lauren cain

  • GARDENING, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SPRING

    Starting an Outdoor Herb Garden with Your Kids

    No food tastes quite as amazing as food that you grow yourself in your own garden. Whether you’re growing a large garden plot full of vegetables or a couple of small containers of herbs, there’s something magical about growing your own food and herbs. And, of course, kids can help out and learn to appreciate the joy of gardening as well. Today, Lauren Cain, Texas homeschooling mom of three, is here sharing her family’s experience with starting and growing an outdoor herb garden. She’ll walk you through the process of prepping your soil, choosing your plants, and how to get the kids involved in the whole process. Happy gardening! 

    Growing herbs with kids

    There’s something about spring that seems to give even the brownest of thumbs the urge to put a seed in the earth and watch it slowly flourish. I am one of those brown thumbs, both literally and figuratively, who has attempted repeatedly to plant herbs and vegetables only for them to reach their inevitable untimely death weeks later. But this year is different! We’re determined to start and grow an herb garden!

    Kids are intrigued by planting seeds. But, because the process of getting to the finished plant can be a long one, kids’ interest wanes fairly quickly. The difficult part for me, and so many would-be gardeners, has always been that my seedlings could never really get far beyond the sprouting phase. So, this year I decided to try something new. Today, I am going to show you the easiest way, in my opinion, to start a garden with your kids that will immediately garner their excitement. I will also share what I have learned through this process which has allowed our garden to flourish and reap a harvest.

    Start with plants

    I wholeheartedly believe that our garden’s success is largely due to the fact that we did not start it with seeds this year. As I mentioned earlier, our previous attempts growing an herb garden from seeds never made it past the sprouting phase. Some of you may have had more luck than us with seeds, but if you want to guarantee that your plants will at least get the “plant” stage, skip the seeds. 

    This year, instead of purchasing seeds, I visited our local Home Depot to purchase a variety of vegetables, herbs, and fruit plants that were already growing strong. I felt confident because the plants at the store were already eons ahead of any of the seeds that I’ve ever planted! They had roots and strong stems and leaves, oh my! 

    My kids were also ecstatic because they were looking at live plants from the beginning and not simply seeds covered by dirt. You can get your kids involved even at this stage by having them choose the plants they want to grow. After all, it is their garden as well. We settled on tomatoes, bell pepper, squash, cucumber, strawberries, sweet onions, sage, mint, rosemary, chives, fennel, thyme, and basil. While transplants are notorious for being more expensive than a packet of seeds, there are a lot of benefits to using them. The benefits of planting transplants are:

    • They mature sooner than if you had planted seeds, which means an earlier harvest.
    • They save time and are ready to go into the soil immediately.
    • The transplanted plants have stronger root systems which make them less vulnerable to weather conditions.

    Choose your plants wisely

    When choosing which plants to have in your garden, I would highly suggest researching plant compatibility. Basically, you need to make sure that your plants will be friends and not foes to each other. This was something that I almost learned the hard way when I planted 2 mint plants smack dab in the middle of my garden bed. If you’re a newbie gardener, you’re probably thinking, “what’s the big deal?” Well, mint is an aggressive plant that has the power to take over your garden completely. Yikes! Luckily, I was made aware of my mistake and quickly replanted the mint in a pot before its roots had a chance to take hold.

    While you might not want mint in your garden bed, there are other plants that are highly compatible and beneficial when planted next to each other. For example, if you are planting tomatoes, you should also plant basil nearby. Basil repels insects that can harm tomato plants and can also improve yield.Tilling the soil

    Get the kids involved

    My kids were happy to see the live plants, but even more so at the fact that it meant we were going to be elbow-deep in dirt! We inherited a semi-raised bed in our backyard from previous owners, but it was in serious need of some TLC. So, armed with shovels and garden forks, my kids, husband, mom, and I got to work making the soil perfect for our new transplants.

