Welcome to Day 20 of 31 Days of Backyard Nature Fun, a month-long series offering simple ways to get outside exploring the natural world. To see activities from earlier this month, head here.
Remember a couple of days ago when I mentioned that The Explorers like to hoard gather rocks on our neighborhood walks? Of course, that’s not all they like to pick up. Taking the No. 2 spot on our list of favorite items from nature to stash away for later: Sticks.
So what to do with all those sticks you ask? While we’ve got a few ideas of our own, when I first read today’s idea from fellow blogger Lindsey, I knew I wanted to share it with you. Thankfully, she obliged.
Lindsey’s a woman after my own heart. She runs outsidemom.com, a blog for parents dedicated to taking full advantage of the experiences the natural world has to offer their family. She’s also an Environmental Educator, a mother of three and somewhat obsessive when it comes to being outside. What’s not to love?
Day 20: Find north with a stick.
Most kids (and some adults) think that the only way to distinguish east from west and north from south and everything in between is to use a compass, or a smart phone, or that built-in GPS in your car.
But before the age of technology, all you really needed was a sunny day, a few sticks and some rocks. It’s easy to make a compass rose in your yard. Once you build it, leave it up and encourage your kids to use more accurate directions. It’s a great way to provide a sense of place, and think how smart your kids will feel when they say, “Mom/Dad, can we build a hut in the northeast corner of the yard?”
Ready to make your own stick compass? Head over to OutsideMom.com for step-by-step instructions.
Just joining us? Catch up on what we’re up to at 31 Days of Backyard Nature Fun.
Enjoy! 🙂
That would be great fun for me….never mind kids! lol xxxx