April 2, 2009 - Nature Study at the River
We now live near a river, walking distance in fact. And what a great opportunity it is for nature study. I can hardly call this school. It's just refreshing and enjoyable. Besides enjoying the outdoors ourselves, I really enjoy seeing others doing so -- fishing or just playing in the mud.
Here's the bridge over the bend of the river closest to our home.
With a view like this, you can forget you're in a city for a short while.
The bridge is right ahead of Sprite in this shot.
We were smart enough to bring along a bucket, a net, and a butterfly net. Here Sprite is catching the tiniest of fish.
You can see people dotting the banks. It's not totally isolated, but for China, it's about as "alone" as you can get.
Not nature, but doesn't this boat remind you of The Story of Ping? The fisherman had crabs in the net bags hanging from the side of the boat.
I was so pleased to identify Queen Anne's Lace for Sprite and tell her how I used to use the tiny bouquets for my Barbie dolls.
The tadpoles were huge and were sprouting tiny legs.
We identified celery growing in a small patch. (Chinese celery is skinnier than what I always bought in America. I've seen the"fat" kind here too, but the skinny type seems to have a stronger flavor so I prefer it now.)
We got out of the habit of nature walks and nature study for many months. I missed it, but was not at all motivated during the winter months to really do anything about it. With the warmer temperatures of spring, I am thrilled to find such a wonderful gem of an area within walking distance of our home. There is still much of the river bed to explore.
Comments
April 2, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 4sweetums
What a lovely place for a nature walk. Have fun exploring your new space. That boat really does remind me of Ping. My kids love that story so much.
Blessings,
Dawn
April 2, 2009 - This is so cool!
Posted by Anonymous
This looks like such fun!! I love nature walks. I had no idea that you all lived in China! Where have I been??
LOVE IT!
Jennifer Sikora
www.belikeesther.blogspot.com
April 2, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Sherry
How exciting...and beautiful! :)
http://livingandlearningnow.blogspot.com
April 2, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by LaPaz (theresa)
Beautiful! This is probably my favorite part about homeschooling--the freedom to enjoy days like this!
April 3, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
I love this kind of schooling. They learn much more this way. It has been years since I have seen a Queen Anne's Lace. Beautiful!
Martha
www.sunrisetosunset123.blogspot.com
April 4, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Dana @ School For Us
I love seeing your photos! I especially loved the one of the "Ping" boat. :-) And, I enjoyed tagging along on your nature walk via your blog. We went on a nature walk yesterday and it was nice.
April 5, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Amy in Arizona
I LOVE this post!! Makes me want to go back to China! Beautiful pictures!!
Amy in Arizona
www.chinacaboose.blogspot.com
April 5, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Caseybumpinaong
Fascinating pictures! I love your blog!
April 5, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by pollo21
That is SOOOOO gorgeous!!! Absolutely breath taking!
April 7, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
What a wonderful environment!!! I've missed your nature walks too! :)
Grace and Peace,
Angel
http://thesakeofthecall.blogspot.com/
