Nature Study Buddies

 I strongly believe that children need to be introduced to Mother Nature. And the more often we do it, the better. In this world where technology and progress is slowly becoming king, going back to the beauty and simplicity of nature goes a long way. It teaches children to respect Mother nature. Children learn and understand tge elegancw and power that motger nature possesses. This year, I am making a commitment to double up the time we spend in doing nature study outdoors. Sure, we will dive in the books but we will also spend time outside tovreally actually experience amd observe nature. We have already started with the sound mapping we did last month. Then we also studied the different birds found in the Philippines, we already have it in our schedule to visit a resting site for migratory birds. While we're waiting for our bird watching schedule, we engage ourselves in some DIY nature study initiatives. One of those is looking for a nature study buddy. It so happened that one of our cluster mates in our homeschool provider resides near BGC. We invited them for a joint nature study. I was so happy when they said yes. My daughter was also very excited because she gets to study with another kid older than her. We planned on studying the Palawan cherry blossoms in Track 30th of BGC but then it turns out they're done blooming by May. We were a little bit disheartened bit we did not let that stop us from doing mature studies. The kids still studied the Palawan Cherry tree. They made their observations on the tree trunk, the bark, the leaves.  While they were doing their nature studies, we found a lotnof other critters and birds that seemed to want to introduce themselves to the curious little kids. We found a cicada perched on the tree while the kids were drawing on their nature journals. Then there was a different looking bird that hovered in front of them for a little while, as if showing itself to our little nature journalists. Aside from that, the kids found a millipede that does not look like the millipedes that my daughter ofteb find in our mini garden at home. It's funny how they found so many different insects during that short time that we did our nture study. And we were in the middle of the city at that! It just goes to show that once you go outside of your house, outside of your schoolroom, there are several things in nature that one can find, observe, and study. Now I am even more excited to live in the province where there surely are more to study. I know nature study can andnmay be a bit boring for kids especially if they are used to staring at gadgets all day. But if you just give it a try yourself, you'll find that it is enjoyable. Plus, the kids would get more quality time with the parents which is above all, what they need more than those mobile phones and tablets. There are several approaches I plan on doing for our nature study this schoolyear. So far, looking for nature in the middle of the city is a great activity. Finding the beauty in the fusion of city life and natural life is also another thing that you can try. So far, finding a nature study buddy proves to be enjoyable. Because the kids also look forward to hours of playtime in thr park. I'll be sharing more nature study activities that I learned so that you may also try it with your little learners. Until next time! Ciao!