    The great thing about gardening is that it is an incredible learning opportunity for kids that is also really fun. My kids have been fascinated with the garden every step of the way. They were surprisingly excellent help with prepping the soil and especially enjoyed helping to pull the weeds out of the garden bed.

    Choosing the right containers

    Keep in mind that your transplants will not necessarily have to be planted in the ground. If you’re tight on space or simply don’t want to plant in the ground, you could also use pots or large stand-alone raised garden beds. The majority of the plants in our garden are in the ground. However, some of our herbs are potted in containers, which we can move around to give them exactly what they need. A little bit of research on each plant to help you determine if it’s well-suited for containers or should be planted directly in the ground.

    Prepping your garden and soil

    When you’re ready to start planting, there are a few things that you’ll need to have on hand and few things to do to your soil to ensure your plants have the best growing environment. Here are some things that you will need to get started on the right foot:

    • Shovel
    • Garden fork (if you are planting in the ground, this will help to turn over the soil)
    • Garden soil  (not just for potted plants; we added bags of soil to our garden bed for enrichment)
    • Hose or watering cans
    • Fertilizer (optional)

    These items can be purchased at your local nursery or hardware store. I also found a great selection of smaller gardening tools for my kids at DollarTree. The first step was tilling the dirt in the garden to break up all the hard-packed soil. Next, we added 6 large bags of potting soil to the existing dirt, to add additional nutrients and balance the composition of the soil. You can also add compost to your soil.

    Gardening is a team sport

    Once your soil is prepped, it’s time to figure out where each plant will go in the garden. The plant info should tell you how much space the plant will need, so you know how far apart to space out each plant to give it plenty of room to flourish without overtaking the nearby plants. Finally, you are ready to plant your transplants.

    If there’s one thing that I have learned through this entire experience, is that gardening is a team effort. In planting our transplants, I thoroughly enjoyed working together with my 3-year-old and 5-year-old as we dug holes in the earth deep enough for our plants and gently covered the roots with dirt. It was a joy to see their independence and focus as they took ownership of their work. Don’t be afraid to get your kids involved with each step in this process. The great thing about transplants, is that they are strong. Even if they don’t seem to be “perfectly” planted, the roots will take hold. Transplants in the Ground

    H2O and let it grow

    After the transplants have been planted, the hard work is nearly over. Now you just have to maintain, feed, water, weed, and be patient. Be sure to research how much water your plants will need to ensure they not only stay alive but thrive. We have been watering our garden with tap water from the hose in the backyard, which has worked out fine. You could also gather and store rainwater for your garden, but that’s a whole other process and post.

    I have learned that it is best to water your garden in the evening when temperatures are a bit cooler, rather than in the middle of the day. Watering our garden is an activity that can be handed off almost completely to your children (if they enjoy it). My kids love getting the hose and watering cans out and taking care of the garden each evening. We also take some time to discuss the changes that can be seen happening right before our eyes! It’s so much fun to see them notice the plants getting bigger each day and being observant of how their efforts are paying off. 

    Herb garden maintenance  

    Watering will likely not be all that you need to do to keep your garden healthy. Most edible plants will need to be pruned or trimmed. This is done to increase growth and yield, and it is necessary for the overall wellness of the plant. Depending on the transplants that you have, you will need to research how to prune your plant properly. You may also need/choose to fertilize your plants. Adding some plant food to your soil will help the plants get the nutrients they need to grow bigger and heartier. 

    Harvesting your garden

    Since we did not plant our herb garden from seed, we were able to reap a harvest much sooner than we would have otherwise. In just over three months, we’ve already harvested herbs, tomatoes, and a lone strawberry. Our squash should be ready any day now, and we cannot wait.

    Each time we are able to harvest, no matter how small, it brightens our day. It is awesome for kids because they are able to see the finished product of their work and patience. They are able to see food that they would normally only get at the grocery store growing right in front of them. It gives them a feeling of pride and accomplishment.

