TGSG Note: When I speak to parents and educators about exploring nature, one of the most common statements I hear is, “But I don’t know enough about nature.” Or, I can’t answer all of their questions.”
To which I answer, “Yes, and…?”
So, for all of you who don’t think you know enough, I dedicate the following post.
OK, I know that nobody uses an encyclopedia anymore, but you get my drift. Exploring the natural world with children is such an amazing experience. Even if you are a nature buff, you will find something new when you look through their eyes.
Nature not your thing? No problem. There is absolutely no requirement that you have to have all, or even any of the answers.
Start with really accessible things, like squirrels, Robins, rabbits and neighborhood flowers. Relax. Discover together. Be playful.
If you are so inclined, take a field guide with you. Or, take notes and/or pictures and then look up an unidentified bird, flower, or tree later. Find a cool bird with a red head? It’s completely OK to call it the red-headed bird! Or, get really creative and call it Signore Scarlett or Bob. Why not? Bob the Bird — I’ve heard crazier things.
The point is, that you — nor any child — need to know it all to discover the wonders of nature. Simply step outside with an eye for wonder, an open heart, a spirit of adventure, and a mindset to enjoy spending time outdoors together. It can be that easy.
Once you get your feet wet, start visiting nature centers and going on guided walks and attending kids’ nature programs. You will be surprised what is out there! You’ll find programs on wetlands, animal tracking, stargazing, nature crafts, and more. Naturalists have an amazing knowledge-base and are a valuable community resource.
That said, I believe in starting close to home first. Don’t go straight for the expert — but rather straight for your backyard or nearby greenspace. Open the door and head outside.
A few resources to help guide your exploration (again, this is NOT a requirement!):
- eNature: My personal favorite online nature site. Field guides, articles, great regional information and interactive tools. Can’t say enough good things about this site.
- Fandex Field Guide Series: Great, simple info for young kids with an engaging, colorful presentation. The Peterson First Series is also great. The older your child is, the more easily they will be able to handle a traditional field guide, like the Sibley or Audubon guides.
- Take a Walk series: My friend Jane Kirkland writes a great series of books to help guide children’s nature walks. From urban wildlife, to birds, butterflies and more. Take a Walk with Jane — she’s a treat.
- Your local library! I know — it sounds simple, but our libraries are such rich resources and are often under utilized. Does your child have a particular interest in bugs, snakes, or squirrels? There are great non-fiction books out there for kids.
So often, people feel like they need to have all the answers. This simply in not the case with kids and nature. Relax. Have fun, and just let the discoveries come as they may. Take advantage of teachable moments, but don’t force them. Let the child’s interests and enthusiasm be the guide, and make sure you feed your own as well.
Now, I am going out sans field guide to see what I can see. However, my sense of wonder and natural curiosity are fully intact. In my book, those are the two most important tools you will ever have in your pocket. Care to join me?
See ya outside! – The Grass Stain Guru
photo credit: ocean yamaha
“I sincerely believe that for the child, and for the parent seeking to guide him, it is not half so important to know as to feel,” wrote Rachel Carson in “The Sense of Wonder.” She goes on (in a lovely manner), but this quote came to mind when I read your post. Happy day, Bethe! –Kelly
I’d love to join you. Sometimes I think “knowing” is just limiting my own creativity… and for my kiddos- well when I teach them to make up names and be descriptive I feel that I am actually increasing the likelihood they will learn and enjoy learning.
Great references, and still one of the best is our own eyes, ears, and mind!
Shannon´s last blog ..A Spectacular “T.V.” Lunch
“I believe in starting close to home first. Don’t go straight for the expert — but rather straight for your backyard or nearby greenspace. Open the door and head outside.”
I totally agree with you Bethe. You don’t need to drive for an hour to discover nature. Even in a concrete jungle there should be something to see outside your own door.
