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