    Watering the Garden

    Gardening with kids resources

    Starting and growing an herb garden with your kids is an amazing opportunity for learning and connection. If you have been apprehensive about starting a garden (especially with children), I hope that you have learned a few things from this post and that I have encouraged you to go for it. If you’d like more info on gardening with kids, here are a few of our favorite gardening posts:

    Are you planting an herb garden with your kids this year?

    About the author

    Lauren is a California native turned Texan, who loves to get out in nature and discover hidden gems all around the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She is a wife and homeschooling mama to three kids who definitely keep her on her toes. She truly believes in the value of homeschooling and that there are learning opportunities available all around us. In addition to homeschooling, Lauren is also an entrepreneur; she’s the co-owner of Crunchy Boutique (a natural-living/eco-friendly boutique). 

    You can find more from Lauren in the following places:
    Instagram: @crunchymamadfw
    Facebook: @crunchymamadfw
    RWMC Posts: Lauren Cain

  • CRAFTS, HOLIDAYS, NATURE SCHOOL, WINTER

    Make Your Own Snow: 3 Simple DIY Snow Recipes for Kids

    Are your kids fascinated by snow? Want a fun way to play with snow inside, without needing to wrestle your kids into their winter gear? We have a fun sensory project for you! Today, Texas homeschooling mom of two, Lauren Cain is here sharing three DIY snow recipes for making your own sensory winter bin. All these variations are made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Let it snow! 
    How to Make Your Own Snow - 3 Simple DIY Snow Recipes for Kids

    Kids are fascinated with snow

    Growing up in Southern California, I was always fascinated with snow. But, unless we made a trip to the mountains, we didn’t have very many opportunities to play with snow. My children (being raised in Texas) are a lot like I was as a child. They love the snow, and apart from the rare snowstorm we experienced last year, they don’t have a lot of experience playing with real snow. We do, however, enjoy making and playing with our own snow! Making your own snow is very simple, and it is an amazing sensory activity for all ages. Today, I’ll show you how to make your own DIY snow and why sensory activities like this are so beneficial for kids.

    Why are sensory activities so beneficial?

    Making your own snow is an awesome sensory activity for your child. Sensory activities are enjoyable for children, and more importantly, are incredibly beneficial to their cognitive development. They aid in the development of motor skills, problem-solving, and creativity. During sensory play, a child can describe what they are touching, tasting, hearing, seeing, smelling, or experiencing through their body sensations, which helps with language development. Movements involved in sensory play (squeezing, pinching, sorting, placing, and scooping) help improve fine motor skills and increase coordination.

    These activities also give children the opportunity to learn through exploration and play, which is amazing for young children and early learners. Adding sensory elements into teaching can spark an interest in learning. Sensory play is engaging and fun because it is an unstructured form of play in which there are no real limits or rules. Children who learn through play get more enjoyment out of it and thus, want to do more of it. winter sensory bin - sensory snow activities and diy snow recipes

    Let it “fake” snow!

    The thing that I love so much about this DIY snow recipe is that it could not any simpler. There is no need to run from store to store to find random ingredients – everything you need to make snow is probably already in your home! Each of our DIY snow recipes listed below only needs TWO ingredients. That’s it! So, are you ready to let it snow! 

    Three DIY snow recipes for kids

    There are three different ways you can make DIY snow at home for your kids. Each of these recipes only requires two ingredients that can be found in your home. Each snow recipe makes a slightly different type of snow. Depending on what you want to use the snow for, you can pick the one that works best for your purposes or make it extra fun and try out all three! 

    1. Baking soda moldable snow recipe

    Ingredients:

    • 3 cups baking soda
    • 1/2- 1 cup hair conditioner

    Instructions for baking soda moldable snow

    Our favorite DIY snow recipe is the baking soda moldable snow recipe. Grab a mixing bowl and pour in your baking soda. After you have poured your baking soda into the bowl, add in your conditioner (shampoo may also work).

