Oct. 3, 2008

Simple Backyard Nature - Imagination Play

You never know what kids will do if given a little time to stretch their imaginations in nature.  For us not all nature study is organized.  Sometimes it's just all about play.  And in the process, they are exercising and growing their imaginations and sometimes they are even getting along and growing their relationships.

 

 

Sometimes logs become houses with walls made of sticks and even old walnut shells become cups and a dish.  And sometimes even acorns are eggs and bark can become bacon turned with a stick on a stove made of stones.

 

 

And of course I'll never miss a grand banquet with such delicious foods placed so carefully on a plate made of just the finest rocks on a table of wood.

 

 

And then on occasion we'll even allow a special something to be set up.  To us it may be just a tent, but to them it's a new world, palace, or secret hideout.

 

 

Or perhaps a secret sister's club!

 

 

For us it's not all about structure and lessons when spending time in nature, sometimes, some things are just more important.  Now, please excuse me, I must take my seat, my bacon and eggs are being served.

 

 

 

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Comments

Oct. 3, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Ritsumei
What a lovely backyard you guys have! Looks like they're having a wonderful time!
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Oct. 4, 2008 - Tents in the backyard

Posted by Anonymous
We have a tent up most of the summer in our backyard. My boys love to sleep out of doors when the weather is hot and the house isn't pleasant to be in.

It's been a long time since I've a good meal of bacon and eggs in the backyard. :) I do look upon those memories fondly and hope more families follow your lead.

Thanks for the great post.
Barb-Harmony Art Mom
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Oct. 4, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by OldSchoolMarm
Oh how fun...we want to come play at your place! BTW, I like my yolks fully cooked, Alex, and the bacon crispy :-)!
Blessings, Julie
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Oct. 4, 2008 - us, too

Posted by JamieLee
We've been doing a lot of "unstructured" nature study lately, too. The fall weather is just too nice not to be out in it!
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Oct. 4, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous
Melissa, I LOVE this entry!! :) Wonderfully perfect nature study in my opinion! :)

I also wanted to thank you for sharing your wind study with us, it looks great and I'm wondering when/how I can implement it! :)

Candace
www.hismercyisnew.com
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Oct. 5, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by jiffy11
How fun for all of you! Don't you love capturing these moments on film and in your heart. Grace and Della have a tent exactly like that one also...they thought that was so neat. tee-hee.
Love ya,
Jennifer
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Oct. 8, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by kimalita
Cute post, Melissa. It is the simple things in life. Spending time outdoors, surrounded by the creations of the Master.............
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About Me

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My name is Melissa and I am a homeschool mom of three beautiful blessings ages 12, 10, and 4; and blessed wife to my husband for 16 years. We use Charlotte Mason's educational philosophies of learning the natural, everyday hands-on life way. We especially enjoy learning and growing together beyond the classroom doors in God's amazing creation in nature. Photobucket

"Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young - a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God." ~Psalm 84:3-4


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We Love Mud
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Can You Hear It?
Imagination Play

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Picture Study - Creative Writing Activity
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Nature Study is Education!

Precious Moments in God's Creation
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Finally, the Elusive Pileated Woodpecker
Carving Out Time for Nature Study
Teaching with Nature ~ Math

Charlotte Mason Quotable
"It would be well if we all persons in authority, parents and all who act for parents, could make up our minds that there is no sort of knowledge to be got in these early years so valuable to children as that which they get for themselves of the world they live in. Let them once get touch with Nature, and a habit is formed which will be a source of delight through life. We were all meant to be naturalists, each in his degree, and it is inexcusable to live in a world so full of the marvels of plant and animal life and to care for none of these things." --Charlotte Mason, Vol.1, p. 61

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