Howdy my favorite nature detectives! I’ve been on a bit of a blogging break, working on some other projects. But I’m back, and ready to get my critter on! Hope you are, too.

Put those noodles to the test with this wildlife mystery.  And remember — no peaking at the answer before you take your guess! 

CRITTER CLUES:

1. OK, I’m stinky, but calling me “foul” is just not nice!
2. I am a fan of slow moving fresh water.
3. Rotting logs play an important role in my life.
4. I have a long, flexible neck.
5. If you don’t see me where you live, you can certainly see one of my cousins.

Make your guess then go here 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.

Exploring the natural world with children is a special treat. Get lost in the wonder and awe that only Mother Nature can provide.

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

 Top photo credit: downing.amanda

Challenge Update:  I am excited to tell you all that the #XmasBoxChallenge now has prizes thanks to the nice folks at OgoSport! See below for details! Have a creative and happy holiday, all! ~ Bethe 

I have a challenge for you all. 

After the paper is all torn and the bows are tossed aside. After the stockings are empty, their booty blundered by skilled hands, no matter how small. After the buzz of Christmas fades into night and the hangover from all of the holiday excess kicks in (for kids and adults alike!), I want you to step back and get back to basics.

Here’s my idea…

Take the Christmas Box Challenge!

1. Gather all the cardboard boxes leftover from the holiday bonanza. Big, small — whatever you have.

2. For younger children, they should need no encouragement — just let them at the boxes and see what they get up to. Push them, build forts, create puppet theaters and everything in between.

3. Get tweens, teens and the adults in on the fun too! Make it a bit of a contest. Set a 60 minute time limit see who comes up with the most outstanding cardboard box creation!  Set up as many categories as you like — most useful, funniest, etc.

4. Share your Christmas cardboard box creations with me — and Twitter! Use the hashtag #XmasBoxChallenge — and post pictures if you can! If you have a blog, I would love for you to challenge your readers to join us and post about your family’s Christmas Box Challenge.

Prizes:

• 1st prize: $100 + an OgoBild POD set + 1 Mezo Disk Set
•  2nd prize: $50 + An OgoBild POD set
• 3rd Prize: An OgoBild POD set

Deadline: 

To be considered for the prizes, all entries must be posted by January 2nd. 2012.

How to enter: 

There are three ways you can enter The Christmas Box Challenge and enter to win great prizes!

1. Tweet pictures of your creations with the hash tag #XmasBoxChallenge

2. Post pictures of your creations to OgoSport’s Facebook page and tag them #XmasBoxChallenge.

3. Blog about how your family took the challenge! Post a comment with a link to this post and/or post a link to your blog post to OgoSport’s Facebook page and tag them #XmasBoxChallenge.

Want to see just how fun a box can be? Check out Simon’s Cat. And trust me, us humans find them just as entertaining when we give ourselves permission to PLAY like we mean it.

Look, even advertisers get the magic of a cardboard box!

I would love to see this idea really take off, and even become a holiday tradition. Help me spread the idea and don’t forget to use the #XmasBoxChallenge hash tag.

Happy holidays, my friends. You mean the world to me. xoxo

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

“Childhood is the fiery furnace in which we are melted down to essentials and that essential shaped for good.”

~ Katherine Anne Porter

As a speaker and writer, and I hope, a thought-leader on childhood issues, I spend a lot of time speaking to parents, educators and other grown-ups. People who work with kids, have kids, care about kids.

But today I want to speak to the kids. Because they deserve to be part of this conversation too. As we advocate for a healthy, happy childhood let’s keep those we are advocating for in the loop.  Hopefully, some of their grown-ups listen in.

10 Things I Wish for Today’s Kids:

1. That the media stops scaring the crap out of your parents 24-7, so that they think the only place you are safe is tucked away in the house.

2. That the decision-makers get down to business with true education reform so that you have the opportunity to learn to LOVE to learn, and not just learn (um, maybe) what will be on a test.

3. That we “grown-ups” stop being so lawsuit happy, so that liability is not the first thing on the minds of educators, parks and recreation professionals, community associations, and other parents. I hope with all my might that you are actually allowed to play, take risks and have fun in this life.

4. That you realize that you have choices, and the right to make mistakes — and the world will not stop spinning when you do. I promise, even when it feels that way.

5. That your parents set a limit on screen time. I know, you don’t want to hear this, but trust me on this one – it’s a must. The view on life when you lift your eyes from the screen is amazing.

