Posted by Jill
Without examining results of scientific studies, I think most would agree that time spent outdoors has lasting benefits. There are opportunities for new discoveries and learning adventures when one connects with nature.
Incorporating the use of a nature journal is one way to encourage observation, appreciation, connection, and exploration of the natural world with your child.
What are nature journals, you ask? A nature journal is a dedicated space to record experiences within the natural world. That’s the extent of the definition. Nature journals aren’t just for kids either! In fact, you are the best model for child; why not start a nature journal of your own? How you choose to record observations, express ideas, questions, or feelings is completely up to you! There are no rules when journaling. Use words to describe observations, or maybe a sketch works best! Perhaps a fallen leaf, flower petal, or seed may be the perfect addition to a page. Watching a worm wiggle under a rock may spawn a list of questions, while a flock of geese flying overhead might inspire a poem.
Before you begin, decide on a format that works best. Purchase a notebook and decorate the cover however you wish. Prefer separate sheets of paper? No problem, find or create a binder or folder to house your entries. You might also want to consider finding a special pouch to hold pens, pencils, colored pencils, and/or crayons.
Spending quality time outdoors doesn’t have to mean visiting a national park or even traveling to your local forest preserve to hike. Nature explorations can simply be done right in your backyard. When you plan to spend time outside, take your journal with you. You never know when you’ll be inspired to write (or draw)!
Here are a couple of websites that can provide you with additional information on nature journals:
http://www.sierraclub.org/education/nature_journal.asp
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Nature-Journal
http://www.nwf.org/Kids/Ranger-Rick/Activities/Outdoors/Observing-Wildlife/Create-Your-Own-Nature-Journal.aspx
Fun February Classes!
Posted by Jenny
Hello everyone! We hope you are staying warm and enjoying your winter! We have been busy here at Cantigny planning and preparing for all our classes and events for 2012! Lots of paperwork and computer work!
Needless to say, we are excited to get back into the classroom and see all our students again soon!
This year we are offering two one-time classes in February. They are sure to be a great time, we hope you can make it!
Here is all the information:
Hello everyone! We hope you are staying warm and enjoying your winter! We have been busy here at Cantigny planning and preparing for all our classes and events for 2012! Lots of paperwork and computer work!
Needless to say, we are excited to get back into the classroom and see all our students again soon!
This year we are offering two one-time classes in February. They are sure to be a great time, we hope you can make it!
Here is all the information:
Snow Man Party!
Friday, February 3rd, 10:00-11:00am, ages 3-5 with parent, $10
Snowmen can be “snow” much fun! Join us for stories, crafts, and songs all about snowmen! If there is snow on the ground we will go outside and build a few snowmen too. After all the fun, we will share a treat of cookies and hot chocolate!
Love Bugs!
Friday, February 10th, 10:00-11:00am, ages 3-5 with parent, $10
Love is in the air! Come get ready for Valentine’s Day with your little love bug! We will read stories, make a craft, and have all the supplies ready for you to create special Valentine’s Day cards! When all the crafting is complete we will share a special treat!
Registration for both these programs is availiable online at http://www.cantigny.org/, or you can call 630-260-8162 to register by phone.
Hope to see you there!
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Wait!!! Where's all the Snow?!
Posted by Jenny.
We have spent the past month learning all about snow in our Sprouts, Wiggleworms, and Doodlebugs classes. We learned about where snow comes from, what snowflakes look like, what animals do in the snow, and we talked about all the fun things we can do when it snows outside. But, each week, our students would wonder where all the snow was!
By this time of year, most children dream of spending their days bundled up in snow gear and happily building snowmen, sledding, having snowball fights, and catching snowflakes on their tongues before heading inside to warm up with a nice up of hot chocolate and marshmallows.
Sadly, that may take a bit longer then usual this year! I checked the forecast today, and it doesn't seem like any significant snow is headed our way, at least for the next ten days.
So.......here are a few suggestions of ways you can play with "snow" inside...that is, until we get enough snow outside to bundle up and go play!
These cottonball snowmen are simple and adorable! We made them in our Sprouts class:
http://www.allkidsnetwork.com/crafts/winter/cotton-ball-snowman.asp
Grow your own snowflakes! Kids love this easy science experiment!
http://www.sciencefairadventure.com/ProjectDetail.aspx?ProjectID=152
Make snowflakes out of coffee filters! Each will be unique and beautiful, just like real snowflakes! You can hang them in your windows! The kids in our Doodlebugs class could have made these all day!
http://www.smartcenter.org/ovpm/december-07.htm
Cuddle up with that yummy hot chocolate, and read some great books about snow.
