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There is just something about this time of year that brings out that southern greeting. It’s Fall Y’all and that means pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins!
Pumpkin Pie Spice
to get the recipe click here!
*the 2 ideas below originally posted 5 years ago in this post*
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
This recipe is so very simple! All you need are a few ingredients and a great blender and your set!
What you need:
1/3+ tsp harvest pumpkin spice, depending on your taste
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup frozen pumpkin (cubes from silicone tray)
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1-3 Tbsp honey (or sweetener of your choice)
1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder *optional*
Handful of Ice cubesWhat to Do:
*Add all ingredients into a blender, except protein powder.
*Blend together until desired consistency, add more milk or water as needed.
*Once you have your desired consistency, add in protein powder but only blend until mixed (about 10 seconds or less). If you overdo it, the protein powder will make the smoothie too frothy.
*Enjoy your pumpkin smoothie! Yum!
Pumpkin Yarn Craft
What you need:
orange yarn
a couple balloons
multi-purpose glue (like elmer’s or make your own paste with flour and water)
1/4 C water
green pipe cleaners + green felt
scissors
small bowl
plenty of paper towels
What to do:
To make this fun with as little mess as possible (this IS a messy craft), follow these simple steps.
- Gather supplies, decide number of yarn pumpkins you’ll be making
- Blow up your balloons and tie a knot
- Cut yarn in 2-4 feet strips depending on your balloons sizes, set aside (3-5 strips per ballon)
- In a cereal bowl make glue paste using the whole bottle of glue, and 1/4 C water, mix well, set aside
- Dip your yarn into the glue paste, then lightly slide yarn through 2 fingers dripping access glue off
- Wrap yarn around pumpkin, overlapping pieces of yarn to make it sturdy
- Once all yarn is wrapped around balloon, hang dry or set on a jar for 1-2 days
- Once dry, pop balloon and pull thru an opening
- Use the pipe cleaners & felt to make a stem, twirly vines, leaves
Display for all to see, your kids will love their crafty pumpkins!
These 3 ideas are shared in the video below:
And here are more pumpkin ideas found on this blog:
- Spiced Pumpkin Pie
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins
- Cream Cheese filled Pumpkin Muffins
- Redeeming Halloween
ps. Im curious, if you are a reader here, would you like to see more posts? I have been almost exclusively posting on youtube because this blog lacked interaction and comments but if you all are reading and commenting, I would try more to post here!
-Rachel
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Last year was our very first year homeschooling our oldest daughter, Abigail. While, both my husband and I were homeschooled growing up, going from homeschool student to homeschool parent and teacher can be kind of overwhelming!
We tested the waters of homeschool pre-k and absolutely loved it. So, this September, we officially started homeschool Kindergarten! Or, Spena School, as we call it. We have been at it for almost two months now, so I thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite things to use in our school days(aside from lots of coffee for Mom, a bumbo seat for the baby to chill out in, and lots of outside time to burn extra energy for Abigail)
Our Must Have Homeschool Supplies:
1. Tons of Crafts
.
If there is one thing that makes my daughter happiest, it is the ability to create something with a giant pack of markers and an even more giant stack of paper. Construction paper, markers, crayons, scissors, glue, paints, and tape are all kept close at hand and always readily available to help stretch her big, BIG imagination.
2. Books, Books, and more Books
We finally got our act together and joined our local library! It has been absolutely wonderful for our school year. We go every Thursday for story time, return our books, and check out a whole slew of new books that sound interesting, fun, and coordinate with our curriculum’s theme for the week. (Things like, Nest, Apple, Leaves, Moon, Sun, etc.)
3. Youtube
It is amazing to me all of the knowledge that we have right at our fingertips! As soon as Abigail asks a question, if we can’t find it in our books at hand, all it takes is a quick search to figure out the answer. We listen to all sorts of classical music and learn about the composers, watch videos about animals, and learn new life lessons from video shorts that appeal to both me and her! We love taking a brief break from sitting down to dance around the kitchen to music(our favorite- Eine Kleine) and youtube makes it incredibly easy for us to do that.
