When it comes to Mother’s Day, I love helping the kids create something extra special for their grandmas. I especially enjoy crafts that are simple and involve spending time outside. Here are a few Mother’s Day nature crafts just right for kids. I promise – we’ve tried each one! 6 Mother’s Day Nature Crafts for Kids (as shown left to right in the image above) 1. … [Read more...]
Our May Day Basket Tradition
May 1 is right around the corner and around here that means we’ll be making May Day baskets. Yes, May 1 – also know as May Day – is historically a time to celebrate the Earth’s fertile season. But our tradition has less lofty origins. It began a few years ago when The Big Explorer first started school. One of his classmates surprised us with a May Day basket full of … [Read more...]
Outdoor Math Game: Counting Items in Nature
I had a lot of fun sharing ideas for learning to read outdoors on Childhood 101 last year. Now Christie and I have put together another great series I think you’ll enjoy – this one on discovering math in the great outdoors. One simple outdoor math game The Little Explorer enjoys at the moment is a twist on a basic nature scavenger hunt. Instead of simply looking for certain … [Read more...]
Fun Friday: Go on a Nighttime Creature Hunt
Your kids may be familiar with the animals they see around your front yard, backyard and neighborhood in the daylight. But what happens at night? Will you still see the same animals – or different ones? Time to go on a nighttime creature hunt to find out! Before you head outdoors at night, make sure to dress for the weather so everyone stays comfortable. All you’ll need to … [Read more...]
Fun Friday: 2014 Spring Nature Photo Hunt
I love taking pictures of nature, even if my kiddos aren’t in the shot. Taking pictures helps me slow down, really focus on something and see beauty where I might not otherwise. It helps me connect with nature. Encouraging kids to take photographs gives them a chance to do the same thing. The bonus: You get to see the world through their eyes. With that in mind, I’m … [Read more...]