As we remember one of the most famous harvests in our nation's history it makes me think of the people that enjoyed that first Thanksgiving. They were people that worked hard and truly knew what it was like to depend solely off their backyard, which makes me think, why can't I?

Growing your own veggies can be a great way to teach your children about nature and about where food comes from. While it may already be too chilly to  plant your seeds, there are still ways to get into the gardening spirit. Use this winter to build a compost bin to throw scraps, leaves, and other compost-ready materials into. 

What is compost? Compost is decaying organic matter used for fertilizer. It is a process that can be done right in your backyard by even the most novice of gardeners! Simply throw in organic materials, be sure to stir the pile regularly and before you know it...PRESTO! Your very own fertilizer that will enhance the quality of your garden. Since composting is such an easy process, anyone can do it, even your little ones at home. If they were anything like me, they would love to stir the pile and learn about the "magical" growing qualities that were brewing in its depths. This is a great way to connect children to the outdoors, teach them important lessons about sustainability, and perhaps even challenge their physical limits. 

For some more composting ideas and how to make your own composting bin check out this!

15 Inspiring Homemade or DIY Compost Bin Ideas and Plans

Shadow Races

With the shortened days, it is easy to see the changes that light makes on the world around us. In a way, shadows are moving faster that they would in the summer. This week try to see how fast shadows move. In the morning take note of where the shadow from your favorite tree starts. Throughout the day check on your tree's shadow, is it moving faster than any of the other trees' shadows? With the sun going down earlier and the nights getting longer, it should be easy to see a whole day's worth of Shadow Races in your own backyard.

Also try this! In the morning, stand on the sidewalk or driveway while someone traces your shadow. Come back to the same spot at lunch and before dinner. Trace your shadow again each time to see how the shapes change throughout the day. 

If your backyard is anything like mine, is there is a thick carpet of beautiful red, yellow, and orange leaves. There are leaves everywhere! Leaves are a sensory jackpot. Their crunchy sound as you step on them, the soft crinkle when you pick them up, and the gentle flutter as they fall to the earth. They all compose together to make a symphony of sounds. Even their smell is inviting. To me it smells like a different time. I don't know if smells can turn back time, but the smell of leaves stir such memories as apple picking in my grandma's backyard, or going on hikes with my sisters, and Thanksgivings through the years with my cousins. Colors burst forth from fall leaves, like the vibrant yellow of the tulip poplar and the stunning red of the maples. What an intoxicating sight to see these colors all whirling together! Try picking up some leaves, each one feels different. I may be a nerd for leaves, but seriously, they are cool. They can provide several hours of a wonderful natural escape.

Take some time this week to appreciate the leaves. After all, they won't be here long. Try these activities:

• Make a garland for your door or mantle out of fall leaves 
• Pile the leaves up in your yard to jump in
• Arrange the leaves to make a maze in your backyard
• Paint with leaves
• Make fall bowls

Look for more on this super crafty homeschooling website!

http://www.123homeschool4me.com/2013/08/36-leaf-crafts-kids-activities-for-fall.html

 

Citizenship

Today is a very important day in our country's culture. The right to vote is a right that we as Americans too often take for granted. How can we instill the values of responsible citizenship in our young children? How can a toddler learn to become a respected member of the country when they reach adulthood? That is why I do what I do! We hope that as we lead by example and make a conscious effort to raise our children to be good stewards of their country and their planet, they will lead tomorrow's generation. Children develop a lot of their moral beliefs and ethics when they are young as they watch their care givers. So back to our original question...how? This week, don't stop being a good citizen after you leave the polls. There are tons of other ways to show support to your country! Take time to teach your child about responsibility by picking up litter at a local park. Grab some trash bags and gloves and get out into nature. By taking part in this simple task you can teach your children that it is their responsibility to protect and care for the Earth. It is also a good excuse to play outside after all your hard work is done!