    Start with a 1/2 cup of shampoo or conditioner and add more if needed until you get your desired consistency. I tend to add more shampoo or conditioner because I feel like the snow can be molded easier. I usually use conditioner, but this time I used shampoo and did not notice a real difference. So, you can use whichever you have on hand. Both the shampoo and baking soda were purchased at Dollar Tree.

    This keeps surprisingly well, even uncovered. However, for a longer play, I would recommend storing it in an airtight container or sealed bag. If you do keep it uncovered, you will need to add more water or shampoo after a day or so to make it moldable again. We’ve kept the “snow” out uncovered for a couple of days and it still had the same consistency. 

    2. Powder snow recipe

    Ingredients:

    • 3 cups baking soda
    • 1 cup water

    Instructions for powder snow 

    If you are uncomfortable using shampoo or conditioner, I would suggest giving this powder snow recipe a try. Grab your mixing bowl and pour in the baking soda. After you have poured in the baking soda, add your water about a tablespoon at a time until you achieve your desired consistency. This “snow” will not be moldable, but it is still great for sensory bins and can even be used for other fun sensory activities. 

    3. Shaving cream moldable snow recipe

    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup shaving cream*
    • 1 cup corn starch

    Instructions for shaving cream moldable snow 

    Grab a mixing bowl and pour in your corn starch. After you have poured your corn starch into the bowl, add in your shaving cream. Start with a 1/2 cup of shaving cream and add more if needed until you get your desired consistency.

    *A note about using shaving cream. While this is another simple way to make snow, this honestly wasn’t our favorite due to the smell. I had the hardest time getting a hold of unscented shaving cream. The smell of the typical shaving cream can be a bit overpowering, especially if you are not used to strong scents. After we made our snow using the shaving cream, the scent lingered around the room for days. The texture of the snow, however, was great and it was very moldable. 

    Recipes and ingredients for making diy snow at home for kids

    Ideas for playing with DIY snow

    You can let your children play with the snow as is, or you can create your very own Winter Wonderland for them to enjoy. I tend to land on the “Pinterest Mom” side and decided to create a Winter scene sensory bin for my kids using the snow we made. The powder DIY snow recipe is the best option for this type of sensory play. 

    Aside from the bin itself, the materials and toys used to create our snow sensory bin were all purchased at Dollar Tree. Because it is Christmas time, there were a lot of items from which to choose. The bin was purchased long ago at IKEA. I reuse this bin a lot for various sensory activities throughout the year. 

    If you are creating a snow sensory bin for babies or children under 3, I would highly suggest skipping the small toys that we used. Instead, you can add objects like large plastic ornament balls, or simply let them play with the snow with nothing added.

    diy snow recipes for kids - setting up a winter sensory bin

    Embrace the mess

    So often, parents are leery of having their children play with sensory bins or do sensory activities inside the home because they are MESSY! I completely understand. However, as long as you are prepared, messy play can be great for kids and actually adds to the sensory experience.

    This is not a nice and neat activity. But, it is one that I 100% recommend. My sensory-seeking 5-year-old was fully engaged and playing with our DIY snow for close to an hour. He was totally focused. I witnessed him experimenting with building, role-playing with the character toys, and observing the differences in texture.

    While the “snow” did not all stay inside of the bin, the learning through exploration that I saw made it all worth it. Plus, after he was finished he requested to use the vacuum to clean up the mess. So, that’s a double win in my book!

    If you are still unconvinced about allowing messy play inside, I would advise using a large towel, sheet, or splat mat underneath the bin for easier cleanup. This is also a great activity that can be done outside because even on the hottest day this is snow that will not melt. winter sensory play - make your own snow

    Winter sensory play for kids

    Creating a “snow” sensory activity for your child can be great fun! We hope these simple DIY snow recipes lead to hours and hours of fun sensory play for your kids this winter. Sensory activities are an incredible way for children to engage all of their senses. Did you know that engaging most, if not all, of the senses actually aids in the creation of neural pathways in the brain? Something as simple as playing with fake snow can be so beneficial.

    Which snow recipe will you make for your kids?

