A couple of months ago I read a slightly terrifying article that basically
stated that by the time children are three - they can correctly identify 20 cartoon
or online characters but know less than 20 nature words. What the what?!
How can that be? I probably find this hard to believe given
the field that I'm in and the amount of time we spend outdoors.
But, none the less - I've made it my own personal mission
(and Mim's has adopted it to) that Max will know lots and lots of nature words.
This particular Saturday we were home (in Dayton) for the weekend
and Mim's invited Max to help her fill her bird feeders.
It's simple really. Kids like to help. They like to feel needed.
I can always tell when Max is extra proud of something.
I will say, "Did you ____?" (whatever) - in this case,
"Did you help Mim's fill the bird feeders?"
And he pauses, thinks about it for a second,
and then says (with an enormous smile) - "I DID!"
Within the simple act of filling the bird feeders,
Max learned lots of words (i.e. suet, peanuts, bird seed, bird feeder,
beak, mulch, etc.) and actually worked on
lots of toddler skills...
Fine motor skills - like grabbing the scoop, digging in,
picking up little pieces that escaped, and finally dumping the actual seed.
Gross motor skills - like climbing up and over rocks
and logs. Navigating mulch and side stepping plants...
keeping your feet on the stepping stones etc.
Also - it gives a chance to talk about feelings -
"Max, do you think the birds were hungry?"
Followed by, "YES!"
Mims also makes sure he knows which birds eat which foods.
He can correctly identify a cardinal (TiTi's favorite), dove (mommy's favorite),
crow (because of their familiar sound), woodpecker, and hummingbird.
The sense of pride he feels when helping with even the most
mundane tasks is actually really precious.
He reminds me daily to put away my phone and really get down on his level.
He reminds me to look up, down, and all around.
He encourages me to stop and take pause - not to rush.
I hope he continues to love to be outside - and curious
about the natural world. I hope that I can foster empathy
and understanding. I hope his nature vocabulary GETS huge!
XoXO
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