Creating Anticipation in Nature Study

As your family gains more confidence in nature study, you might think about preparing them for some nature study adventures in different habitats.

I find it interesting that each of us starts off thinking that our own local habitat is not all that interesting. But, with focus and energy, we begin to see how even what seems commonplace to us, is exciting and fresh to others from different areas of the world.

I live in a mixed oak and conifer habitat and it feels like "home" to me. Years ago when we began a more serious approach to learning about our particular trees, flowers, birds, and other animals, I started to feel like I knew this home better. It is as if we are building a storehouse of knowledge about the natural history of our home.

As much as there is to learn about here in our own neck of the woods, the boys love to learn about different places and habitats. I think their favorite has to be the Sonoran desert habitat that we visited on vacation. Perhaps we would have had a great experience without it, but I think our pre-study of the desert was a valuable and exciting way to build anticipation for what we were going to experience.

We borrowed books from the library, watched some online videos, and spent some time learning about the unique and fascinating mammals, reptiles, birds, flowers, and shrubs of this rather unique place. As we learned a little bit about what to expect, we began to form questions about the desert which we hoped we could answer once we were there. (If you are interested in seeing more of our pre-study materials, here is a LINK.)

I collected two field guides for the area and we browsed through them in the weeks before the trip.

Once there, we spent some time at the Visitor's Center at Saguaro National Park learning more in particular what was in bloom at that time, what birds were present during that season, and where we could go for some great outdoor adventures. We tend to travel in the off season so usually the rangers are available for long conversations and insider tips.

Just a little bit of preparation helped us have a more meaningful time in the desert.

The principle remains the same whether you are headed to the ocean, a coniferous forest, or any other special habitat.

One suggestion I have is to use the One Small Square Books by Donald Silver. He does a great job of creating a sense of wonder for each book's habitat.

We used One Small Square-Seashore to prepare us for our Oregon Coast trip last year. I also really like the series, "A Walk in the..." We used the desert book in preparation for our trip to Arizona. We also did a pre-study of the Hawaiian Islands several years ago and I decided that nature study was a great way to extend a trip to include before and after the actual travel time. We can build up anticipation, increase our knowledge when we are there, and then follow up with things we are curious about once we travel back home.

Just a note about the One Small Square books. Even though these look on the surface like books for young children, don't be fooled. These books are crammed with loads of information about each habitat. I find the ideas for study to be practical and simple enough to remember to do when you are traveling.

Think about it. Where are you headed in the next few months that could provide a unique opportunity for nature study?

If you need some ideas, feel free to email me anytime. I more than likely have something to suggest. :)

Barb-Harmony Art Mom