Today I taught a class at a local Waldorf School. The topic was geology and painting. I decided to teach about subduction zones, it seemed appropriate with all the going ons in Japan.

We used water color paints, wet paints on dry paper.

Now, I am a good geologist, but not the best painter. So with a little practice and planning I put together this painting.

The scale is far from perfect, but I like the overall composition.

I got to thinking about how wonderful it is to teach science through art and as I watched these 6th graders compose their own subduction zones, I realized that with each brush stroke they solidified their personal relationship with this tectonic process.

For Earth Day perhaps painting about the process of recycling or decomposition, would allow children to relate on a kinesthetic and artistic basis to the importance of celebrating the Earth.

And hey, it’s fun.

Stockmar paints are non-toxic water color paints and are available to purchase at Bella Luna Toys.

Another fun project is:
Modeling with bees wax.

******************

Feature blog of the day is: Caro and Co.: Engaging kids with nature, outdoors and food.

Tomorrow will have more on our Count Down to Earth Day!

Now get outside and ….. paint!

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A Three Part Professional Development Series
Children’s Friend
Independence Square,
500 Prospect St.,
Pawtucket, RI 02860

Part Onc: Restoring the Connection to the Natural World
April 4th, 2011 6:30-8:30 pm

Children have an innate connection to nature and an eagerness to explore and discover it! In this workshop participants will learn stories, songs, games and movement that provide a foundation for outdoor experiences. The seeds of scientific inquiry are sown through ample play time outside and learning experiences in the classroom that seek to ignite interest and imagination.

Part Two: Tools of the Trade
April 11th, 2011 6:30 pm- 8:30 pm

The book Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv was first published in 2005 and has triggered a movement to connect children and nature. Since that time the Children and Nature Movement has taken shape and many dedicated educators and nature enthusiasts have researched, documented and developed programs, books, tools and materials to support educators and families in their efforts to get outside. We will explore these tools and work with them.

Part Three: Gather ’round the Campfire
April 18th, 6:30 pm- 8:30 pm

Participants will gain reflective time to bring it together and create plans to model the ideas discussed in the course with the children in their care. We will develop lesson plans that can be immediately implemented into any program. Participants will demonstrate experiences that pull from the materials gathered throughout the workshop and will offer a short “class” on Linking to Nature.

Cost: $20.00 per session or $50.00 for the three part series.
Constact Chris Salaun (csalaun@cfsri.org) to register.

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1. Connecting to Nature Yesterday morning my son and I took a trip to...

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Yesterday morning my son and I took a trip to the Mystic Aquarium, in Mystic, CT. There were hoards of visitors; our favorite part of the day was watching the California Sea Lions doing their tricks.

My son spent most of his day running through the darkened inside room looking for computers and buttons, and he was extremely excited about the National Geographic Critter-cam exhibit.

Before we went to the aquarium, I met with a very interesting young woman and teacher who is working on professional development programing for teachers and classes for children to help connect them to nature. As I reflected about my beliefs and my trainings, I could not emphasis enough on how important it is for us to spend time outside. She mentioned how hard it was to get teachers excited to do projects that take up space and time in their classrooms and connect kids to nature.

On Friday during my after school job, I found out that middle schoolers are given 20 minutes of outside time a day that is optional and unsupervised. High school students are give no time outside.

So how does this all come together?

The Aquarium is a wonderful place to learn… however it does not connect children or teachers to nature. Our relationship to nature is nurtured by sticks, stones, mud, rain, snow, hail, ice and whatever else we stumble upon.

In order for teachers and childcare professionals to offer our youth meaningful experiences we need to cultivate these experiences in our own lives. So… head outside, see which fish grow in your backyard. We can use our own eyes as a “critter-cam” by scooting across the ground like an ant or climbing a tree like an owl.

There is always a place for scientific inquiry and for learning more about the details of our natural world through programs like those at the Mystic Aquarium, however these cannot be a substitute for getting dirty.

Next weekend, we’re heading to Rome Point in North Kingstown, RI to watch our Harbor Seals in their truly natural habitat. I am particularly excited about the mile long walk to see them, and whether or not it will be raining or sunny. Either way, I am sure will stumble and trip along the meandering path.

Wanna join us?

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I advocate for “nature play”- open ended play outside for children and the adults who love them. In my professional opinion everyone needs to spend hours outside daily to maintain mental, emotional and spiritual health.

This winter has been a tough one. It has snowed so much here in Rhode Island that I have spent one day a week home in my pj’s. Staying healthy has been challenging.

I have taken doses of my own medicine-

• I’ve gone snowshoeing with my 4 year old.
• We’ve taken trips to the local sledding hill.
• And, we’ve enjoyed shoveling together. (The joy has been in being together).

A few weeks ago, I felt the turn of the darkness to light. I opened the windows and let the warm sun rays pour in, and the slightly chilly air clean out my stuffy house.

Last week I had the joy of visiting the National Arboretum in Washington, DC and after running through the herb garden after a very joyful child, we came across some blooming flowers.

Despite the bleakness, these daffodils confirmed that really:

She’s coming folks…. Spring is on the way.