While I am someone who reads encyclopedias sometimes and I own several field guides, observation comes first. Over the years I’ve found that once I know what a bird, plant, or bug looks like I can easily learn its name and remember it, whereas after studying a book I’m lucky if I’ve learned and remembered one bird or plant name.
Great post!
Alison Kerr´s last blog ..Mama, I’d Like to Learn About Birds
Hi Bethe-great post.
I agree with the lovely Alison and Shannon, nature can be found literally on your door step. If you don’t have a backyard, encourage nature to your backdoor or balcony by planting up a flower pot or hanging up a bird feeder or nesting box.
My children and I are constantly discovering and learning something new in nature and one of our favorite resources is the local library. Why not leave the car and walk to the library and see what nature you can spot along the way!
My latest blog :http://www.marghanita.com/discover-the-magic-of-gardening-with-kids/
I love, love, love this post, Bethe! You have identified one of the biggest fears many of us parents have — myself included. Thank you for the great resources … I am learning how fun it can be to let go and not pretend to “know it all” with my kids. Instead, we are discovering nature’s wonders together and that has created a whole new element of connectedness. I’m also learning that my backyard — although it is not the backyard of my youth — has a lot more to offer in the way of nature play than I ever would have guessed.
Debi´s last blog ..El Matador State Beach
Thanks for the kind words, all. I think this is a really important topic — and the more access we all have info to, the more we feel like we need to have the answers to everything.
Relax, be filled with wonder, and enjoy life and its mysteries — what a great lesson to teach our children.
Why U don't need 2have all (or any) answers. Back Away from From the Encyclopedia! http://bit.ly/bHiqr1 #nature #playoutdoors (via @balmeras
RT @wildelycreative: Why U don't need 2have all (or any) answers. Back Away from From the Encyclopedia! http://bit.ly/bHiqr1 #nature #playoutdoors (via @balmeras
Brilliant! Sometimes just being in a space, moving around, breathing, and letting one’s senses explore is a joy. We can learn simply by allowing nature to reveal itself — before all the identifying and categorizing. I especially appreciate your thoughts about “Yes, and…” and “Let the child’s interests and enthusiasm be the guide, and make sure you feed your own as well.” I’ll remember that with my daughter today. Thanks for a wonderful post.
RT @balmeras: Why U don't need 2have all (or any) answers. Back Away from From the Encyclopedia! http://bit.ly/bHiqr1 #nature #playoutdoors
My answer to most questions (if i don’t make up an answer, that is) is “Google it”. There is no shortage of answers or information in the world, but there is a shortage of focus and observation. So, I agree: get out, look around, sit quietly. That’s all you have to do.
Mel´s last blog ..Coyote and bison in Yellowstone
Great new post from @balmeras, aka the Grass Stain Guru: http://tinyurl.com/yasptcg. Don't know much about nature? That's okay!
Get out and teach your kids about #nature. Learn how easy it can be from http://bit.ly/9W6PFF @balmeras.
@gardenfornature @annamunoz Thanks for the RTs. More good links for #playoutdoors on her GSG blog post: http://tinyurl.com/yasptcg.
In case U missed it this week: Back Away From the Encyclopedia! http://bit.ly/cZsNlf #parent #nature
RT @balmeras: In case U missed it this week: Back Away From the Encyclopedia! http://bit.ly/cZsNlf #parent #nature
I agree too. I still remember bringing Frances to the zoo when she was a toddler. She didnt’ care a whit for the lions and giraffes–but she was blown away by the pigeons. And when we took a family trip to Vegas and visited the deserts outside the city, do you think she cared about the mountains and cacti? Nope. She liked the pebbles.
Kids don’t need and aren’t impressed by the large-scale capital-N Nature stuff under a certain age, and even over it for a while they get just as much out of a weed patch, a drainage ditch or a backyard garden (so long as the joy isn’t driven out of it by an adult’s judgment or derision).
Andrea´s last blog ..No Ideas But In Things
Back Away From the Encyclopedia! http://bit.ly/cZsNlf Post from @balmeras archives. (A good one! Worth another read.)