about 7 loads of wood and had SO MUCH fun. When we needed a break from the work we went on a little walk {also to get the baby to sleep} the kids found a pile of old snow that is mixed with rocks and pine needles and proceeded to climb up and run down giggling!
I have spent less time online this week, but more “quality” time finding great blogs… and I am just in awe of the blogosphere and humbled to be a part of this great network of vast intelligence and information.
A Spectacular “T.V.” Lunch
February 9th, 2010 | Author: Shannon
There are all sorts of ways to enjoy nature: hiking, walking, running, stroller riding, investigating, learning, adventuring… but to me, one of the greatest ways to enjoy it is eating.
I remember backpacking trips where the entire day was full of splendid views, animals, butterflies, flowers, and what I remember the most is sitting down at the end of the day with my little whisperlite stove and cooking up something good.
I remember trips to beach with my grandparents, playing in the sand and the surf, flying kites, and going on walks yet what sticks out the most? Eating peanut butter and jelly and being told that this is why they call it a SANDwich.
I remember schools trips where we snacked in parks, fields, or in the woods: I even remember in first grade there was a huge forsythia bush that we played and ate under.
These days I love to take the kids in the stroller or just out out backdoor into the back field where we sit on a blanket and have a picnic.
It tickled me to death the day my son and his friend took their lunch trays out the backdoor for a “T.V.” lunch- this is what it looked like!
Kids are so creative when the walls of the house aren’t barriers.
How have you opened the door for your children today?
This is part of the 30 minute blog challenge of Steady Mom. Thanks for stopping by and remember to check out all the other great posts and help Jaime in supporting Love 146.