4. The Jesus Storybook Bible
My personal favorite book to read through with the girls is the Jesus Storybook Bible. It is written in words that the girls can understand, but it speaks to all of our hearts in incredibly profound ways. At the end of the day, it’s all about Jesus and every single story- as the book says- whispers His name. I love being able to incorporate that into our school days. One of the biggest, best, and most wonderful blessings about doing school at home!
We absolutely love homeschooling and have been so blessed by the gift it has been to our family.
What are some of your absolute must have homeschooling supplies?
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Written by Lydia @ Frugal, debt free life, *NEW* Contributing Writer
I feel like Summer is the ultimate time for frugal fun. There are so many activities and events you can participate in as a family.
And what is MORE frugal than your own backyard? I am big believer in free play. Free play is pretty much my best friend. However, I do want summer to be a time of learning and enrichment for my little ones, as well.
Today I thought I would share some ways you can make outdoor time learning time. The best part is you probably have all the stuff you need.
4 Outdoor Activities for Kids:
Go on a digital scavenger hunt
- Camera or camera phone
- Printer (optional)
There are a few ways you can do it. But I like to snap photos using my iPod of things through out the yard. A pinecone, a rock, a frog, some blueberries from the bushes in our backyard, a butterfly.
Then I give my boys the iPod and they hunt for the things in the yard. Or you can print out the photos out and put them in an album and do it that way.
Alphabet hopscotch
Grab up that sidewalk chalk and head to the driveway or front porch and write the ABCs. Then have your child hop the appropriate letter. Have them say their ABCs while they hope but stop at the assigned letter.
You can do the same thing with numbers or if your child is older, sight words.
Letter fishing
- Kiddie pool/Totes container
- Large Spoon
- Magnet letters
- Cookie sheet
Do you have a TON of magnet letter? We do. Throws those suckers into your kiddie pool or a Totes container.
Have your child fish out a letter and put it on the cookie sheet. Ask your child to find specific letters.
If your child is a little older you can use this to create certain words like ish words or at words.
For example you could put “at” on the cookie sheet and have your child fish our C for cat or TH for that.
Color hunt
- Sidewalk chalk
Color a square on the driveway or front porch and ask your child to find items in your yard that match that color. Green leaves, purple flowers, etc.
These activities not only provide educational time, they also keep kids occupied on those long summer days.
What activities do you like to do outside that create a love for learning?
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Here we are half-way through the school year. Cooler weather can make the days seem longer as the kids can’t always get outside to run off their excessive amounts of energy. The excitement of the new homeschool year has worn off by now and we’re all ready for something new in the New Year!
After a couple weeks off from school and many routine busting holiday events, late nights and cookies galore…it’s been hard to get back on track around here. Everyone seems more wiggly and distracted…myself included! 
So we’ve had to do a little brainstorming on how to get our groove back.
Here are a few ideas that have been working for us…
1. Start Your Day With a Family Dance Party/Workout
You gotta shake, shake, shake, the sillies out! As none of us in my home are morning people, it takes a bit to get our brain power activated. So, some fancy dance moves and yoga stretching are a great way to wake up our minds and bodies. Or maybe if that get your little ones TOO SILLY, save it for the mid-morning or afternoon slump to get the blood pumping again.
2. Hand Fidgets
I’ve heard it said before that our minds are only as active as our bodies. That sure seems to be true with my boys. If I want them to actually listen to me while I read or teach them something, it works best to give them something that will keep their hands busy. And sometimes it takes more that just their hands being busy. An exercise ball or a mini-trampoline can really come in handy while chanting multiplication tables or reciting memory verses!
Some hand fidget suggestions: Pipe Cleaners, Nuts and Bolts, Links, Dollar Store Items, Legos, Rubix Cube, etc.
3. Get Outside
If even just for a few short minutes, a breath of fresh air can be…well, a breath of fresh air! Even for myself when my mind goes cloudy or I am feeling frustrated, getting out of the house clears my head a lot and quickly, too! If you can’t get outside, check out these indoor winter games for kids…
4. Let Them Choose
Is there any reason that Math has to be first thing on the schedule? If it’s practical, why not let your children choose what comes first on the agenda once in a while. They may show more interest if it is the subject that they have chosen themselves.
5. Change Of Scenery
Make it fun! Working/studying in a different area of your home (or not at home!) can inspire more interest in learning as well. Set up a fort, throw a blanket under a tree, snuggle up by the fire or in a big bed, take a field trip, head to the library.
