Science is one of my favorite subjects...it has been since my junior high Marine Biology class taught by Mr. Shaw. He just loved what he was doing and it showed. He made even dissecting stinky old starfish and trout exciting (although I have to admit I was so grossed out by the smell of the dead fish permeating the overly hot, non-air conditioned classroom that late spring day that I hardly wanted to be there). So when I started homeschooling The Boy in first grade I naturally had visions of spending countless hours doing fun science stuff. Then reality struck...science experiements with a first grader, a 4 year old and and toddler were not fun...I was so paranoid that we'd hurt ourselves or our neighbors yards that I chickened out and shelved any more thoughts of "fun science" until the kiddos were older. Hah!! by that time I once again had a toddler and a baby! I wish I had known about this site
For a sneek peak check out this video:
Our family enjoys a quickly growing past-time: Geocaching. We use a high tech GPS device to find "hidden treasure", usually a container of some sorts in which a log book and perhaps some trinkets for the taking (one to a family, please!) The idea is to use your GPS and some coordinates downloaded from the internet to find the treasure. Once found, you sign the log book ( or in the case of letterboxing stamping the image of your personal rubber stamp), take a trinket-replacing it with a trinket of your own-and putting the container back in its concealed location. Geocaching is the high tech version of Letterboxing...long a favorite past-time in Europe. Our family enjoys geocaching as it gets us outdoors doing something fun together...all the while teaching our wee chicks about longitude and latitude and the basics of orienteering (finding your way with a compass or GPS device). The great thing about Geocaching is it doesn't have to cost much other than your time and the initial cost of the GPS device...and if high-tech is not in your budget or lifestyle letterboxing is the way to go.
This is my first post on Restoring Wonder...I'll actually be hosting RW next Friday.And hopefully there will be a RW post every Friday!! Until then check out this post and Ann's posts at Listening and A Child's Geoegraphy- Travel Blog for some wonderful inspiration.
I've mentioned previously that I love watching birds...one might say it is a passion of mine...and it is my experience that if you are passionate about something your interest in it is infectious, especially to those close to you. The girl chicks love birding, too (The Boy is not sold on it yet as there aren't enough LEGOS involved). It is a fun, rewarding and realtively inexpensive activity--all you need are a pair of binoculars, a bird guide, and birds! So, if you want to join us here are some links for birding information and some fun: ONLINE FIELD GUIDES: ENature BirdSource BIRD GAMES: bird jigsaw puzzle find the hidden bird by listening to its call BIRD COUNTS: Project Feeder Watch Great Backyard Bird Count LISTENING TO BIRDS: Bird Songs And, TIPS FOR BIRDING WITH CHILDREN Happy Birding and See you next Friday!
(And don't forget to leave a comment and a link to your own Restoring Wonder ideas--hopefully I'll have the button information for you soon!!)
A few weeks ago I blogged about a friend and I wanting to bring the wonderment back into our little homeschools. At that time I mentioned that there might be a button for all to use as they joined us in our journey. Well, there is a button! So, to see the first installment of this endeavour check out A Child's Geography. I'll be hosting ideas for fun next Friday (if all goes well). Until then drop us a line at A Child's Geography to let us know you are joining in. Remember, the goal is to incorporate more joy and wonderment into our fleeting days with our precious children!
Just the simple thoughts on life, children, books, nature, and God (to name a few) of an imperfect Christian momma as she ventures forth in search of the Sweet Life...