    About the author

    Lauren is a California native turned Texan, who loves to get out in nature and discover hidden gems all around the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She is a wife and homeschooling mama to three kids who definitely keep her on her toes. She truly believes in the value of homeschooling and that there are learning opportunities available all around us. In addition to homeschooling, Lauren is also an entrepreneur; she’s the co-owner of Crunchy Boutique (a natural-living/eco-friendly boutique). 

    You can find more from Lauren in the following places:
    Instagram: @crunchymamadfw
    Facebook: @crunchymamadfw
    RWMC Posts: Lauren Cain

  • CRAFTS, FALL, LESSONS

    Pumpkin Science Experiments for Kids

    Looking for a fun way to utilize those pumpkins from the patch, while teaching kids about science? Look no further! Today, Texas homeschooling mom Lauren Cain is here sharing four amazing pumpkin science experiments for kids. She’ll walk you through how to make pumpkin bubbles, pumpkin slime, pumpkin elephant toothpaste, and how to dissect a pumpkin. Get your little scientists excited for fall and Halloween with these fun experiments. 

    Pumpkin Science Experiments for Kids

    Pumpkin science experiments for kids

    ‘Tis the season of the pumpkin. There are many clues that tell us that Fall is officially here. For some of us, we know that Fall is here because of the change in weather or leaves turning from green to brown. Well, in our house we know that Fall is officially here when we are suddenly surrounded by pumpkin–EVERYTHING.

    There’s something about pumpkins that piques the interest of children and adults alike. They’re just fun. Do you know what else is fun? Easy-to-follow science experiments that you can do with your children.

    So, why not combine the two and try some fun pumpkin science experiments with your kids? This post features simple and low prep pumpkin science experiments that I have done with my children. They absolutely loved it, and I am sure your children will too!

    Pumpkin Bubbles Experiment Kindergarten

    The bubbles, oh the bubbles!

    Who doesn’t love bubbles?! There’s a really interesting science behind the making of bubbles that is fascinating to learn. If you want to turn this activity into a fun lesson I would suggest watching a few YouTube videos on bubble science for kids. My children especially liked Fun with Bubbles by SciShow Kids. Or, you could just get straight to the bubble blowing.

    Did you ever blow bubbles in your drink as a child (even though your parents would constantly ask you to stop)? Well, the pumpkin bubbles experiment is just like that. What’s great about this experiment is that it is very low prep and aside from the pumpkin, you probably already have everything that you need for this activity.

    How to make pumpkin bubbles

    Materials needed are:

    • Pumpkin (smaller pumpkins work best for this activity)
    • 2 tablespoons dish soap (any brand will work)
    • Straw
    • Dash of water

    Put the soap in your hollowed-out pumpkin and add a dash of water. Insert the straw and then let your children blow bubbles until they spill out the top of the pumpkin. 

    Remind your little one to blow OUT and not suck in because a mouth full of soapy water is no fun at all. My son got a small taste of the soapy water and was not pleased.

    Also, note that the quantities of the ingredients aren’t exact. Experiment with less or more soap/water to see if the outcome changes.

    Pumpkin slime

    Ok, I know that slime is like Voldermort ( I mean “He Who Must Not Be Named”) in some households. But, hear me out.  Can it be messy? Yes. Is messy play important to the development of our kids? Also, yes!

    Making slime can be a lot of fun and promotes great sensory learning which is important especially for early learners. This pumpkin slime recipe is made with the fibrous strands and seeds from the pumpkin which gives it a cool textural feel that is unique from the typical slime. So, give it a try!

    Here’s what you need to make pumpkin slime:

    • Pumpkin guts (aka the seeds and such from inside your pumpkin)
    • Clear glue (about two small bottles or 18 oz )
    • Liquid starch (1 cup)
    • Water (1 cup)

    How to make pumpkin slime:

    Scoop out the seeds and fibrous strands from your pumpkin and set them aside. Pour the glue into your empty pumpkin and then add the water. Add the pumpkin guts back to the pumpkin. Carefully, mix them together. Grab your liquid starch and it to the glue and pumpkin mixture slowly.