6. That you learn to LOVE to read. Even if they do make a movie about it, you can bet the book is better. Learn to get lost in a story and try your hand at writing your own.

7. That you spend every moment you can outside. Check out the woods, the beach, the mountains, and everything else in between. Let nature awe you.

8. That you learn to be fearless, bold, and let your freak flag wave. I don’t mean live dangerously — but I do mean have the guts and gumption to really live and don’t be afraid to be yourself.

9. That you don’t get everything you want, that things don’t always come easily to you, that sometimes you fall flat on your face, and that you figure out (um, eventually) that these are all good things. (And that your parents LET you fail sometimes.)

10. That you get the freedom to breathe and the space to explore the world and figure out who you are in it.

So, that’s it. I have a lot of hopes and wishes for you guys, but what I want most of all is for you to grow up knowing how to appreciate life as the rich and fascinating ride that it is, and to know how to dust yourselves off and pick yourselves up when things get tough, because they will.

Oh that, and to really know how to laugh – deep, from the belly, bone-stirring laughter. It’s one of the greatest skills you can ever learn.

Enjoy the ride and great good luck, kiddos. I will be rooting for you.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

 photo credit: Dottie Mae

TGSG Note: There is nothing I like more when readers become part of the family, and that’s just what reader, blogger and great mom Stacy has become. I know you will be as delighted and inspired by her story as I was. Make sure to follow her on Twitter @STeet and check out her bio below.

Thanks for sharing, Stacy! See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

When I heard Bethe had an opening for a guest post, I literally *jumped* at the chance. I first stumbled on to the #playoutdoors twitter stream sometime in 2009, and I have been hooked on her and everything she stands for ever since. As a mother of three, an Environmental Science major and a homeschooling mom I fully embrace any effort to connect a child with nature.

I planned to tell you all about the Park a Day challenge my kids and I are doing this summer with KaBoom, but when I saw Bethe’s post on International Mud Day last week it brought back a flood of memories so strong in my mind there was no way they could go unspoken.

The story begins in a crowded mini van on a hot summer day in Central Texas. My husband is away on business, again. Errands are done, kids are cranky and mommy could use a little break. We’re about 35 minutes from home, but there’s a favorite park of ours just minutes away … I turn the car around. I’m relishing the idea of getting them all outside, burning off some energy and maybe even relieving a bit of stress myself.

We were about 500 yards away when the heavens opened up and the sky fell down on top of us.

A torrential down pour, I cruised passed the kiddie park, still coming down in sheets. I slowed a bit near the slides, the rain was only getting harder. But, it was now or never I had to do something. I made my choice and pulled in to the playground parking lot.

Families were still scouraging to get their belongings and children in to the dry abyss that was their cars and looked at me more than a little strangely as I put the van in park. I looked back at the kiddos, their eyes wide wondering what was going on. I asked if they still wanted to play at the park and so began our day outdoors.

We huddled all together and sprinted for the play structure. We were soaking wet and laughing and enjoying every second of it! Soaked already, we made a split decision to take our shoes and socks off and get really good and dirty.

At first the kids were were cautious, not quite sure if they were going to get in trouble, but after a few twists of the arm from Mom -I convinced them it was all OK and we got right down to business.
It was a Texas thunderstorm, powerful but brief. It didn’t take long for the waterworks to stop and the real fun to begin.

We found a few empty containers on the grounds, relics of picnics gone by and turned the slide in to our very own mud kitchen. We were whipping out cakes and muffins with the greatest of ease.

We played for hours, till almost dark. Using all of our senses to explore the park in a whole new way and while this memory has been some time ago now, it is still every bit as vivid in my mind as it is in these photos.

Just me and my littles doing what we do best: laughing, be silly, getting dirty and playing together. Life is good. Oh Texas, how I wish it would rain! We could use another afternoon like this.

Guest Blogger Bio: Stacy is seeing the world in a whole new way – through the eyes of her children. She writes about the little things, the big things and all the “stuff” in between at Kids Stuff World.

Many of us on the east coast are prepping for a hurricane — power outages and lots of indoor time. I say, along with the batteries, bottled water and canned food, be sure that your emergency preparedness kit includes some fun.

Make sure to add cards and games — whether you have children or not. Play helps reduce stress and games that require a bit of strategy and concentration can help you focus on something other than whats going on outside.  I personally find coloring very relaxing, so crayons and paper or a gorgeous coloring book always make me happy.

