We went to Columbia Springs for their Trout Scout program recently. It was another event we signed up with through our friend who organizes group activities for homeschoolers. There was a small group of us, all young kids ranging from four-ish to maybe 10-ish. During the first half of the 'class', we sat at desks while the teacher talked to us about trout and salmon. We had stuffed animal trout to look at, we drew pictures, we compared similarities between humans and trout and we discussed the life cycle of salmon. Outside, we saw lots of fish in their ponds on site. We walked through the woods along a trail discussing the ways in which the plants and other animals in the forest contribute to the life of the fish. The teacher pointed out specific species of trees, bugs, leaves, the difference between the forest and a meadow where we came out at near a lake, and types of animals that are found in each.
Near the end, the teacher had each student go out in the forest, find a spot to sit and close their eyes and just listen to the sounds of the nature around them, and to recognize where the sounds were in relationship to where they were. They all seemed to enjoy most of the day. Ezra stayed engaged almost the whole time, but I did have to carry him back after the hike through the woods.
No comments:
Post a Comment