Stay tuned for some awesome new features at Backyard Mama this Spring.

What’s Mother Nature doing in your backyard?

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Nature is for everyone. It’s out the backdoor, in the crevices of sidewalks, down country roads, on waterways and down highways and byways, through out playgrounds and school yards.

Or so it has been. Today, schools are taking away recess time, play areas in school yards are made almost entirely of plastic or metal, bigger parking lots take up areas where kids used to play outside in the cities. Yet, simultaneously there are urban homesteaders, balcony and window gardens, and increasing awareness on why green space is important for the hearts and minds of children and adults alike.

The movement to connect children and nature reaches across socioeconomic and racial boundaries. This is our collective movement. Juan Martinez, a young man who grew of “the poor of the poor” and “seemed to be a prime candidate for a short, unremarkable gang life”  is coordinating the Natural Leaders Network towards getting more youth in the outdoors.

I think about the stereotype that natural places are for white people… and it calls to mind my friend and awesome blogger over at Outdoor Afro, a woman (!!!) who spends time outside with her kids and encourages other people of color and white folks to get outside too.

And so again, I believe that Dr. King would jump on the bandwagon to encourage all people to spend time outside, to connect to the earth and her beauty, to preserve and increase green space, to assure that all children spend time outside everyday being kids.

And it is with this in my heart and on my mind that I encourage and invite everyone to spend time outside on this day where we honor Dr. King and his legacy. Look up the Natural Leaders and learn about Juan and his team of young people; read some blogs from Rue of Outdoor Afro and learn something new about the issues surrounding the children and nature movement and how this movement crosses so many racial, social, economic, class, gender and political boundaries.

Most important than all that is just go outside and have fun.

Take this day off to play…  Then come back here and tell me what you did!!

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I am delighted to close out 2010… it was truly one of the hardest years of my life. As I reflect on this past year, I look towards a more graceful landing then my son’s sledding for 2011.

I sit here today at my lovely desk in the corner of the living room, my son is playing nicely with his new toys, the Christmas tree is sparkling with the distant hum of flames dancing in the wood stove just across the room.

We’re snowed in.

I have a fresh cup of espresso and my cheeks are still red from shoveling snow and carrying wood.

The wind is wild outside and the branches of pine trees are dipping into the snow from the weight of last night’s storm. Snow drifts dance with the wind.

The chickens are still sleeping- or are huddled together keeping warm inside their coop.

And I reflect on this year.

It has been a big one.

I had so many plan including garden expansion, building a backyard nature trail, traveling, writing more, etc.

And I didn’t get to most of them; nice thing is that I started all the projects and they can carry over into 2011.

This year, however, I want to focus on FUN:

Today as we shoveled the drive (well partially, our neighbor plowed us out most of the way); we had a snow ball fight.

Although I grumbled about stacking wood, I hummed while I did it.

I’ve made countless vehicles with the pieces to my son’s new workbench.

I’ve been enjoying what’s happening right here in front of me, because I really do have a choice to be happy in each moment.

And how bout you? How are you doing going into 2011?

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Unfortunately, my camera has seen it’s last days so I can’t share a picture of the radiant foliage out my back window,  what I can do is gently suggest that you check out the foliage near you.

Fall is amazing. As the weather changes, the trees conserve energy so less chlorophyll is produced and the green of the leaves fades, revealing other colors. {Note: I am not a tree scientist, I am a geologist but this is a crude description of what happens.}

Each fall we rake the leaves in our yard and “store” them in the garden to use as mulch or fertilizer next season. This weekend,  my son asked about why we use them in the garden. I explained that the leaves grow on the trees and take in sunlight and drink in the nutrients from the ground and adding this to our soil is like giving our garden a vitamin. Now he thinks of leaves as vitamins.

What I like about this story is that I didn’t get into the chemistry, in his mind the gnomes paint the leaves new colors while Jack frost walks the woods. I encourage his spectacular imagination {without leading it on}, and he understands that even though the leaves die and fall from the trees, they are still useful.

We spent an hour this past weekend raking and talking about leaves, moving the leaves from one part of the yard to the other and playing in them. I think that as I share these experiences with my son, nature will teach him the valuable life lessons that he needs to grow up- like that death {of leaves} is not really the end for them- just a new beginning as worm food and plant vitamins.

Now get up; walk to the nearest window or door and look outside or better yet walk outside, kick up some leaves, absorb the process of change and energy conservation… and share something about this experience with a little person in your life.We can’t be wrong when we share from our experience.

Then come back here and tell me about it! I can’t wait to learn from you {and your young friends}!

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Sharing my birthday together {outside!}

It’s 27 days till my little man turns 4 and I am planning his party.

Last year we had folks over two days after Thanksgiving for a nature walk and cider pressing followed by a firework display in our backyard. This year, I want to do something as fun and engaging for the children, I am working on my plan.

I write today in hopes that some of my dear readers will be able to help me out and offer ideas.

My current plans include:
1) a nature hike in a local preserve with a treasure hunt.
2) making bird feeders.
3) assembling gingerbread houses.

