The process of going from feeling totally disgusted by these sorts of creatures to admiration is by getting to know them better. Here is what the Handbook of Nature Study says about reptiles and nature study.
"But she(the teacher) was equal to the occasion, and surprised them by declaring that there were many interesting things to be studied about snakes, and forthwith sent to the library for books which discussed these reptiles; and this was the beginning of a nature study club of rare efficiency and enterprise."What better way to follow your child's interest than to learn right alongside them? I can't always start off as excited about things as my children are but I can muster up enthusiasm at learning about it as part of God's creation. Each animal and plant has a place in the intertwined web of life we have all around us. Snakes, lizards, spiders, rodents, and everything else each are dependent on each other and in the long run so are we. Each creature has a job to do and when I think about that in relation to snakes and reptiles, it encourages me to dig a little deeper with my children.
Handbook of Nature Study, page 193
You can do it. I know you can do anything you set your mind to.
ReplyDeleteOh, wonderful! My oldest son says he'd be happy to provide your boys with a list of reasons why it's great to keep reptiles as pets, if you like. :-) We have---three snakes, a gecko, and a box turtle living at our house right now! Yes, I know I'd really rather draw wildflowers, lol, but I have three boys!
ReplyDeleteMichelle D
Eeek! That's what I said when I opened your blog to the snake pic. LOL! I know I'm learning to appreciate every creature right along with my gang also. But snakes are still eeky. LOL!
ReplyDeleteBarb, You're post gives me inspiration (and courage)! I'll need to take this same attitude when we begin studying insects. :)
ReplyDeleteI think I (partially) fixed the problem with my blog. There are still some glitches I'm having trouble with, but hopefully you'll be able to view the post now. Sorry for the inconvenience. (Do you mind me asking which browser and what size monitor you're viewing with? This info. might help me.) Thanks so much!
Blessings,
Shannon
Your first unidentified lizard looks like a horned lizard (a.k.a. horny toad.) I grew up with these tiny dinosaurs. They spit blood! (That may not be true, but it sure freaked me out as a kid.) The other one may be another variation of horned lizard.
ReplyDeleteGreat post & great pictures!
Thanks for sharing this encouragement Barb. I have a SERIOUS fear of spiders! I can barely type the name! The last house we lived in was near an open field next to a horse farm, we got Wolf Spiders in our house quite frequently, I'll never be the same!!!LOL
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Melissa
www.homeschoolblogger.com/melissal89
The unidentified lizard also looks a lot like a Bearded Dragon - though not native to the U.S.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is a great inspiration! I have Comstock's wonderful book but I have made little use of it. After two years of Burgess Birds and Animals, it is time.
ReplyDeleteEncouraging post Barb!
ReplyDeleteWhile I like some reptiles (the ones with legs), I am a little creeped out by others. We do need to do a study of reptiles, specifically snakes, I just need my skin to stop crawling at the thought of them.
Thanks for the nudge