Some days are better than others! Don’t force it or it becomes miserable for everyone! Just enjoy being together as a family!
What does your family do to inspire and encourage learning?
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Can you believe Thanksgiving is less than a week away?
This has been the fastest year yet! By now, we all have already been thinking and planning our thanksgiving day, we’re getting excited (well, at least I am)about the parade, we’ve talked about pilgrims and Indians, the guys are getting ready for the football games, soon to gather together with friends and family and to give thanks!
And we ALL have so much to be thankful for!
For me, beyond all the physical things like purchasing our first home, creating a new school room and other things, what I am most thankful for are experiencing the birth of our new baby, watching my kids continue to grow, celebrated 10 years of marriage and much growing pains along the way that have all pointed us back to a loving, generous God AND being thankful for it all.
What are you thankful for this year?
With thankfulness in mind, I was asked to come up with a craft for my kids‘ co-op for the thanksgiving party. I took a trip to pinterest and began scrolling. One thing was common: thankful trees, which we have actually made before but for 40 kids I wouldn’t be able to make 3D trees, so I looked over some other ideas and thought, I’ll make a printable.
So I went on picmonkey and came up with this.
Then, once my creative juices were flowing, I thought we can use Trader Joe’s bags to make a frame with a handle and embellish with some stickers we had. And since we have a resource room at our school, I used die-cuts to make some leaves. And I got my craft on. I know most people don’t have die-cuts, so here is a printable I found with leave for y’all.
I look forward to making these with the kindergarten through 3rd graders on Monday, just in time for Thanksgiving!
Make your own Thankful Display:
What you need:
- thankful printable (get one w/o the year below)
- brown paper grocery bag
- glue stick
- paints
- *optional for embellishments: pipe cleaners, foam stickers, clothes pins, leaves
What to do:
- Gather supplies
- Print out thankful printable
- Talk about what being thankful means with your kiddos. Discuss the verse Colossians 2:7 and what being rooted in Christ means.
- Have your kids use their fingers to make some beautiful fall leaves with the paint, set aside to dry
- While paint is drying, cut out one side of the brown paper bag, write things you are thankful on the leaves
- Paste paper to brown paper bag, add embellishments
- Display for a reminder of thankfulness
I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving with your loved ones, I am truly thankful for all of you!
———->Get your thankful printable here or here without the year<———-
How do you teach your children about thankfulness?
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Written by KT @ One Organic Mama, Contributing Writer
Fall is a time of crisp air, changing seasons, and winter preparation in the Northeast where I live. I like to take time to really enjoy this season before the winter comes… because despite living here my whole life… I just can’t stand the winter! Here are 5 ways to really enjoy and appreciate this most beautiful harvest season!
5 Ways to Fall into Fall:
Signs of Fall Walk/Hike
Gather up your kids and get outside. Take a walk on your street or a hike in a local state park and record all the signs of fall you see. Smaller children can draw and older children can record their observations. What are signs of fall? Changing leaves, the smell leaves and plants decomposing, small animals gathering food for the winter (my son was VERY concerned about a squirrel’s “DANGRUUS” behavior running back and forth across the street), fungus growth, flowers drying/dying, migrating birds, nuts and acorns everywhere, etc.
Apple Picking
It is a typical fall activity and we are surrounded by apple orchards – see if there is one by you! Usually there are tractor rides and apple cider donuts, and lots of hoopla, but sometimes you can find a quiet farm where you and your kiddos can wander around, climb the trees, and snack on apples all day! When you get home crisp, pie, a smoothie, and applesauce are all possible! This applesauce recipe is an easy (REALLY EASY) way to make applesauce that even the smallest eaters in your house will enjoy… and you can make it in the crock pot while you’re playing outside).
Leaf Rubbing
While you’re out hiking and walking collect lots of (dry) leaves. Instead of focusing on color, focus on SHAPES. Choose lots of leaves with different shapes. When you get home, arrange the leaves with your kiddos, under a piece of white paper, and gently rub them with crayons (it’s easiest if you remove the paper from the crayons). Choose fall colors to make your picture look like the leaves outside!