A few of our favorites are:
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
The Mitten by Jan Brett
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
The Secret Life of a Snowflake by Kenneth Libbrecht
We have spent the past month learning all about snow in our Sprouts, Wiggleworms, and Doodlebugs classes. We learned about where snow comes from, what snowflakes look like, what animals do in the snow, and we talked about all the fun things we can do when it snows outside. But, each week, our students would wonder where all the snow was!
By this time of year, most children dream of spending their days bundled up in snow gear and happily building snowmen, sledding, having snowball fights, and catching snowflakes on their tongues before heading inside to warm up with a nice up of hot chocolate and marshmallows.
Sadly, that may take a bit longer then usual this year! I checked the forecast today, and it doesn't seem like any significant snow is headed our way, at least for the next ten days.
So.......here are a few suggestions of ways you can play with "snow" inside...that is, until we get enough snow outside to bundle up and go play!
These cottonball snowmen are simple and adorable! We made them in our Sprouts class:
http://www.allkidsnetwork.com/crafts/winter/cotton-ball-snowman.asp
Grow your own snowflakes! Kids love this easy science experiment!
http://www.sciencefairadventure.com/ProjectDetail.aspx?ProjectID=152
Make snowflakes out of coffee filters! Each will be unique and beautiful, just like real snowflakes! You can hang them in your windows! The kids in our Doodlebugs class could have made these all day!
http://www.smartcenter.org/ovpm/december-07.htm
Cuddle up with that yummy hot chocolate, and read some great books about snow.
A few of our favorites are:
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
The Mitten by Jan Brett
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
The Secret Life of a Snowflake by Kenneth Libbrecht
Talkin' Turkey
Posted by Jenny
With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up next week, turkey has been on everyone's mind! Most people are thinking about the turkey they are going to eat for dinner (and all the yummy sides too)! But did you know that there is a group of wild turkeys that make their home here at Cantigny? These interesting birds can be seen all over the park, but do have a preference for the area in the back of the park near our Administrative Building. Sometimes they like to block cars making it a challenge for employees to go home at night!
Wild turkeys live in the woods. They need large trees to provide food and shelter. At night, the turkeys will roost in the lower branches of trees. Yes, wild turkeys can fly! Turkeys will eat whatever they can find, but really enjoy insects, berries, seeds, grains, and nuts. Male wild turkeys are called "toms" or "gobblers" and can weigh up to 21 pounds. Females are called "hens" and weigh about 10 pounds.
Next time you visit Cantigny see if you can find our wild turkey friends and tell them, "Gobble Gobble!"
As you and your family get ready for the holiday, here are a few fun turkey crafts to try at home:
Leaf Turkey
http://www.holiday-kids-crafts.com/thanksgiving-crafts-fall-leaf-turkey.html
This is a fun fall project to work on together. Go outside, collect some leaves, get your glue and paper out, and you are ready to make a cute turkey!
Here's a few more ideas for great Thanksgiving/turkey crafts:
http://www.preschool-learning-and-crafts.com/preschool-thanksgiving-crafts.html
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up next week, turkey has been on everyone's mind! Most people are thinking about the turkey they are going to eat for dinner (and all the yummy sides too)! But did you know that there is a group of wild turkeys that make their home here at Cantigny? These interesting birds can be seen all over the park, but do have a preference for the area in the back of the park near our Administrative Building. Sometimes they like to block cars making it a challenge for employees to go home at night!
Wild turkeys live in the woods. They need large trees to provide food and shelter. At night, the turkeys will roost in the lower branches of trees. Yes, wild turkeys can fly! Turkeys will eat whatever they can find, but really enjoy insects, berries, seeds, grains, and nuts. Male wild turkeys are called "toms" or "gobblers" and can weigh up to 21 pounds. Females are called "hens" and weigh about 10 pounds.
Next time you visit Cantigny see if you can find our wild turkey friends and tell them, "Gobble Gobble!"
As you and your family get ready for the holiday, here are a few fun turkey crafts to try at home:
Leaf Turkey
http://www.holiday-kids-crafts.com/thanksgiving-crafts-fall-leaf-turkey.html
This is a fun fall project to work on together. Go outside, collect some leaves, get your glue and paper out, and you are ready to make a cute turkey!
Here's a few more ideas for great Thanksgiving/turkey crafts:
http://www.preschool-learning-and-crafts.com/preschool-thanksgiving-crafts.html
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
