My boys have always been naturally
curious about things in the environment. Since we live in the country, we spend
a good part of our time outside and in the middle of nature. I learned when
they were young that it was a cheap form of entertainment. It has also spurred
on some interesting questions! I can’t count how many times my boys have seen
something outside that required further research (I still encourage them to use
encyclopedias, I’m old school that way).
One
of my oldest boy’s favorite memories from kindergarten was the day that his
teacher decided to take the class outside after a heavy rain. Even though it was
too wet to have recess on the playground, she turned their recess time into a
learning experience. She gathered yarn (about 1 yard in length each) for each
kid and some sandwich meat from the lunch room. She tied a small piece of the
sandwich meat to the end of the strings for each kid. They then proceeded to go
outside and into the ditch to teach them all how to fish for crawfish
(crawdads)! I can only imagine the questions that it inspired of her kiddos.
What do they eat? Where are they when it’s dry? Are they always in the ground?
She even called ahead to some of the parents and let the kids take them home
with them!
Ever
since that day, my son has LOVED to go crawfishing! As a matter of fact, all of
my boys do. It just goes to show you how much of an impact your small lessons
can have on your students.
We
spent the afternoon crawfishing today.
Is it my favorite thing to do? No. Do my kids love it? – Yes. Did we
have some great conversations about animals and nature along the way?
Absolutely!
My
youngest was not too interested in the fishing. He was more fascinated with the
tracks in the mud made from worms and other critters. He also conducted a mini “Sink
or Float” lesson off a small bridge down our road while his brothers were fishing.
Below
I have attached my Animal Habitats FREEBIE research form. It can be used for
students of all ages to complete their own research on whatever animal they are
curious about – enjoy!
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