Homes and Hideaways
Recently we were invited to attend an event at Shaker Lakes Nature Center called "Homes and Hideaways". We happily accepted the invite and were pleasantly surprised to arrive at a very charming space tucked away in the woods this Monday. Always up for a new outdoor adventure, my four year old and I wondered what the morning would hold.
Are you familiar with your local nature centers? If not, you should be. I am finding that we have more in the area than I ever knew existed and have made it a goal of mine to explore as many as I can this year. There are many knowledgable folks working or volunteering at these places and they are happy to share and answer any questions you or your children might have. Last year my kids and I sought out a naturalist at a local nature center to ask about owls in our area. We were speechless when she not only came out to talk to us about local owl habitats but then went as far as to bring out a owl in residence for us to see up close! So, if you haven't already, take full advantage of your local nature centers. They are such an untapped resource!
Being such a strong nature advocate myself and an avid day hiker with the kids, I am never sure if it pays to sign up for classes. We do so much on our own. Is it worth it to pay for instruction and structure? I suppose it depends on the program you attend and the enthusiasm of the guide for that day, but in this case, Shaker Lakes definitely made signing up worthwhile.
Before the class I had talked to my kids about some animals homes. We had read books on the subject, have witnessed some animals popping in and out of trees on our hikes, and of course always look to see who's home when we come across a hole in a tree. But what this class provided was a condensed and easy to understand lesson on who resides in the woods around us and where they might be found. The more we talk about our class, the more details start to come into conversation. This slow release of information in our day to day happenings tells me that we really did utilize nature as our classroom that day. And to me that is such an inspiring thing!
The class started with a bunny hideout craft in a pavilion across from the center. It was a cute way to address the topic and ended with up close look at a hummingbird nest (pictured above) and some interactive conversation about a rolly polly one of the kids happened across while coloring. The guide was very good about getting down to their level and not afraid to engage in impromptu learning.
The story was read out on the trail at a small learning area out in the woods. The kids were all really engaged and it set the tone for the things we would be looking for. I love the way the guide described the homes as shelters but that the animals had to leave those shelters to seek food and water throughout the forest. The forest then becomes a collective home for all the animals to share and interact with. Thus as we walked through the woods we were subtly reminded that we were walking through their home. A good way to promote our role as caretakers I believe.
Amongst the trees we found homes and hideouts that belonged to chipmunks, groundhogs, squirrels, fish, ants, woodpeckers, rabbits, eagles (a nest constructed by an earlier group of children), raccoons, and bugs of all kinds. Intermingled with the topic of the day, were facts about the plants and environment at large. One of my favorites being the identification of Jewel Weed and it's associated medicinal functions as an anti-itch "cream". It's beautiful water resistant leaves coated with little "jewel" droplets. Makes me want to start my own medicine garden...some day.
Natural learning spaces really should be and I believe can be intertwined with a child's education. And nature centers are great place to connect to the bigger picture and get inspired. These hands-on, immersive learning environments (aka the great outdoors) should be a normal everyday experience for children. The children in this group were moving, talking, and learning in a very intuitive way. Education does not have to be formal, traditional, and take place seated in a classroom. These centers give examples of what happens when we broaden our horizons. Education can and IS so much more when we take it back to it's roots. When we take our kids back to where they belong. Back outdoors!