Crock Pot Cooking
Fall is time for warm foods, soups, and a cozy kitchen. Set your crockpot up in the morning with the evening’s meal. Choose something that is seasonal and that you can use some of those winter squash you have been growing all summer. I like this Thanksgiving in a Crockpot.
Make a Fall Feeder
All those little animals getting bulky for the winter can be fun to observe. Grab some pine cones, or toilet paper rolls, and slather them with peanut butter. You can dunk them in birdseed, or sunflower seeds, and then hang them close to your house. Your children will enjoy waiting patiently to see who visits the feeder… it can really be an exercise in remaining quiet and observing animal behavior too!
How do you and your family welcome and enjoy fall before winter comes?
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Last year I shared with you how we “do” school, which is a combo of a co-op and homeschool. And this year we are following the same system.
We take time to reevaluate each year (and pray) to ensure this is the best way we should school our children, plus this works best for our family’s schedule.
I’m so excited about this year because we have a new school room and I have two school-aged kiddos. I have one year under my belt now so I know a little bit about the structure needed as well as understanding the curriculum we’re using.
*This post is super long but I hope you enjoy checking out how we “do” school! I’ll be answering these 4 questions:
- Where do we “do” school?
- When do we “do” school?
- What do we “do” in our homeschool?
- Why do we “do” school this way?
Where do we “do” school?
At the beginning of the year, before the homebirth of our 3rd baby, we became homeowners for the first time and knew we would have a designated area for our school room, as well as a play room and “work” room for me.
This room was FULL of boxes, with no vision in sight up until about mid-May when I was finally adjusting to the new baby and ready to tackle it. That Spring we completed our schooling in the kitchen which worked well but since we had the space I decided I would work on it throughout the summer.
And a little secret about me… well, you know how some women are into purses or shoes, or some like to get fabric like my mom and others collect scrapbooking stuff or books, or whatever, mine are crafts and school supplies. You definitely do not need a homeschool room to homeschool but my background is elementary education, so I like it all “school-ish” looking. I can’t help it!
Anyhow, I’m sure you can tell that we don’t live in a regular home with white walls and carpet. We live in a log-home nestled right in the middle of the city yet hidden away. Although I didn’t have to think about painting the walls to add color, I did think about adding color by the items we chose, especially the rugs.
We were blessed to be able to budget Trofast shelving from Ikea to use for organization as well as implementing a workbox system. (It can be a bit pricey, you could try and make it yourself using this DIY Tutorial)
If you are unfamiliar with a workbox system hop on over to pinterest, there are tons of resources, but in short– it promotes Independence, helps keep a child organized (and mom might I add), on task and to know what is coming up.
We also use the trofast shelving for supplies and books. In the three white storage boxes we have books. The top shelf is for readers. We got most of them at a discount resale store called McKay’s for 75 cents each. Next we have picture books and at the bottom are baby books for my youngest.
Beside the Trofast shelving and the cabinets you’ll see in just a bit, we got most of the other furniture pieces from craigslist and consignment sales. Throughout the years and last school year, I had purchased a lot of things from the Dollar Tree and on clearance or after the initial back to school season when everything is marked down. I always stock up during that time. 
I also try to find deals at garage sales. One day after I dropped my kids off at co-op early last spring, I went to one of the houses down the road having a sale. I ended up buying a stainless steel pot and while I was checking out I saw a huge coffee can full of pencils, maybe around 150. The lady pretty much gave it to me for nothing but I told her to keep the 50 cent change from the pot.
Ok, confession time. I am so happy I saved money for all those pencils but can anyone else relate to giving a monthly donation to the library? I.am.the.worst.libaray.mom! Alright, now I feel better now. All joking aside, I really AM going to work on getting the library books back on time. That’s why I decided to have an established area. We’re using a burlap wired basket.
These desks were also an A-mazing craigslist find. These desks were only $8 each. They are the types of desks that were in my college classes, however, they seem to work well for my kiddos. Plus we have a table we use for bigger projects.
A few of the items did cost a bigger chunk of change. The rug under the desks, the trofast and the storage cabinets. (I got the idea for these particular cabinets from Sarah @ My Joy-Filled Life) I would have loved to find these items used but after searching for a while, I couldn’t. However, I am glad we purchased them because they will lasts us a LONG time and are great for storage, even if we ever decide to not homeschool one day.
