Following weeks of indoor captivity during cold, rainy or snowy weather, the kids were desperate to go outside. It was chilly and breezy, but not too cold to venture off to a local nature preserve.
We want them to have opportunities for creation and exploration without toys, electronics, media, commercials and rigid, repetitive structure. Despite advertising campaign's attempt to nurture our dependence upon consumer products and pre-packaged experiences, we've found that the kids have more fun, learn more, and remember more experiences when they have an opportunity to explore the infinite possibilities of the outdoors.
They responded as expected, giggling and shouting as they pointed at wildlife, followed concrete trails and then primitive trails, crouched under low tree limbs, climbed over boulders, and threw rocks in the creek. We gave them some freedom to roam as long as they didn't get too far ahead, and they took turns leading us through the woods. They really liked leading for a change rather than being led.
We stopped occasionally and examined the different kinds of natural bird foods growing in the wild. The kids compared the red berries on the deciduous hollies and and purple berries of the indian curant plants, as well as the seed heads of the native grasses. They inspected the corky bark of the burr oaks, the rough bark of the hackberry, the wicked spines of the honeylocust, and knobby, spiky, and unfriendly Hercules Club. They were fascinated by the birds and squirrels, but understandably wary of the leaf filled animal dens we discovered along the way. Who knows what manner of creature lurked inside? It could be a bunny, a badger or a bear, regardless they didn't want to find out.
Staying true to form, both kids carried a continually changing collection of sticks and rocks throughout the trip. Some things never change, as I brought along a 6 foot tall Boy Scout walking stick since "kids always love props". Despite it being too unwieldy for them, they were desperate to carry it, so I held it horizontal to the ground. One kid held the front, and the other held the back as we marched happily down the path. Justin carried a toy telescope and we resembled their favorite Berenstein bears story "The Spooky Old Tree"- one with a light, one with a stick, and one with a rope. Due to the low temperatures, Mommy had the shivers.
Which is the better experience, watching a movie for the 20th time or going on an adventure and spending time together? Judging by the smiles, it was pretty obvious that parents and children were of the same mind.
Following weeks of indoor captivity during cold, rainy or snowy weather, the kids were desperate to go outside. It was chilly and breezy, but not too cold to venture off to a local nature preserve.
We want them to have opportunities for creation and exploration without toys, electronics, media, commercials and rigid, repetitive structure. Despite advertising campaign's attempt to nurture our dependence upon consumer products and pre-packaged experiences, we've found that the kids have more fun, learn more, and remember more experiences when they have an opportunity to explore the infinite possibilities of the outdoors.
They responded as expected, giggling and shouting as they pointed at wildlife, followed concrete trails and then primitive trails, crouched under low tree limbs, climbed over boulders, and threw rocks in the creek. We gave them some freedom to roam as long as they didn't get too far ahead, and they took turns leading us through the woods. They really liked leading for a change rather than being led.
We stopped occasionally and examined the different kinds of natural bird foods growing in the wild. The kids compared the red berries on the deciduous hollies and and purple berries of the indian curant plants, as well as the seed heads of the native grasses. They inspected the corky bark of the burr oaks, the rough bark of the hackberry, the wicked spines of the honeylocust, and knobby, spiky, and unfriendly Hercules Club. They were fascinated by the birds and squirrels, but understandably wary of the leaf filled animal dens we discovered along the way. Who knows what manner of creature lurked inside? It could be a bunny, a badger or a bear, regardless they didn't want to find out.
Staying true to form, both kids carried a continually changing collection of sticks and rocks throughout the trip. Some things never change, as I brought along a 6 foot tall Boy Scout walking stick since "kids always love props". Despite it being too unwieldy for them, they were desperate to carry it, so I held it horizontal to the ground. One kid held the front, and the other held the back as we marched happily down the path. Justin carried a toy telescope and we resembled their favorite Berenstein bears story "The Spooky Old Tree"- one with a light, one with a stick, and one with a rope. Due to the low temperatures, Mommy had the shivers. 
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