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You are here: Home / HomeSchooling / Twigs Nature Study

January 25, 2012 by: Hodgepodgemom

Twigs Nature Study

dew on backyard maple

At daybreak, I’m switching the clothes from the washer to the dryer when she comes, all excited. “Mama, have you seen the fog? The dew is glistening on the birch tree. It’s beautiful!”

Nature study in the early morning. Right after breakfast. The two of us! We step outside into the soft, muddy backyard. Recent rains have left it soppy. And we marvel at all the jewels. We clip small twigs from two backyard trees. The birch and Middle Girl’s maple tree. Then, we step into the front yard and snip a red bud twig. Three for our study after lunch.

I mention tying a piece of yarn to one twig – for further study over the next months. Middle Girl darts back out to do just that.

After lunch, we clear the table, read our science lesson, then pull out notebook pages (from the Winter Book 2 – More Nature Study ebook) and pencils. Our three twigs have been the table’s centerpiece since the morning. I appreciate this part of nature study – the sketching – because it helps us notice even more.

We dissected some buds. We also found:

  • some leaf scars
  • the birch has tiny, tiny buds.
  • The maple has beautiful, blooming pink buds.
  • The red bud – nothing.

Then we went on a backyard walk. Eldest Girl sang the song from Milo and Otis:

We’re gonna take a walk outside today…Gonna see what we can find today…

We found a curly vine and enjoyed the sunshine.

One found a twig on the ground. After snapping it and smelling it, she declared, “it’s a pine.”

Another remembered that twigs are especially good for stirring mud puddles from recent rains.

Then, all stopped when we reached an ant hill.

It was a very active mound and made for fun observation. Especially when you add a few sugar cubes and a piece of bread.

And the report, Littlest Girl announces, as of 5:20 p.m. –  “the ants have mostly finished the three sugar cubes.”

Nature adventures starting at daybreak on a Tuesday. Many thanks to Handbook of Nature Study’s Outdoor Hour Challenges.

 

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About Hodgepodgemom

Tricia faces a daily dose of chaos homeschooling five children. The biggest lesson she’s learned? At the end of the day – when the dishes are put away and the children are tucked in bed – truly what matters is each child’s relationship with the Lord. Raising children is a God-given privilege and, folks, the time is short.

Backyard Birds in Winter
IS MATH FOR YOUR CHILD LIKE A BATH IS FOR YOUR CAT?

Comments

  1. Barb-Harmony Art Mom says

    January 25, 2012 at 9:44 AM

    I should have added mud stirring to the challenge. 🙂

    Another great nature study time with the Hodgepodge family. I always enjoy your multi-level study and seeing how each of your children makes it personal.

    I would have loved to observe the anthill with the sugar cubes…excellent fun. I will have to try that when I can with my boys.

    Thanks for sharing your OHC….makes my day.

    Reply
    • Hodgepodgemom says

      January 25, 2012 at 10:15 AM

      Yes, mud stirring and sugar cubes – both were the children’s ideas. See how much fun OHC prompts around here? It was a fun day! (thanks)

      Reply
  2. Phyllis says

    January 25, 2012 at 10:49 AM

    Your nature studies are always so great. I love the way your whole family works together. I love the photo of the nature walk with eldest girl singing. Perfect.

    Reply
  3. Nana says

    January 25, 2012 at 3:53 PM

    Do you think that Spring could be not far away?? Loved this nature study…the children looked like they had such fun!
    Forever,
    Nana

    Reply
  4. Rebecca says

    January 25, 2012 at 8:36 PM

    OUr nature walk was pre-empted by a quick stop at the skate park….two children hurt…we’ll try again tomorrow!

    Reply
  5. Hodgepodgemom says

    January 26, 2012 at 11:38 AM

    Phyllis, there may have been a little bit of skipping involved too 🙂 Nana – I think so! So much is blooming way earlier than I’ve ever noticed. Rebecca – goodness! Hope all are ok?

    Reply
  6. Zonnah says

    January 31, 2012 at 11:44 AM

    Good idea leaving sugar cubes. I will have to do that with my son.

    Reply
  7. Barbara says

    February 1, 2012 at 12:25 AM

    I want an anthill!

    Reply

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