Monthly Archives: November 2009

Let’s Have Class Outside Today!

November 23, 2009

This is a great news piece that demonstrates some of the ways that educators are using their school grounds to help bring lessons to life.

Getting kids out of the classroom and experiencing lessons first-hand is a win-win situation. For kids, they will enjoy the lessons far more, and the information will become not just something they memorize, but something they experience and can apply.

For educators, taking lessons outside will help them better reach a wider-range of learning-styles and help them reach kids that struggle in a traditional classroom. This hands-on learning has also been shown to improve scores on the Standards of Learning (SOLs) tests, which like it or not, are something that teachers and schools are held responsible for.

Besides, who doesn’t want to have class outside today?!

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

By Bethe | Posted in education | Tagged , , , , | Comments (14)

Mystery Critter #31

November 21, 2009

I see you!

Who’s ready for another round of Mystery Critter?! Thanks to all of you who have written in to tell me about you and your kids playing my little guessing game each week!

So, let’s get to it. Put on those thinking caps — and remember, no cheating! ;-)

CRITTER CLUES:

  • I can be found in pine-oak forests and oak woodlands
  • Historically, I was considered stupid and cowardly by some Native American tribes, who refused to eat me for fear of developing these traits. (Lucky me!)
  • I am a fast runner
  • I was almost hunted to extinction in the 19th century
  • I am polygamous

What am I? Make your guess, and then go to eNature for the answer and more interesting facts. Did you get it right?! If not, no worries — you’ll have another chance next week!

You may have been lucky enough to see one of these Mystery Critters before — or at least heard one. Take a hike this weekend and check out the wild in your world. Wildlife is everywhere — you just need to take the time to look!

And don’t forget to let everyone know what you see! Join the Wildobs community and report your wildlife observations. It’s a great way to keep track of your wild adventures and share info with others.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

Creative Commons License photo credit: miles_lane

By Bethe | Posted in Activities, nature | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (7)

Frolic Friday: Turkey Trot Edition

November 20, 2009

Turkey

Let admit it: the season of elastic waistbands is upon us. So, Frolic Friday takes on a whole new meaning — a way to help us get moving, too!

This weekend, why not…

  • Sign-up for a local Turkey Trot run/walk. Even if you aren’t in optimal shape, walking a 5 K is doable.
  • Set up a family chalk walk. Send the kids out with sidewalk chalk and have them draw a line path around the neighborhood. They can make squiggly lines, zig-zags, or have you going in circles! Then, just follow the lines to family fun!
  • Take a animal tracking hike. Lots of areas have had rain or even snow, which is perfect weather to look for tracks. The beach is also a great place to look for tracks. Birds, squirrels, raccoons, or deer — you never know what you might find! What to add a story into the activity? Read: Big Tracks, Little Tracks: Following Animal Prints (Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 1) For older children, check out this great tracking activity from Nature Skills.Com.

As always, it doesn’t matter what you do — just get outside and play! Use you outdoor voice. Belly laugh. Reconnect with nature. Relax.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

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By Bethe | Posted in Activities, nature | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (15)