A nature hike to start the afternoon is very enticing to me. Ideally, treasure can be hidden along the short trail, and the youngsters can run ahead, climb rocks and trees and play. At the trails end, we’ll have cake and apple cider.

At home, the children can gather pine cones and cover them with suet and birdseed to take home and hang in the trees around their houses.

If bird feeders don’t workout, we can assemble gingerbread houses, decorated with treats and sweets which can adorn holiday tables at home.

What do you think? What other ways can we celebrate the day my son came into the world?

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This is a reposting of last years blog about 10 ways to enjoy fall. I hope you enjoy it this year as much as folks did last year! ~ The Backyard Mama

Fall is the season of the Harvest! September brings the Harvest Moon; a time to celebrate abundance. I enjoy recognizing the abundance around me: it fills me with gratitude, appreciation and contentment.

Here are a few ways to share this season with the children we love.

1) Make Pumpkin Muffins; here’s a healthy recipe from The Waldorf Kindergarten Snack Book:

Dry Ingredients:
2 c. unbleached white flour
1 1/2 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 tsp. sea salt
2 Tbs. baking powder
Wet Ingredients:
1/2 c. corn oil
1 c. maple syrup
1/2 c. soymilk
1 c. apple juice
1 c. pumpkin or butternut squash (cooked)

• Cut pumpkin or squash and dice into medium sized pieces. Cook in a small amount of water.
• Using a food processor, puree the pumpkin or squash (make sure it’s not too wet) set aside.
• Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
• Oil the muffin pans with corn oil or set paper muffin cups in the pan.
• In alarge bowl, combine all the dry ingredients and mix well with a whisk. Set aside.
• In a separate bowl, combine all the wet ingredients and mix well with a whisk.
• Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Using a whisk, stir them until just mixed. Do not over mix.
• Fill the muffin cups and bake for 50 minute to 1 hour, or until the edges of the muffins are golden brown.

(Shared by Diane Prusha Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School, Mass.)

2) Make Leaf Prints

• Collect a variety of colorful leaves.
• Cut two pieces of wax paper.
• Place leaves artistically between the two pieces of wax paper.
• Gently place the “wax paper leaf sandwich” into a folded towel.
• Iron the towel (with the leaf print inside) to melt the wax paper.
• These make wonderful window decorations!

3) Go on a scavenger hunt for:

• Maple leaves
• Oak leaves
• Acorns
• Pinecones
• wildflower seeds
• Deer Tracks
• Kindling (for an autumn bonfire!)
• Puddles
• Any thing else you are excited to look for!

4) Take a walk early evening of the full moon (October 22nd this year) watch the moon rise!

5) Feed the birds.

• Make a backyard feeding station by covering pinecones with suet and birdseed, hang with strings or light weight wire from a tree.
• Use a pie pan (or bottom from a flower pot) and place on a stump or rock, fill with bird seed and watch the birds enjoy!
• Take a square(ish) piece of wood (1 foot by 1 foot piece of plywood is perfect) drill holes at each corner; using sturdy twine hang the board from a tree limb. Sprinkle bird seed on the “bird plate” each day.
• Buy a window bird feeder and attach to the outside of a window.

6) Find an orchard near to home, go apple picking. Come home and make apple sauce, apple butter or just slice ‘em and enjoy.

7) Outside Circle time (for young kids) sing this song to the tune of “Here we go around the mulberry bush” – at the end fall down like leaves from the trees!

“The leaves are green and the nuts are brown.
They hang so high, and will not come down.
Leave them alone till the frosty weather
Then they will all come down together.” (Author unknown)

Rake leaves together; save ‘em up as mulch for the garden. Be playful- have a leaf “fight” or play hide and seek. (Remember there might be ticks in the leaves- so do a tick check when you’re done!)

9) Find a special place in nature. Take some time each week to sit and observe the sounds, what you see and hear, the temperature, or which animals visit the spot. Take a picture of your special place each time you visit. Make a nature journal and place the pictures in it with the dates visited. Keep this record as a special way to remember this season.

10) Hike to the top of the highest mountain in your area. From this birds-eye-view, look out and enjoy all the colors of the leaves.

Please share your ideas! Maybe we can get to 100 things to do in the Fall.

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When my friend ask me what to do for her daughter’s birthday party, I suggested a yoga party, and she jumped right on board.

What she wanted:

1) A party with meaning and focus.

2) A simple fun activity that resulted in something the children could take home.

A month ago, 9 beautiful children gathered in the yard and went on a yoga adventure to the circus to mark this special day of a 7 year old girl.

We started by handing out delicious fresh fruits, then warming up our bodies (which were already pretty warm from the sun), then set out on a yoga adventure to the circus.  After a homemade lunch of yummy sandwiches we painted yoga mats. Each child took home a mat for personal use.

Flying like a butterfly.

Stretching like a butterfly!

Painting a yoga mat (and having a blast!)

There were many smiling faces as we completed our yoga party.

Yoga teaches children breath and body awareness, mental focus, healthy habits; what better way to mark this special day?

If you are interested in a yoga party, there are a variety of themes and styles we can discuss and places (other than your backyard) where we can have it.

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