Why even bother with nature study?

Nature is beautiful

   Since it was the first Monday of the school year yesterday, it was also our first science day of the year. Science day can be a lot of fun for the Monkeys because they get to learn about science and nature. Once we are finished all the individual work for the day we get to work on Monday's activities. I always like to start off with reading our science book of the week first. This week Funky Monkey took out Whale Sharks by Heidi Mathea from the library so we made that be our first science book this year. The book itself was not too long so we were able to read the whole book in one sitting. It has numerous large photographs of whale sharks with tons of information that's easy to comprehend (even for the smallest of listeners). The book is written in a living book style so I found that the kids were able to remember a lot of the information long after we finished reading it. Even I found the book very interesting and learned a few bits about this largest fish in the world.

Our garden tomatoes

   Science day also means science experiments. We have been tending to our little garden outside this summer, so for our science experiment this week we went outside to see how our tomato plant was growing and to pick some fresh tomatoes from our garden. It's very satisfying to see the Monkeys get so excited over small amounts of produce that comes from our garden. This year we have been able to harvest some tomatoes, radishes, strawberries, carrots, and green beans from our little plot. It's never very much since our garden is only about 2 feet by 10 feet, but Monkeys love the freshly picked taste of the fruits and veggies. While we were in the garden I found a little lady bug sitting on one of the tomato leaves and I gently ripped the leaf off and gave it to the Monkeys. It's amusing how one little ladybug can provide so much joy to three kids. Observing the ladybug seemed to be the highlight of the garden trip.

Funky Monkey on nature walk

   Another thing we do on science day is Nature walk followed by Nature Journal. Nature walk doesn't have to be a great big outing or major planned trip; Nature Walk can be a slow walk in the neighborhood as long as we observe nature along the way. This Monday, our Nature walk was a bit more of a planned adventure. We drove to a local Regional Park and went for a longer excursion with a plan to observe wildlife on the way. Monkeys love observing nature and are very keen to watch animals and insects in their natural habitat. This time we got to see a very curious dragonfly who kept on coming back and hovering next to us many times. It was very beautiful with black and blue stripped back side and green and black stripped abdomen.

Even rocks are crawling with life

   Another animal that we saw on our walk was a rabbit eating apples that fell from the apple tree. The bunny was very concentrated on eating the apples and didn't even notice us coming until Girly Monkey was about 10 feet away from him. It was nice for the Monkeys to see how the bunny manipulated his food and ate the apple. Watching animals eat never gets old for us, so when Monkeys found couple of Hummingbirds feeding in the Hummingbird feeder they were full of excitement. Hummingbirds are always one of the most favorite animals in our house and Monkeys often watch outside our windows for these tiny visitors. I think that Monkeys' fascination with Hummingbird must have something to do with their tiny size.

Funky Monkey's Journal entry.

Girly Monkey's Journal entry.

   After we finish our Nature walk I ask the Monkeys to draw in their Nature Journal what they have seen this time on our Nature Walk. Monkeys always spend a great deal of time drawing and writing their observations. I am often surprised how much information they are able to take from their surrounding and transfer to paper. It's a fun activity that is meant to teach them about observing what is around them. It helps them appreciate what lives in their own backyard, so to speak.

Every bit of Nature is great!

Nature walks are relaxing
and fun!

   So why teach Nature Study anyways? I think that many teachers are very keen on teaching their pupils about far-away, exotic places and animals but they fail to teach their students about things that are around them. One of the benefit of doing Nature study is to develop deep connection between a child and his surroundings. When kids learn about the animals and plants and insects that live in their neighborhood, they are more likely to care about the welfare of these living thing. Too many people care more about the welfare of far away places without noticing the destruction of nature in their own backyard. Nature study prevents this type of ecological tunnel vision and is meant to develop a sense of belonging to a bigger picture in a child. Let me tell you that it works. My kids get very offended when they notice people littering in the park, or smoking by a seashore, or damaging plant-life. They all developed a close bond with the things that grow around them and are often saddened by an animal hit by a car, or chased by uncaring children. It means that they have developed a sense of responsibility for all living things that surround them, and that is a first step to raising an environmental;y responsible adult. My verdict is that we all could use a little more Nature Study!

Examining things up close is more fun!