A Nature Walk through Echos of History

Last night was marvelous. We went to Shawnee Mission Park and went down into more of a natural area. It had the tall grass prairie of KS and it was down by a creek. It was simply a delightful walk for our family. We came to a display stating that some Native Americans lived in that area about a thousand years ago. The kids really got into it. We heard a lot of sounds that made the kids think there were still people living down there, carving rocks. Then, later, as we were walking more in the prairie part of it, Flopsy related that we were like the Ingalls! We then proceeded to run in the tall grass, just like Laura did as a girl. It was fun to pretend to be in a time so long ago. We picked a few wild-flowers and brought them home. We also picked a couple of leaves from two different trees to bring home and try to identify. That is still in need of being done. I want to have the kids identify them and then do a leaf rubbing. That would be fun! We also took some of the flowers and pressed them, preparing our scrapbook of pressed flowers (as discussed in CMs list of attainments for a child of six).

Today has been pretty wonderful too. This evening, Flopsy found a frog in our garden. We watched it for a while and then she really wanted to get out her Nature Journal for this upcoming year and paint this frog. She wanted my help so I helped her see the lines in the shape of the frog and we figured out how to draw it as best we could, then she filled it in with her water colors. It turned out quite cute. I must remember to date it and label what it is and where she found it.

The school year is nearing rapidly as we have two weeks until our first day. I'm sure this promises to be our best yet. Flopsy will begin a light kindergarten year including: a plethera of reading material (AO's Year 0 book list); a letter for the week; about two or three numbers a week; a color each month; and nature studies, composer studies, picture studies, art studies, handicrafts, lifeskills, hymns, folk songs, and Bible studies all with big brother Benjamin. Benjamin's 2nd grade year will include the above studies with Flopsy and AO's Year 1 book list and schedule. We are awaiting these new studies with extreme excitement!