Exploring Trees

Oliver loves to watch YouTube on the iPad.

To make myself feel better about allowing him to watch it, I asked him what he wanted to learn about.  I'm trying to make better use of the site, and impress on him that it can be a tool... not just a source of Thomas the Train clips and videos.

He said trees.

We found THIS VIDEO.  A few minutes in, I asked him if he was still interested.  He was.  He watched the whole thing.  *shocked*  I don't know what he retained from it... it was a lot for a four year old (I admit it was even a lot for me at 27 years old)… but he watched all 7 minutes 22 second of it.

More than a few weeks later, he said he was still interested in learning more about trees, and so I introduced him to the children's science section at our library.

These are the books he selected to checkout:

The Big Tree - Hiscock, Bruce

Crinkleroots Guide to Knowing the Trees - Amosky, Jim

The Secret Life of Trees - Chevallier, Chiara

Take a Tree Walk - Kirkland, Jane

Tell Me, Tree: All About Trees for Kids - Gibbons, Gail

Tree - Bumie, David

Trees - Julivert, Angels

Trees - Howse, Jennifer

Trees, Leaves, and Bark - Bums, Diane L.

What's Inside Trees? - Kosek, Jane Kelly

He wasn't as interested as he was when we took out a bunch of worm books.  We only read a few of them, but he is definitely interested in the real-life examination of trees.

"Tree Walk" at West Rock Ridge State Park:

Oliver discerned which end was the bottom of an uprooted tree by identifying the roots, and explaining their role.

The boys felt the rough bark at the bottom of the tree...

…and the younger, newer bark near the top.

They observed the difference in barks of various types of trees,

and counted rings to see how old the tree was.

The boys have a collection of bark pieces from a few different kinds of trees and leaves/pines (always collected from the ground and never pulled from a tree).

The Benefits of Sand Play -AND- Our Backyard Sandpit

The boys love sand.  LOVE. Sand.

Their favorite playground has a HUGE sand play area.  They spend the whole time in there.

Last year's sandbox was fun.  But not nearly large enough.  The kids insisted on filling the box with trucks, and then moving the sand all around the yard.

So this year, we upgrade.

Why encourage sand play?

Well first of all, it makes them happy.  They're so cute and pleasant when they're happy.  Also, as they play they are engaging in motor skill development, critical thinking, creative expression, social interaction and cooperation… math…science….art…. you name it.

THIS ARTICLE by Sandra Crosser, Ph.D. on earlychildhoodnews.com, wonderfully outlines the benefits kids are getting while they dig, scoop, pour and build. 

The shape of the gravel patio we added to the yard left an unused area perfect for a sandpit.

I love these spaces I found on Pinterest.

I especially love where natural elements (wood, plants, water) are incorporated.

Our sandpit takes shape as follows:

1- Take a rake to the area.  2- Lay down some weed blocker.  3- Fill with sand.  4- Enjoy.

Easy.

We're not done yet.  But we are all loving how the space is coming along.

Considering adding some plants or flowers, a water wall, kitchen.  Maybe one of these: 

I think we need a bigger space.  Thanks, Pinterest.

The kids are certainly keeping busy.