March 21, 2008 - Nature Walk March 20
We had a great tiime wathing this butterfly. Its wings were green like a leaf on the outside, but when it flew, you could see the most beautiful, brilliant yellow on the other side!
I even pulled out the Handbook of Nature Study and read some details in passing, with the book on my lap as Sprite added to her journal. It was worthwhile because as I mentioned the number of fins most fish have, we evaluated her drawing again. Her fish was lacking some fins. So I told her to look at the fish more carefully.
She said, "Well, if the book says it has seven fins, then I'll draw more!"
"No, Sprite!" I corrected her, "The FISH itself is the authority not the book! Look at the FISH!"
A great teachable moment! I also encouraged her to look closely at the small bits of color that are on these seemingly gray or clear fish. We saw blue, yellow, and red.
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Comments
March 21, 2008 - Jimmie,
Posted by Juldos
You ladies inspire me and your nature entries encourage me to get outside in our yard and community and see nature close up.
Thank you so much for sharing,
Julie D.
March 22, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by drewsfamilytx
Great pictures Sprite!
I'll have to dig out my Handbook of Nature Study book too... there are lots creatures milling about around here. I really need to work on my own identification skills-- or the lack thereof!
March 22, 2008 - Fish and forsythia
Posted by HarmonyArtMom
Our forsythia is blooming too so we must have about the same climate zone. I love the fish story....made me smile. Nature study is so much about learning to see things and then making connections. Anal fin...got to love that too.
Your nature journal entries are very well done, thanks for sharing them and your day.
Barb-Harmony Art Mom
March 22, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by eeeemommy
The fish is the authority not the book
That is a great teachable moment! I've often struggled with science when what happened in real life didn't match what the book said "should" happen.
We had a similar lesson today while read Paul Revere's Ride (a wonderful literary piece, but not wholly accurate). It was a great opportunity to discuss using discernment and doing further research and not just accepting things immediately as truth.
March 22, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Lori
Your daughter's photos and journal are lovely. Wow! My son would go nuts with a digital camera, but I might wait a year or two (he's four).
Your photos on Chinese children are touching. It's hard to know what to think about it all. On this end, a lot of them end up as post docs here in the States, and they do not get treated very well in many cases. It's really maddening.
Warmly,
Lori
March 22, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by happycamper
Sprite did a great job. I just love looking at photos made by kids. My kids always surprise me with the way they see things differently. Very good! When I brave my soul and show my nature drawings I always feel a little exposed. You did a great job.
Jenn
March 23, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by solidrock
Very Cool! Great art work.
March 23, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Your teachable moment with the fish fins was classic. You were a wise mama to point to the creation...not the book. Right on!
Emily
thelearningneverstops.blogspot.com
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