Before class, my kids and I decided on our “focus areas.” Me, edible plants; Sam, birds; Jessie, bugs and amphibians. I made up 4 copies of each of our first cards (Spring Beauty, Pileated Woodpecker and Spring peeper) so that each child could have the start of their own field guide. I stuck a 3×5 index card inside the printout to give it some stiffness before sealing it in contact paper.

We took a walk through a beautiful sanctuary. I tried to keep them focused on their “focus areas.” I was kinda successful but spring was in the air and continued focus wasn’t. We heard a woodpecker, red bellied I think. Found some tent-worms and different fungi. I took a few pictures here.

We came back and talked briefly about what we saw and what card we’d each work on next: me, may apple; Sam, cardinal; Jess, ladybug; Snowflake: poison ivy; Vrooom: red-bellied woodpecker.

There wasn’t time for a nature journal entry unfortunately. It is hard to fit everything in to 45 minutes! I am thinking next time we’ll trade our cards and do a journal entry.

Today at the co-op I lead green hour challenge #9. Click here to go to be beginning of the photo Album. Since not all the kids pictured are mine, I’ve used pseudonyms on all.

Many discoveries were made… fragrant dogwood, unusual flowers, mysteriously fizzy water. Most everyone settled right in and seemed to enjoy the time outside. Except for my Rampant Swan. She is showing little interest in organized activities right now. *sigh* I didn’t really “participate” either but rather enjoyed flitting around to see what everyone was doing.

Next time I will do a better job of describing the activity more before hand and taking a little more time for everyone to share what they learned afterwards.
Next week, I think we will work on #7: Your own field guide.