    At this point, we mixed with our hands because it seemed easier. But, if stirring with a spoon works for you then go for it. Keep stirring or mixing with your hands until the slime begins to come together as one and is not sticking to your hands or spoon. If it is still sticky, add more liquid starch a tablespoon at a time until the right consistency is achieved.

    That’s it! Now you have pumpkin gut slime!

    Pumpkin Slime

    Pumpkin science investigation

    You’ll be hard-pressed to find a child who cannot recognize a pumpkin. However, opening a pumpkin up and discussing the parts of a pumpkin and the pumpkin life cycle make for a fun learning experiment.

    You can take it a step further and have your kid(s) separate the seeds from the fibrous strands and discuss how they are different, but still work together. For this activity, all you will need is a pumpkin (a smaller one may work best for this purpose) and a knife to cut it in half.

    It’s simple, but it is also a very interesting activity and allows kids to have a different perspective and perhaps a new appreciation for the pumpkin.

    Pumpkin Investigation

    Pumpkin elephant toothpaste

    In discussing pumpkin science experiments, this one reigns supreme. We love making elephant toothpaste because it is such a fun high-impact experiment. Doing the experiment in a pumpkin makes an already fun experiment that much more exciting!

    The level of reaction that you will get from the combination of ingredients really depends on the type of hydrogen peroxide. We have done this experiment many times using the typical 3% hydrogen peroxide that you find in stores and the reaction was pretty mild (which is great for younger kids).

    However, with this pumpkin elephant toothpaste, I opted for a higher concentration at 6%. The reaction was bigger than it has been before without being out of control. If you have not tried to make elephant toothpaste before I 100% recommend that you give it a try, it is such a fun experiment!

    Pumpkin Elephant Toothpaste

    Here’s what you will need to make pumpkin elephant toothpaste:

    • Hollowed out pumpkin
    • 1 cup (4 oz) 6% hydrogen peroxide. I used a 20 volume clear developer (liquid) that I purchased from Sally’s Beauty Supply.
    • Food coloring
    • 6 tablespoons of  warm water
    • 2 packets of active yeast
    • ~ 2 tablespoons of dish soap
    • Recycled plastic water bottle, jar, beaker, etc.
    • Funnel
    • Tray
    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • Safety goggles

    How to make your pumpkin erupt

    In your empty pumpkin place your empty bottle, jar, beaker, etc. I actually used a 2 cup measuring cup in our pumpkin, which worked perfectly.
     
    Pour in the hydrogen peroxide. Add the dish soap and several drops of the food coloring of your choice. Pour the yeast in an empty bowl and add the warm water; stir with a fork for about 1 minute or until the yeast has dissolved.
     
    Using a funnel, pour the yeast into the hydrogen peroxide mixture and step back and watch the reaction!
     
    Please note that this reaction may be very hot and can irritant the skin. It’s typically fine to touch after it has had time to cool down, however, to be extra cautious you should steer clear of letting your little ones play with it.pumpkin science STEM experiments for kids

    Pumpkin STEM activity

    While this activity does not call for the use of real pumpkins, it is an engaging themed activity nonetheless. Kids can channel their inner engineer as they build amazing pumpkin structures using two materials: pumpkin candy and toothpicks. That’s it!

    At this time of year, pumpkin candy should not be hard to find. They are semi-soft and definitely related to candy corn. I purchased mine from Sprout’s Farmers Market, but I am sure they are available at other grocery stores as well.

    I love this activity so much because as I mentioned, it is so engaging and encourages focus and creativity. My almost 5 year old spent a solid 30 minutes building his structure and was so proud of the end result. This is a great activity that can be recreated time and time again using different materials. The pumpkin candy can be swapped for marshmallows, candy peanuts, or any other semi-soft material. So, get building!

    Pumpkin STEM Activities

    Don’t just be a pumpkin eater this season!

