Raising Little Naturalists
In the book “How to Raise a Wild Child”, the author, Dr. Scott Sampson, tell us that children today can recognize 1,000 corporate logos but as few as 10 plants native to their area.
I will let you think about that one for a second.
I recently came across this information in the midst of a growing urgency within myself to connect to the land I call home. I love to travel but as of late have not had too many adventures outside of my home base. Hopping in the car for an hour or two drive in any direction is about the furthest we've ventured with the kids. However, while part of me misses the freedom once afforded to me to just get up and go, there is another part of me that is falling in love with the land I grew up in. All of a sudden I'm realizing there is a comfort in home but that I have so much more to learn about it.
As an artist, the skill of observation is engrained in me. When I look up at the leaves I see much more than a simple tree. I see light. I see color. I see edges and veins. I try to deduce the health of the tree based on the state of the leaf. The small curling and drying of an edge, makes me notice the coolness in the air and the season coming next. I think of the leaf as a tiny food source or a shelter. Which leads me down a million other fictional and non-fictional paths within my head. While at the same time, keeping one eye on my children's whereabouts and answering their calls and questions.
Ahh, the life of an artist mom. I digress. Or do I? I used to struggle with the connection between the two but have grown to realize that being an artist and being a naturalist are not that far apart. And by teaching my children the skill of observation I am doing more than fostering their creativity (another worthwhile goal to be sure) but I am also helping that develop a connection to the natural world. This intimate knowing of the world right outside their door will empower them, calm them, and help save our planet all at the same time!
And the first step in raising a little naturalist is also becoming one yourself. Here are some steps to get started!
FIELD GUIDES
If you are not familiar with the birds flying by your window then get a simple local bird book and keep it on the window sill. We shop the nature center gift shops and found the Birds of Cleveland, Metroparks book works great.
Gather other inexpensive field guides for kids that cover local flora and fauna. We have a bug book and a wildflower book, yet both leave something to be desired. So I would recommend reading reviews and maybe searching at the library first. Again, the nature center gift shops are a great place to start as well!
NATURE JOURNALING
Nature Journaling with kids is amazing as long as you erase any sort of expectation from your mind, especially if your kids are really young still like mine. Give them a blank journal (little ones for little hands). Nothing fancy. And a drawing utensil of choice. This is something I am working on. We've started ours in the winter and have been using them on and off whenever the mood strikes us. I absolutely love looking back at the notes and drawings from our walks. It records the exciting and the common place as if they both deserve equal attention. Perfect.
LISTENING
Take time to listen on a sound walk. Did you hear that? What is making that sound? You can devote a bike / stroller / wagon ride around the block to recording sounds. Or take a hike through the woods and, write down or record on your phone, every interesting sound you hear. Soon enough that bird song will be heard while the bird is in view. And you just identified your first local bird song! Once you start listening, you start questioning. And once questions are asked, answers are sought out.
ENCOURAGE THEIR INTERESTS
If they are really into bugs then get down on the ground with them and examine, no matter how you yourself might feel about creepy crawlers! Say one of your kids is always dragging sticks into the yard. Make them a spot to store them and get excited right along side. Do they love mud? Let them have at it. You get my point. Don't always try to control the situation and force them into exploring your way. Bend a little and see where their interests take them. We want them to want to take an interest in nature after all!
UNPLUG
We all know that a childhood unplugged will lead to more time moving, exploring, and connecting with the outside world. How about trying to unplug our own devices a bit more as well? In order to connect our children to the outdoors, we ourselves have to develop a relationship or foster our love for it on a regular basis too. Read more about my Natural Reset Challenge here.
Incorporate Natural Learning Into Their Play
Here are some great activities! Some tried and true. Others on my forever long list of inspiring things I'd love to do...
Have fun raising your little naturalist and becoming one yourself. Let us know daily habits that work to get your kids excited about nature. And of course please share if any of these ideas listed above speak to you. Hope you feel inspired!
