Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Nature Study and Children - Nurture a Sense of Wonder

Western Scrub Jay
Western Scrub Jay
“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 when introducing a young child to the natural world. If facts are the seeds that later produce knowledge and wisdom, then the emotions and the impressions of the senses are the fertile soil in which the seeds must grow. The years of early childhood are the time to prepare the soil." -Rachel Carson, A Sense of Wonder

Guide them - This is something you do together.

Introduce them - One plant, one bird, one tree at a time.

Impress them - Use all your senses.

Prepare them - Grow a sense of wonder.