What started as a whim last winter has now become a full-fledged blog with followers and sponsors! And, on top of it, I now call myself a blogger, which makes me giggle, since writing was never my "thing." My sister, Kara, was always the creative writer in the family (BTW - She writes for Treehugger. If you are interested in following her posts you can find her latest one here).
In celebration of Kids Discover Nature's first Birthday, I am launching a new feature entitled Critter Corner. Since animals are my passion (I watch "Nature" on PBS religiously and think Planet Earth was the best movie/series ever), I thought I would pass along my knowledge to all you 'rents out there that know what a squirrel and Blue Jay look like, but that's pretty much the extent of it.
I hear from many mom's that they don't know a thing about nature and feel awkward about feeling so "dumb" in front of their kids. PAALEEEASE - don't take yourself and nature so seriously! I studied for years to become a wildlife ecologist and I could continue to study for the rest of my life and still only know 1/1,000 of what there is to know about nature and wildlife. One thing I do know for sure is that there is always something new and fun to learn about. After all, that in itself is what makes animals and nature so interesting. I guarantee that when you go outside with your children to explore the yard, go for a walk, go fishing, make a snowman, look at the stars, etc., etc., etc. the very last thing they will be concerned about is whether mommy or daddy know all the answers to their questions.
However, we all like to feel smart so included in each Critter Corner post will be a description about an animal with photos and/or a video and links to where you can learn more about that animal. Consider them Cliff Notes for critters! You can then talk to your child about each animal, discuss where it lives, what it eats and what it looks like. You can even take the lesson a step farther by searching for the critter in your neighborhood (if applicable), doing online research or heading to the library to find books that will teach more about it.
My goal with Critter Corner is for you and your kiddies to have fun learning together! I hope you enjoy the new feature and as always I welcome your comments. Have a great weekend, go outside and enjoy President's Day and Valentines Day!
2 comments:
Hello... Happy one year!
I just found your blog. I was searching for nature and stuff to do with kids.
What you say about knowing the answers... or not knowing all the answers is so true. I have learned so much from my daughters passion for nature. I could never in a million years anwers ALL of her questions. We have learned together. Even when I do know the answer I encourage her to investigate and find it on her own or we look together. It has been such a wonderful way for her to seek out answers and learn even more along the way.
BTW We LOVE Planet Earth and Blue Planet around here. My daughter wants to meet David Attenborough. Even looked up his bio...So cute! A little David A. groupie!
Thank you for your words of encouragement. We are equally enthralled by "Planet Earth!" I gave the DVD to many for Christmas presents (assuming everyone else is as enthralled as we are). I have also heard good things about the new series "Life." Can't wait to see it.,
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