TGSG Note: I am excited to have my friend, fellow blogger and cool mom, Leslie Quigley of Recycle Your Day pop over for a guest post.
Enjoy the wiggly squiggly learning adventure.
See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru
Over the past year, I’ve become a frequent visitor of the Grass Stain Guru for play outdoors inspiration. A couple weeks ago, we resurrected our worm bin so we could begin vermicomposting again.
Our first attempt was a fail so were very eager this time around to do it, right. Since the worm bin has been set up, my (almost) 3 year old son has been intrigued by worm (red wrigglers) behavior and asks to feed them or see them almost on a daily basis. He really enjoys lifting the lid of the bin and watching them all scram back into the soil.
After tweeting about our new worm and bin set up, the Grass Stain Guru herself replied and recommend a book called Diary of A Worm by Doreen Cronin. How perfect, I thought. So, the next time we were at the library we checked it out. The book is filled with lot’s of fun illustrations and has great humor for tots and adults! In the story, the worm keeps a diary of his daily life happenings.
Each day brings adventure for the worm as he tells his highs and lows of worm life. Diary of A Worm is a fun tale that kids can relate to and describes worm behavior in a silly fashion. The book is for ages 4-7 yrs. I think it’s a great read to have, especially, if you’re planning to vermicompost (and have kiddos). It allows your child to dream about the life of a worm and helps them understand their importance.Speaking of worms… How about them caterpillars? Now, that Spring is here, nature is coming to life… which also means it’s also butterfly season. Recently, my husband and I took our boys to Kidspace Museum (Pasadena, California). We adopted two caterpillars as part of their Butterfly release program.
We like to involve our children in nature activities as much as possible and
figured this ways an easy way for our 3 year old to get a bit more understanding of his favorite book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle. Since the adoption, we have not been able to take our eyes off of them. Upon adoption we were given a ”Caterpillar Observation” paper which allows your child to draw what he or she may be seeing.My son loves to witness them eating and stretching. We discuss what differences we see and his position. Watching the caterpillars usually keeps him fascinated for a few minutes. Were very excited to witness the metamorphosis of a butterfly occur. I don’t remember doing this as a child!
Once our caterpillars, “Dino” & Dina” turn into butterfly’s we hope to go back for the release. I’m not sure who’s more excited… me or my toddler. LOL!
Whether it’s worms or caterpillars; getting your child acquainted with our friendly critters and nature is imperative to the future of this planet. Spring has sprung… go outside and start digging up some dirt and or worms. Mother nature is calling your name!
“Diary of a Worm”, I love it! I might just have to check this one out for myself. Great post Leslie, I couldn’t agree more on getting out, digging, and discovering bugs and creepy crawly critters.
.-= Alison Kerr´s last blog ..Extreme Back Yard Makeover =-.
Wiggly Squiggly Fun! http://bit.ly/beC8Yk via @balmaras #playoutdoors
RT @rshreeves: Wiggly Squiggly Fun! http://bit.ly/beC8Yk via @balmeras #playoutdoors
RT @balmeras Wiggly Squiggly Fun! http://bit.ly/beC8Yk
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by wildelycreative: Off to pick up car. I’ll leave you with some Wiggly Squiggy Fun http://grassstainguru.com/2010/03/31/wiggly-squiggly-fun/...
RT @alisonkerr: RT @rshreeves: Wiggly Squiggly Fun! http://bit.ly/beC8Yk via @balmeras #playoutdoors
Reading Wiggly Squiggly Fun! a wonderful guest post from @LaMamaNaturale http://bit.ly/beC8Yk via @balmeras #playoutdoors
Hehehe… I love the title of your post, especially given that I blogged about caterpillars this week too! Must be the week for it…
http://squigglemum.com/activities/activities-indoor/googling-the-great-outdoors-with-kids/
.-= SquiggleMum´s last blog ..Googling the Great Outdoors With Kids =-.
I want to check that book out – “Diary of a Worm”. And Leslie, I’ve never mentioned my son’s name in my blog – I just call him “D” but your caterpillar has the same name!
.-= Pure Mothers´s last blog ..Gardening in Great Britain =-.
Wiggly Squiggly fun with caterpillars http://su.pr/7H0mr7 great guest post by @LaMamaNaturale at Grass Stain Guru
I used to have a vermiculture bin and loved it! Now with two little kids, two dogs, husband, garden and a fulltime job I can’t imagine having to take care of anything else. I see one in my future, though.
.-= Mel´s last blog ..Make a bug house: part II =-.
Wiggly Squiggly Fun! http://bit.ly/awXYVv via @AddToAny
I really enjoyed this post. My son would love diary of a worm!
Wiggly Squiggly Fun! – http://grassstainguru.com/2010/03/31/wiggly-squiggly-fun/ <— A fun guest post from @LaMamaNaturale
Yay! So glad everyone enjoyed the post!!
Guess what??? Dina emerged from her chrysalis today!! It was super neat… the eco tot turned around from our dining table to check on it and it was just starting to break free. Awesome Easter gift. Neato. Neato. Neato!!!
Anyway, also want to say, we’ve been singing (Wee Sing Silly Songs) Nobody likes me, everybody hates me… guess I’ll eat some worms… LOL! Brings back a ton of memories!
@Squiggle: off to read your post!
@Deborah: How cool! Your son will love the book.
@Mel I know how you feel- being green isn’t always easy. Almost forget about to feed them this week too!
@Neven It’s a really cute book!
.-= Leslie´s last blog ..CSA Goods :: Make ya, go Mmmm! =-.
RT @CB4wildlife: Wiggly Squiggly fun with caterpillars http://su.pr/7H0mr7 great guest post by @LaMamaNaturale at Grass Stain Guru
RT @ObamaGardens: RT @CB4wildlife: Wiggly Squiggly fun with caterpillars http://su.pr/7H0mr7 great guest post by @LaMamaNaturale at Grass Stain Guru
I love worms…thanks for this post! Just as an additional read, if you want to do a Worm Attitude Test then check out: http://creativestarlearning.blogspot.com/2008/09/worms-with-attitude.html
and because I learn experientially, this is my advice on worms:
http://creativestarlearning.blogspot.com/2008/09/confessions-of-worm-worrier.html
Long live worms!
Juliet
.-= Juliet Robertson´s last blog ..The Hidden Park =-.