Here are 5 ideas for indoor play this weekend and beyond:

1. Pitch a tent — inside! Let the kids pretend they are camping, complete with sleeping bags and granola. Having a place to zip out the world and pretend will be a welcome escape and invitation for fun. No tent? No problem! Let them make a tent or fort out of sheets, tarps or tablecloths.
2. Have a story circle. Read a favorite story aloud and then as a family, make up the next chapter of the story. Vary this based on the ages of the child as needed. You can have one person in the circle start a story and then pass it on to the next person to chime in or simply have people shout out story elements (like an improv show) to the story teller. 
3. Kick it old school with cards and board games. Dust off family faves like Uno or Manopoly or take the time to teach the kids games you loved as a child. Focus on fun, not competition.
4. Have a sing along. No, i’m not kidding. Pretend you’re sitting around a camp fire or are on a road trip and sing together. Have an acoustic guitar — even better! Music has amazing powers to help us relax and is a great escape.
5. Make a mural. In the basement? Why not add some color and beauty to a drab wall? if not, butcher paper, printer paper — whatever you have on hand can be used to make a family masterpiece together. It will also be a great reminder of how you are all able to pitch together and weather any storm.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

 photo credit: rickprokosch

I’m going to let you in on a little secret: I have been a bit discouraged lately. I have met so many children in the last couple of years who have no idea to play — or at least no interest.

I’m not gonna lie, it breaks my heart.

Whining about being bored. Showing no interest in non-electronic play. Melting down if they are told they cannot watch TV, surf the web or play video games. Children in national parks who never look up from their hand-held devices. Sadly, I could go on. But I won’t — you get the picture.

My little grass-stained heart needed a lift. And lucky for me, I got one.

I was lucky enough to spend a week in the English countryside with four amazing children ages 8 and 10 who really knew how to play. KNEW. And not only did they know how, they initiated it.

No really. And I have the proof. Check it out!

Wands were whittled and spells were cast.

Rocks were tattooed, then hidden around the garden for the best rock hunt ever.

Soap was made and Crazy 8s were played.

Masterpieces were drawn and secrets were shared.

Nature was explored and cherished.

HOURS were spent in the tent engaged in flights of fancy. And sometimes even sleep.

The swam until they were pruney. The played games with no names. They went for nature walks. Point is, they played. Real, honest to goodness play. And related to each other.

No batteries required.

Thanks to these wonderful, spunky, funny and slightly kooky kids — and to the parents who are raising them with screen time limits and unscheduled time to just play and be kids.

You all did my little grass stained heart good.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

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

able to fail.” ~  Dr. Ken Ginsburg

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

photo credit: Kazz.0

“Imagination is more important than knowledge…” ~Albert Einstein

Einstein also said something else: “It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education.”

I couldn’t agree more.

So we have to ask ourselves, what can I do? What can WE do?

• Let them tinker
• Let them make messes
• Let them make mistakes
• Let them pick themselves up and dust themselves off. And then do it again.

For a bit of inspiration, check out this great TED video from Gever Tulley on Tinkering School.

A few more favorite tinkerers? Teacher Tom and Jenny Kable, who take tinkering to the preschool classroom, proving you are never too young to create a bit of genius from odds and ends.

So this summer, stop planning every moment for your kids. Let them tinker away and sit back and watch with wonder.

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru

TGSG Note: I don’t usually double dip, but I couldn’t help but share this post on both blogs. After all, the more kids we get outside, the better!  Bethe

That’s right — it’s International Mud Day! A day where children (and their adults!) around the world are encouraged to get down and dirty!

Mud puddles. Mud pies. You name it — let’s do it and enjoy every squishy, messy moment!

It’s as easy as 1…2…3!

1. Why not…

• Download free “muddy” resources from The World Forum Foundation
• Try one of these mud themed activities
• Ooooh, or one of these…
• Get in the know about what children learn from mud play
• Read, Mud by Wendy Lewison
• Whip up a recipe from the great cookbook, Mud Pies and Other Recipes by Marjorie Winslow

2. Read these, fantastic mud-inspired posts:

• Glorious Mud! from @AdventuresPlay
• Getting Ready for Mud Day
• Mud Kitchen Round Up from @Preschoolplay

3. Watch this video!

OK, that has to be plenty to keep you busy! Get out there and play today. And remember, there is a muddle puddle with your name on it!

See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Mud Stain Guru

photo credit: [casey]