15th October, 2007
Learning by Observation
When the door burst open, I heard, “Come, quick, Mom!” Hoping everything was all right, I followed my son. To my delight, Sunshine was staring at a praying mantis.
Observation is a theme for us this year. Observe means to think about what you notice. I want my children to open their eyes to the beauty in their surroundings. As mentioned before, our backyard isn’t very exciting, but it does support life. We just have to slow down and notice.
Two months ago, I recovered the pieces of our bird feeder from the dilapidated shed. My children watched eagerly as I toted the cedar puzzle into the house. Waiting for glue to dry gave me time to reflect on my attitudes about the world around me.
We live in hot, humid, buggy, East Texas. I prefer the air conditioned comfort of my living room, but long to recapture child-like wonder. Fond memories of my childhood include hunting for four-leaf clovers, crawling through mazes of corn stalks, and being amazed by enormous, purple, rhubarb, leaves. What will my children remember? They follow my example, so I’ve purposely started noticing the small things around me. This part of my plan for joy and contentment seems to be working.
The same day we studied the praying mantis, my children found a wolf spider, examined half a walking stick insect, (our dog may intimately know the other half), and sketched the beautiful patterns in a moth’s wing. They are truly beginning to observe the life and beauty around them. It is easy to overlook, especially for my imaginative, busy tribe. Seeing them quietly captivated by a camouflaged insect, thrills me. They are learning.
Share ThisPosted at 6:48 pm | Comments (12)
On October 16, 2007 at 12:12 am Jennifer in OR said:
October 16, 2007 at 12:12 am
Very lovely photographs! Observation is a wonderful theme to focus on. Fits right in with my theme of simplicity!
On October 16, 2007 at 9:19 am Mandi said:
October 16, 2007 at 9:19 am
I love it! Thanks for the reminder to slow down and start being more observative – I feel as if I am constantly fighting myself to slow down and enjoy the ride instead of always looking towards the end goal.
What is it about the praying mantis that inspires so much excitement in kids and adults alike? Such an awesome and incredibly interesting insect!
Warmly,
Mandi
On October 16, 2007 at 5:31 pm Renae said:
October 16, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Jennifer,
Thank you. Simplifying removes the distracting clutter. I have wished many times our play area was nicer, but my children are content, and easily find bugs and birds without any fancy toys or decorations.
Mandi,
I am so glad you were encouraged. I desperately needed this reminder, too. We have not been accomplishing all that I intended for this year. Instead of despairing, I am focusing on the good and rejoicing in the lessons of daily life.
On October 18, 2007 at 4:50 pm Dana said:
October 18, 2007 at 4:50 pm
Did you see the picture of the praying mantis that snagged a hummingbird? That was a strange one.
And you are right about observation…it is one of the important tools our children have to discover their world, and we are often too focused on pouring in more facts to really let them use it.
On October 18, 2007 at 7:34 pm Renae said:
October 18, 2007 at 7:34 pm
Dana,
I’ll have to look for it. Maybe my dog better watch out! :)
Simply calling attention to the life around us has inspired my children to notice little things. I am thankful they are unhurried and thoroughly enjoy their time outside.
On October 22, 2007 at 9:10 pm ~ At Home With Kris ~ » Blog Archive » The 95th Carnival of Homeschooling - The ABC Edition said:
October 22, 2007 at 9:10 pm
[...] Learning by Observation, Renae discusses how her children began slowing down enough to observe nature and what they learned [...]
On October 23, 2007 at 10:55 am Summer said:
October 23, 2007 at 10:55 am
Taking the time to observe the world around us always has so many benefits. :) I love just going outside and letting my kids explore and discover.
On October 23, 2007 at 10:44 pm April said:
October 23, 2007 at 10:44 pm
How true! I think you are so right that our kids will just follow our example. We’ve also been working on observation this year, and I am amazed at how much my children notice now, compared to when we first started. Nothing big, just me pointing out some of the things I notice with a little bit of enthusiasm, if appropriate.
Love your pictures!
On October 24, 2007 at 5:23 pm Jimmie said:
October 24, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Nice post. We too have been learning to slow down and watch the life that hides in the grass.
On November 14, 2007 at 12:27 am keri said:
November 14, 2007 at 12:27 am
We have no praying mantis close by.
My kids caught one at the doctor’s office and brought it home one day!
On November 15, 2007 at 9:52 pm Tammy Glaser said:
November 15, 2007 at 9:52 pm
I love moments like that!
The other day, my daughter and I were building puzzles on the back porch, and two geckos joined us. I believe one was a female–she was brown like the color of the wood. The other was bright, lime green and puffed out its bright red throat.
One summer day, my daughter was eating a popsicle. We were both sitting on the rocking chairs on our back porch. Suddenly, a hummingbird (ruby throated) spied Pamela’s popsicle and got about six inches in front of her face before deciding it was not edible.
On November 20, 2007 at 10:36 pm JacciM said:
November 20, 2007 at 10:36 pm
I love this post :) It’s so true! If we are interested and show a love for being outdoors and observing creation, our children catch on! Thanks so much for posting this to the carnival :)
Blessings,
Jacci