    There are so many awesome pumpkin science experiments for kids. This is a great time to engage, learn, and have fun with an item that kids may only know as an ingredient for their favorite pie. So, which pumpkin science experiment will you try with your kids?

    About the author

    Lauren is a California native turned Texan, who loves to get out in nature and discover hidden gems all around the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She is a wife and homeschooling mama to three kids who definitely keep her on her toes. She truly believes in the value of homeschooling and that there are learning opportunities available all around us. In addition to homeschooling, Lauren is also an entrepreneur; she’s the co-owner of Crunchy Boutique (a natural-living/eco-friendly boutique). 

    You can find more from Lauren in the following places:
    Instagram: @crunchymamadfw
    Facebook: @crunchymamadfw
    RWMC Posts: Lauren Cain

  • ANIMALS/WILDLIFE, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, SUMMER, URBAN NATURE

    How to Find & Appreciate Nature in Your Own Backyard

    Nature is all around us. No matter where you live, you can find nature in your area. Exploring nature doesn’t have to be on a grand scale. It doesn’t need to be overwhelming or intimidating. Nature is accessible to all and there to help teach your kids about the natural world around them. Today, Creative Team member and Texas homeschooling mom of three, Lauren Cain shares tips for parents on how to find and appreciate nature in your own backyard. 

    FINDING NATURE IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

    Beauty in the big and small

    I love visiting beautiful parks outfitted with amazing trails and stunning scenery. My family and I have no issues traveling some distance to visit National or state parks, whether it be in our home state of Texas or all the way up to Yellowstone in Wyoming. These parks provide a plethora of plants, a variety of vistas, and a bounty of natural beauty. 

    Isn’t it interesting how effortless it is to appreciate and be in awe of the nature surrounding us in these designated “nature areas,” but, so often we take for granted the opportunities to appreciate and be still in the nature literally in our own backyard?

    We want to change that. Nature doesn’t have to be big and spectacular to be appreciated and respected. I have recently made it my mission to teach my kids (and myself) to stop and observe the natural world existing mere feet from our kitchen table. It’s made us so much more appreciative of what we have nearby and so much more knowledgeable of the world around us. I believe there are several ways to do this and to make it not only educational, but fun for the entire family. Let me show you how!

    Learning about Leaves

    Identify the trees that you see

    If you want to learn how to appreciate the nature in your own backyard, the first thing you can do is give yourself a little tour. Take a walk around your area and identify the trees that are in your yard. You can do this by searching online, or downloading a mobile tree and plant identifier app (Seek by iNaturalist is a good one).

    Take plant identification a step further and turn it into a fun tree investigation game for your family. Discuss whether or not the trees that you have are native to where you are located. Can you tell if your tree is male or female? (Yes, that is a thing! And it will definitely make for a fun investigation.) Do your trees produce anything that is edible for humans? What about food/nuts for animals? You can see where I am going with this exercise. Trees can be incredibly interesting if you know their story!

    Taking a step back to pause and notice the trees that you may walk by daily is definitely something that is worth doing. More importantly, this exercise is an awesome tool to aid in the discussion on the importance of trees — not only for the health of our bodies, but also in the health and wellness of the world.

    Hands-on tree activities for kids

    Another great way to explore the trees around your home is to make a botany tree exploration sensory bin using natural items. This activity is especially great for toddlers and preschoolers because little kids learn so much from hands-on activities. A sensory bin is easier to make than you might expect. And, there’s no right or wrong way to make it! Start by collecting fallen leaves, safe sticks, rocks, nuts, pinecones, and anything else that you find while foraging. Gather the materials and place them in a box for your child–it’s that simple!

    For older kids, try a leaf rubbing exercise to get them talking about the difference in leaves from one tree to the next. All you will need is leaves, white paper, and crayons. Place a leaf underneath a sheet of paper and grab a crayon. Hold the crayon on its side (horizontally) and start coloring the paper. You should start to see the imprint of the leaf underneath the paper. This activity is simple and a lot of fun! 

