The Great Outdoors

No one wants to be "cooped up" inside as the weather becomes more pleasant each day. Here are a few 'teaching' ideas (which are really family fun times) that you can enjoy outdoors this spring and summer. 

Weather Changes - During spring and throughout the summer, there is much to learn in the way of changing weather patterns. Of course the weather is always something to learn about, but during these seasons you can comfortably be part of it. Some activities could include making a rain gauge or a simple windmill. Perhaps making a kite could be a project to enjoy on windy days.

If you read some simple information about weather before doing any projects, you will have the resources at your fingertips when discussions arise. I don't recommend heavy paperwork in the summer. I believe that good interaction over this time period is strong education. You will be pleasantly surprised at how much your children will learn by doing and experiencing, rather than using ordinary book learning.

I recommend a great book on this topic called The Weather Book by Michael Oard. This book beautifully blends the wonders and power of God with the understanding of weather. The chapters discuss everything from the history of climate, weather changes, water cycle, thunderstorms, hurricanes, lightning, and much more, including building a simple weather station. You can also receive a study guide for it through the publisher.

How Does Your Garden Grow? - Most of us, I'm sure, would love to see beautifully cascading vines, hardy plants, baskets full of breathtaking colorful flowers, and enjoy the sweet smells all around our homes. There is no way you can be on top of the early blooming season without cutting into schooling hours.

Begin indoors with your children, perhaps during Feb.-Mar., with some simple seed planting. To avoid large costs, simply use egg cartons or plastic containers, or anything that will not leak. Be sure to put them on a tray so any  mess will be limited. Have the children plant seeds and label them. If the children have separate rooms, It's a good idea to try to place some plants in each room. This encourages responsibility, and it is also a good way to observe how the different angles and hours of sunlight affect the plants. Read the package labels to be sure that the seeds are planted in their correct settings.

After danger of frost is past, the seedlings can be planted outdoors by all. Planting is one of the best, and most popular ways to teach children. It is not just a lesson on the way plants grow, or the different kinds of plants, but it is a tremendous lesson about God's care and concern for all His creation. What would we do if our heavenly Father didn't "water" us with His constant love and care? How horrible would we be if we didn't deal with the "weeds" of sin in our lives?

The Fruit of Labor - If you don't grow in abundance, find a farm near you and go picking! There is a well-spring of learning that comes from the fruit of the earth. You can make jams with the fruit, can the vegetables, or have the children make a special recipe with what they picked. You can make dyes or paint, and tie-dye some t-shirts. If you pick flowers, perhaps you can press or hang them to dry. Make greeting cards or potpourri, or pretty fresh flower baskets. If you don't know how to do some of these projects, learn with your children! Education is a life-long process. We never stop learning!

Seashells by the Seashore - If you have the opportunity to be near beaches or rivers over the summer, a natural thing for children to do is collect interesting shells. Once washed, it's always fun to paint them or perhaps arrange them in a bowl or glass vase. Tiny shells could be made into necklaces or bracelet. (Younger students can review 'pattern' learning.) Another fun craft is to position certain shaped shells into critters. (You can find these kinds of crafts in "nature" craft books at a library or book store.) But the best thing to do, especially for older students, is simply to try to identify the shells they found with pictures and information in a book, label the names on the inside of the shells and a little information about the mollusks that once lived inside them. It's a great idea to carry a handy shell guide book with you if you know you'll be near water. This ensures instant interest when the students can quickly find the information about their shells.

The Stars at Night Are Big and Bright - There is much learning to be had in the night time during the summer! All you need is a sky map to help. Again, learning is a constant part of life for ALL ages, so you don't have to feel that you must know everything before you can "teach". Your primary duty is to teach your children the LOVE for learning.

As you observe the summer night sky with your sky map, try locating and identifying the various stars, galaxies and heavenly bodies. How awesome is the majesty of God! (The heavens declare it!)  Some sky maps come with a little history of the star names. Have the children draw a simple map of their own, identifying the highlights of what they see, and date it. The next time you go out to observe the night sky, see how it has changed.

Museums - Aside from the great "museum" God has made, there are also the man-made ones which provide very informative learning. When the days are just too hot or rainy, venture out to a museum. You will be amazed to find that there are probably many in your immediate area. An art or historic museum are nice, but you may discover that many manufacturers often have some kind of observation area which could prove to be very interesting for children. Do some exploring around your town with the children. Research with a hands-on approach. Teach them to ask questions and talk to people. This builds great communication skills, as well as the education they'll receive from the place they visit.

So Much To Do!  The above ideas are just a few, but I hope they will stimulate the summer education of your students. Remember, everything teaches your children something! So be careful not to let the summer carry you away from your primary duty to train your children in the way they should go by giving them too much idle time. Let whatever they think upon be just and pure, and of a good report, and they will surely grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord.

Philippians 4:8

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Contact Jane@HisGlory.us