Welcome to another edition of “Readers Weigh In,” where I pose a question on the Go Explore Nature Facebook page and you respond. Then I feature as many answers as possible with everyone here (along with a link to your wonderfully amazing blog if you have one).
The question I posed this week:
What’s Your Favorite 2011 Post About Kids & Nature?
Here’s what some of you had to say.
Bethe from The Grass Stain Guru:
10 Can’t-Miss Childhood Moments
They are all nature-focused and I hope the post provides equal parts nostalgic, happy memories and inspiration for today.
Caroline from Caro & Co:
Beetles, Oreos and Ivory Curls – sharing small joys
Tick, tock goes the clock. Children and time….
I chose the first post because, to me, nature needs to be afforded time so the sense of wonder can be fully appreciated. And the second, just because we love sharing!
Juliet from I’m a teacher, get Me OUTSIDE here!:
Nature Kindergartens by Claire Warden
I’m going to pick the review of Nature Kindergartens that I wrote recently, simply because it’s a book about an approach that needs wider adoption world-wide based upon the benefits of enabling children to play in natural settings for sustained periods of time.
Kari from ActiveKidsClub.com:
Tiger Moms vs. Polar Bear Moms
I did not write this post: my partner and father to my children wrote it. I picked this because it is a funny post with an important agenda: Outdoor play in all kinds of weather. This post did also go viral and I even saw it posted on Scandinavian blogs.
Marghanita from Marghanita.com:
Children and nature were made for each other
I guess the main reason it’s a favourite is because it was the start of a brand new season of nature classes where we “all learned together.” I cannot express the joy and pleasure, that feeling of togetherness that nature and children gift me each and every day.
Michael from Exploring Portland’s Natural Areas:
We are all connected: chemically, ecologically, and evolutionarily
Because is combines my love for seeing my son enjoy nature with my thoughts about deep things …
Michele from Fun Orange County Parks:
Take it Outside Week 2011: Just a Mom
I Give Up
#1 “Just a Mom” reminds moms about their amazing power to give their kids outside time. #2 gives moms permission to take a break.
Jane from See Jane Explore:
My favorite post is my February 7, 2011, post on my “Explore Blog” at http://www.SeeJaneExplore.com/ titled “When You Wish Upon a Star.” I love it because my 3 granddaughters loved hearing about the stars. A sweet memory for me was getting my Star badge in Girl Scouts – loved learning about the stars!
Suz from Slow Family Online:
Our Trip to the Tidepools
I like the photography and the “guide” aspect of seeing the different sea creatures. I also love tidepooling and have great memories of that morning. It’s fun to share the activity as well as re-live it.
Nature’s Gymnasium
It’s about how hiking is a great way for small children to get exercise. The pictures aren’t that great because this post was written before I figured out how to get better quality pictures on my blog. =)
If you want to get in on future conversations, be sure to like the Go Explore Nature Facebook page.
Now it’s your turn – what’s your favorite post from 2011 about kids & nature?