The cabinets hold curriculum we will be using throughout the year, extra workbooks, art supplies, school supplies, spiral notebooks, construction paper, and my own craft supplies, etc. I also got a lot of learning games on zulily for 50% off recently.
My wonderful husband put the storage cabinets together and I filled them up.
Here’s a video tour:
When do we “do” school?
As I mentioned earlier, my kids go to a co-op. Their school days are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:45am-1:45pm. A Lovely employed teacher and assistant are there each day to teach, guide and inspire the children, and parents volunteer a lot! There are approximately 18 kids in the combined kindergarten and first grade class.
Here’s a picture of the first day at their co-op:
Our homeschool days are on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
This is our tentative hourly schedule, which may change as needed. The state of Tennessee requires four our hours of instruction for 180 days.
Our Schedule
8-8:30- Wake up, eat breakfast
9:00- Start lessons
10:30- snack, play outside
11:00- school work
12:30- lunch, a couple chores
1:00- finish up lessons
2:00- quiet reading time
What do we “do” in our homeschool?
Well, that’s a lot to answer lol! And I am a little nervous about having two children to teach but I am sure it will work out just fine! (I don’t know how some of you with several kids do it??)
Since we school alongside a co-op, we use the curriculum they select. We can supplement or add subjects as we wish. I will mostly stick to what’s been assigned and add things as I see fit, like Bob Books
Or art or a calendar notebook we’re trying out this year or even field trips to places like the zoo, nature hikes or museums as well as helping around the house and cooking.
We also do some other enrichment classes like Taekwondo and we’re starting piano lessons this year.
Here’s our curriculum for the 2014-2015 school year:
The curriculum is what we use for a prepared syllabus that is the “itinerary” of the required lessons each day that allign with the co-op days.
Kindergarten Curriculum List
- The Word Family Activity Book
- Word Patterns to Become Successful Readers & Writers (Professional Books)
- Explode the Code
Books 1, 2 & 3
- Now I’m Reading!: Animal Antics
- Now I’m Reading!: Amazing Animals
- Now I’m Reading: On the Go
- Now I’m Reading: Let’s Play
- 25 Read & Write Mini-Books
- Jump Right into Reading
- Horizons Math K 1 & 2
- McGraw Hill Science: Grade 1
- Handwriting Without Tears: Letters & Numbers for Me
First Grade Curriculum List
- Right into Reading Book 2
- Explode the Code 5
- Explode the Code 6
- Words I Use When I Write
- The Young Readers Bible
- Grammar and Punctuation, Grade 1
- Horizons Math 1st Grade 1 & 2
- Challenging Word Problems for Primary Mathematics, Level 1
- Handwriting Without Tears My Printing Book
- McGraw Hill Science: Grade 1
- And several at home readers
For both of my kids, I plan to use Grapevine Studies: Stick Figuring through the Bible for Bible.
Why do we “do” school this way?
Lastly, I wanted to share why we do this kind of schooling. It’s really simple…. our two main reasons are: being a part of our children’s learning environments and time.
Our co-op coordinator puts it best in a recent email to the parents… “I am prayerful that this year, with all its highs and lows, will bring both you and our children deeper into relationship with your loving Father. I want you each to know that, no matter what, this year will not be perfect. Along with our successes, there will be miscommunications, there will be horribly frustrating homeschool days, there will be decisions that are second guessed. It is inevitable. However, through all of that, through our highest points and our lowest lows, we have a Savior who is using us to guide and direct our children to Him. Our mistakes can be used by Him just as powerfully as our successes. God has placed you with these children, in this role, for a purpose; for His purpose.”
For our family, we want our children growing and learning in an atmosphere that we find helps point them to Christ and I also agree with all of these reasons as well.
And then there is time. Time is short and indefinite. We only have 18 short years to help guide our children and we feel being a part of their life, learning and growing is important.
Plus, our family doesn’t have the normal 9-5 hours like the majority of families. So our family time is often during the mornings of our homeschooling days as well as the weekends. Homeschooling also allows us to take mini-trips where we can work on our lessons and workbooks as we explore.
