Monthly Archives: November 2009

Mystery Critter #30

Can you believe this is Mystery Critter #30, my favorite wildlife detectives? I thought we all deserved a treat — so Kermit was nice enough to stop by and sing a little diddy for us. :-)

So, let’s get to it! Put on those thinking caps and see if you can crack this week’s case.

CRITTER CLUES:

  • You can find me all over the world (except for a few remote islands & Antarctica)
  • Kermit is a fan! (YUM!)
  • Oscar hangs out with me (Um, I hang out near garbage); and
  • I have a short life — only 15 – 26 days.

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!

Everybody knows this critter — whether they want to or not. But remember, all wildlife serve a purpose. It’s easy to love the cute and cuddly, but all critters deserve our respect, and are fascinating in their own ways.

So, what can you spot today?! Get out there and explore the wild in your world.

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

Frolic Friday: Web Round-Up Edition

IMG_2298

Happy Frolic Friday — a time dedicated to sharing ideas for outdoor play and natural escapes.

There is so much great work going on to get kids outside and to bring back good, old-fashioned play. Today, I wanted to offer a round-up of some of my fave activity ideas and How-Tos from around the web.

Guru’s Picks for Natural Fun:

Just a few ideas  to get you started. The folks over at Creative Play have a great article for parents. Check out, Playful Parenting Helps Nurture the “What If?”

As always, it doesn’t matter what you do this weekend — just get outside and have some fun! Play and time in nature will help recharge your batteries and prepare you for the week ahead.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

Creative Commons License photo credit: KrissZPhotography

“Pro Players”: Who’s in the Sandbox?

Forever blowing bubbles

“The consequences of play deprivation are profound — a growing crisis that threatens children’s health, fitness, and development. As free, outdoor play declines, fitness levels decline, waistlines expand, and a host of health problems follow, including obesity, heart disease, rickets, and a spiraling upturn in emotional and social disorders. The solutions are complex and require massive, coordinated action.”

~ Dr. Joe Frost

We talk about the perils of play deprivation here, but I tend to focus on the benefits of play and time spent outdoors in nature. But play deprivation is is real, has long-lasting consequences, and it is utterly preventable.

Learn more about play deprivation and get involved in some of the great work that is going on across the globe. The following is a list of some of the groups working on play and related issues. If you know of others, please leave them in the comments section.

Alliance for Childhood

Children and Nature Network

HSBS Center for Physical Development & Outdoor Play

International Play Association (and IPA USA)

KaBOOM!

National Association for the Education of Young Children

Natural Learning Initiative

Play England

Project Joy

Project for Public Spaces

The Association for the Study of Play

The National Institute for Play

US Play Coalition

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

Creative Commons License photo credit: Axel Bührmann

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