Monthly Archives: July 2011

Mystery Critter #72

July 16, 2011

yin and yang on a park bench and nobody's looking!

Hello, my favorite nature detectives!

For the next few weeks I will be exploring England and playing outdoors. I wonder what Mystery Critters I will spot, well besides @MrUku.

So, make a Guru happy and get your play in nature on!  It’s time to get outside and see what wild wonders you can find.  So put on your thinking caps and let’s get to it! And remember — no cheating. ;-)

CRITTER CLUES:

  • I make my home in the country
  • I am quite large for my kind
  • I am a good swimmer
  • I mate any time of year (Yeah, baby!)
  • According to legend, I was created by the goddess, Eostre

So, what am I?

Make your guess then go to eNature for the answer and more interesting facts.

Did you get it right?

If not, no worries. You will have another chance soon!

Remember, when looking for wildlife, keep your eyes and ears open! Look high and low, and most importantly, enjoy yourself.

Let your hair down and go play in nature this weekend. You’ll be glad you did.

What critters can you spot in your neck of the woods? Be sure to tell us!

And don’t forget! Join the Wildobs community and share your wild adventures with the world.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

Creative Commons License photo credit: downing.amanda


By Bethe | Posted in Activities, nature, play | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (10)

Prescription for Play

July 14, 2011

 ”In order to succeed in the real world, you have to be

able to fail.” ~  Dr. Ken Ginsburg

51% Anticipation, 49% Trepidation

For several years now, I have been speaking and writing on just this topic. On Super Kids. On education reform. On the importance of play and time in nature. On the need to fail. On the need for parents to relax and let kids be kids. In fact, it’s why I started this blog — to create a place to talk about restoring childhood and saving ourselves in the process.

I am so excited to share this video with you. How powerful is the need for play and the need for parents to step back and help redefine success in a way that is not measured by test scores and achievements, but by happiness and resiliency? Let’s have a few voices from the medical field chime in.

We are raising a generation at risk and as a society we must change our course. It’s really that simple. Please watch the video below and share it with people you know. If you are a parent, step back and take a critical look at the childhood your kids are having.

The video features Dr. Ken Ginsburg, pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and author of Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings, and Dr. Marilyn Benoit, Chief Clinical Officer at Devereux Behavioral Health and former president of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

I would love to know your thoughts on the video.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

Creative Commons License photo credit: Kazz.0

By Bethe | Posted in education, parenting, play | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (70)

Mystery Critter #71

July 9, 2011

I see no ships

Hello, my favorite nature detectives!

My good friend and nature-lover, Carole Brown, hinted that it is time for another Mystery Critter. And who am I to disappoint a friend?

What can I tell you — it’s time to get outside and see what wild wonders you can find.  So put on your thinking caps and let’s get to it! And remember — no cheating. ;-)

CRITTER CLUES:

  • My habitat is lakes and rivers (forested)
  • John Muir was a fan of mine, and even wrote about me
  • I am a great diver
  • Some call me heavy (Um, not very nice!)
  • You might hear me before you see me…

So, what am I?

Make your guess then go to eNature for the answer and more interesting facts.

Did you get it right?

If not, no worries. You will have another chance soon!

Remember, when looking for wildlife, keep your eyes and ears open! Look high and low, and most importantly, enjoy yourself.

Nature is not a destination – it’s all around us, and beautiful in so many ways. Take the time to appreciate it, and all that it brings to your life.

What critters can you spot in your neck of the woods? Be sure to tell us!

And don’t forget! Join the Wildobs community and share your wild adventures with the world.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

Creative Commons License photo credit: treehouse1977


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By Bethe | Posted in Activities, nature | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (12)