Yay!!!! Standing ovation if you made it! I hope you enjoyed learning how we “do” school. I would love to hear about your experiences!
How does your family “do” school?
Note: This post contains affiliate links, read full disclosure here.
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Oh, the beauty of a precious pregnant belly! It is such an exciting time, just imagining and wondering what this tiny little person will be like. The miracle of how two tiny pieces of two people can become another person, I shall never understand it. Simply amazing!
Growing in the cozy warmth of his (or her) mother’s womb, everything that baby needs is provided in that perfect environment.
But after that baby is born and as he grows, there is wealth of overwhelming stimulations daily in his face. Gone is that quiet cozy environment and it is replaced by what can be a very scary place!
My first child came into this world eager to explore and learn and loved every new thing. He was so flexible, listened well and we took him everywhere and traveled often. Parenting was a breeze! When I saw kids in a store or restaurant throwing a tantrum or whining or being disobedient, I (shame on me) thought something was wrong with the parents. I thought to myself all they have to do is….
I was apparently a very nieve parent…I thought I had all the answers. And so…then I had my SECOND child and my eyes were WIDE opened. Boy, did I have a lot to apologize for to those parents I had judged!
My second child is the sweetest, most loving and cuddly child…until something unexpected, confusing or difficult happens. He was throwing tantrums long before he could crawl. In anger he would scoot himself backwards across the floor on his head. Plus, he had a very faint birth mark in the middle of his forehead that would get bright red when he was upset. We called it his “warning light.”
Suddenly this “perfect parent” had no idea what she was doing! Funny how that happened, huh?
No two children are exactly this same. Some need more help to calm and express themselves. They need help to make sense of this world!
I have done a lot of research on sensory processing disorders and I am really starting to believe that my second son has a type of this disorder. We have not yet had him tested, but through my research, this is what we have found to help. There is certainly no one size fits all when it comes to our children, so these are just a few ideas of what has worked for us thus far.
How to Create a Calm Place for our Kids:
1. Music
“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.” When chaos abounds in our home, (as it often does with three boys) I find that a good dance party or a quiet restful moment with slow soothing music can restore the peace and joy.
2. Weighted blankets/vests
Night time is particularly difficult for my son to calm down. His little body just can’t stop moving. A weighted blanket can help the body to rest under a little weight. If you decide to try a weighted blanket, it should weigh 10% (or less) of the child’s body weight.
3. Sound machine
One day we pulled into the parking lot of a water play area. Hearing the sound of the rushing water, my son said, “Oh, Mommy! What a beautiful sound!” It took me by surprise! I hadn’t even thought about a sound machine for him until then. It gives him the sound he needs, but drowns out those he doesn’t. Just listen to your kids, quite often they will tell you just what they need.
4. Hand Fidgets
My son’s hands are always busy. He is either tapping, shaking, drumming or wiggling them. There are all sorts of small toys and hand fidgets available to keep hands busy and meet those sensory and tactile needs.
5. Avoid artificial colors and additives in foods
Almost any “food” that comes in a box or package these days comes with it’s share of artificial colors and additives. Most of these are unnecessary and are just there to make the food look more pleasing to the eye. However, these also cause numerous health issues including hyperactivity. Opting for whole, unpackaged foods makes an amazing difference.
Have you found other ways that work for you and your family? I’d love to hear them!
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With all of these snow days lately, it’s great to have some easy craft ideas to make with your kids. I love doing crafts and so do my kiddos. What kid doesn’t love painting?
If you keep some canvases or even just paint paper, paint, and paint brushes on hand, this is a very simple craft to pull out to make on those “snow days”. And I love these because you can add your favorite bible verse or saying and decorate your home! Or even give as a gifts.
Here’s an EASY Canvas Craft Idea:
Gather your supplies:
- canvas squares or rectangles
- favorite acrylic paint colors
- puffy paint
- paint brushes and/or paint sponges
- pencil
Steps to make canvas craft:
- Gather supplies listed above
- Let your kids help paint canvases. Squirt a couple dabs of your acrylic paint and mix colors together. Use sponge circles to make a neat design
- Dry Canvases
- Write your verse or saying with pencil as a guide
- Use puffy paint to trace words, let dry
Hang your canvas craft on the wall or give as a gift. See, it’s almost as easy as One, Two, Three. We actually made these ones for the grandparents this past Christmas, but they would be great for Grandparent’s Day, Mother’s or Father’s Day or Birthdays!
Do you like to make crafts with your kids? What have you made with canvases?
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Written by Jenn, Contributing Writer
As the summer heat dies down and hints of fall are in the air, exploring the outdoors with the littles again becomes one of my favorite activities. The room to run and endless supply of objects to investigate always makes for a enjoyable outing.
In a beloved book on education, the author remarks that as we explore the natural world, “we are observing God’s handiwork. And it is spine-chillingly wonderful.”
This is the perspective I want to cultivate in my children, even if at one and three they simply enjoy digging in the dirt, picking flowers, and shouting about seeing the moon. “IT’S THE MOON, MOMMY! THE MOON! LOOK–IT’S SO BIG!”
Studying in greater depth will come later; for now I will do as 19th century British educator Charlotte Mason would suggest and just “involve them directly with the world, letting them enjoy, wonder, and question.”
With all of this in mind, we take our fair share of nature walks. Recently, I got all Charlotte Mason and decided we needed to preserve the bounty collected on these trips.
Making a real nature notebook might be a bit beyond my 3 ½ year old. But as I enjoy this sort of thing as much or more than her, I’m willing to endure a little glue mess and broken pressed flowers in the name of identifying and appreciating the flora in our little neck of the woods.
Frankly, I could probably do to say “yes” to a little more mess in our lives anyway. Which is why I encouraged the use of glitter in decorating our nature journal.
Making a Nature Notebook
Supplies:
Notebook with unlined pages
Paper towels
Heavy books
Basic Elmer’s glue or wood glue
Colored pencils/pens/crayons
Bits of nature
How To
1.) Go on a nature walk. Take it slow. Keep your eyes wide open.
City-dweller with not much nature to speak of? Find a pretty park or take a short drive to find a little more green space. You don’t need expansive forests and fields of flowers to make it an enjoyable experience of creation.
I had to force myself to slow down and let my daughter pick dandelion after dandelion. “LOOK MOMMY! ANOTHER YELLOW FLOWER! SO PRETTY!” What can I say? She has a zest for life.
2.) Point out all the plants and creatures.
Overlook the construction, stoplights, cars, and houses. Look for what man didn’t create.
Trees, rocks, flowers, grasses, bugs, and small critters abounded. We threw rocks in the stream and ran squealing from hoards of grasshoppers in the tall prairie grasses.
3.) Let the littles pick their favorite flowers and leaves.
Ask them questions about what they see and help them find adjectives to describe their treasures.
Yes, that one has red berries. Yes, so pretty. No, don’t eat them. Or give them to your brother. I know he wants them, but he’ll just eat them/put them up his nose. Actually, it’s probably best that you don’t touch them. Here, give it to Mommy.
3.) Bring the bounty home to press.
Put the flowers and leaves between paper towels and carefully place them between the pages of a large book. Stack more books, canned goods, hand weights, etc. on top.
4.) Wait a few days for everything to flatten and dry.
I’ve read that it can take up to a few weeks for flowers to completely dry (and that you should change out the paper towels every few days), but our flowers were small and starting to dry out in the late summer heat anyway. It only took a couple days for them to flatten and dry.
5.) In the meantime, decorate a notebook.
I covered the front of ours so that my little big girl would have blank slate to decorate.
This is where I used glitter as a tool to combat my fear of mess. It was only somewhat effective.
6.) Glue the flowers and leaves into the notebook.
I advise using small drops of glue so you can do more pages at a time. We followed the “more is always better” philosophy on page one and had to wait a good hour to continue. The final results weren’t quite as lovely as these, but they served our purposes just fine.
7.) Identify and label each flower/leaf.
We picked up this helpful book from the library to guide us. But, being committed to accurate flower identification, I may also have consulted to internet to confirm my guesses.
8.) For further study:
Older kids or even eager young ones could write (or dictate) descriptions of their findings or a short poem about what they saw on their walk. I love Kristen’s free printable nature journal pages and accompanying poetry lesson idea.
What are your favorite outdoor activities now that summer is fading?
*this post is linked to: Encourage One Another, Titus 2sdays, and WFMW*
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