    If you have a variety of trees in your area, try collecting as many different leaves as you can find. Then, using your deduction skills, match the leaf to the tree. Your kids will have to figure out which leaf belongs to which tree by matching the leaves still on the tree. As you find the match, identify the tree. 

    Learning About Trees with Kids

    Get your hands dirty and find some bugs!

    As a child, I loved (most) insects. I’d have fun collecting and observing pill bugs, butterflies, ladybugs, ants, and so much more. Insects and bugs really are fascinating to children and it is truly incredible to think about the diverse insect population right in your own backyard.

    We can find bugs and insects year-round right in our own yard. The spring and summer months in our area are particular favorites, as we get a chance to identify visiting butterflies. No matter when you’re looking, with a magnifying glass and a little sleuthing, you can spot some of the more hard-to-find insects. This observation is a great way to open up the discussion on how the insects in your own backyard play a part in our ecosystem, and what we humans can do to be less harmful to them in the process.

    When you’re out looking for bugs, insects, and mini beasts, don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty! As the saying goes “a little dirt won’t hurt”! As ironic as it may sound, playing in dirt is really an awesome thing for kids. It can help boost their immune system and supports sensory development. We’ve found some of the coolest and wiggliest worms while playing in the dirt. Grab a glass jar to put some insects in temporarily to observe them up close.

    If your little one is scared or apprehensive about bugs or insects, check out our post on overcoming the fear of creepy crawlies.

    Playing with Bugs - finding nature in your own backyard

    Make natural art

    Another way to discover nature in your own backyard is to get creative using natural things that you walk on and by everyday. Turning nature into art is usually so much fun for kids. They love finding things they can use for art projects and it’s so much fun to see their imaginations come to life.

    If you have older children, hold a friendly competition for creating art from nature. Challenge your kids and yourself to create an art piece that reflects how they feel about being in nature, made using items they find outside. If you have smaller children, you can grab a piece of paper and have them create a picture using natural materials found outside (leaves, sticks, rocks, etc.). Make a paint “brush” by tying fallen leaves/shrubs to a stick. Paint a mud portrait using a little dirt and water. Draw faces on leaves or cut eye holes in them to make masks. Collect twigs and leaves and create a nest. The options to create art outside are almost endless.

    Check out this post for more ideas on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) outdoor projects, and crafts. 

    Learning About Leaves with Kids - make nature art from items in your backyard

    Don’t forget about the wildlife

    It can be easy to forget that the undomesticated animals that we see regularly are actually wild animals. They are a part of the wildlife in our geographic region.  Yes, even the pesky squirrel that eats your birdseed or the bunny that always makes your dog bark at 6 am. Wildlife is all around us! 

    Take a pause with your kids and notice the animals that you see and hear when you are outside. What types of birds do you notice? Many of these animals are creatures of habit. Are you noticing the same animals coming into your yard or general location daily? If you are in Texas, if you look around long enough you’ll likely find a frog. You may even find a snake (and in that case, use caution). Have a discussion about why you think these animals keep returning to your location.

    Take your kids on a trip down memory lane and get a disposable camera (yes, they still sell them). Have them take the camera and capture their favorite nature moments. Once the film is developed and printed, work on a nature photo album or scrapbook containing all of their favorite discoveries made literally in their own backyard. This is such a great way to foster creativity, appreciate the little things, and to create an amazing memory.

    You can also set up a nature window in your home for observing birds and wildlife in your backyard.

    Finding a Frog in Our Backyard

    Now, get out and explore nature!

    The great thing about exploring nature in your yard or immediate area is that it can be so simple and low fuss! You don’t have to worry about travel time, packing lunches, paying park entrance fees. You don’t need fancy gear or expensive equipment. All you need to do is open the door!

    No matter where you live, you are surrounded by nature. There is nature in the city, in the suburbs, in the country, in the mountains. You don’t need a national park to make you appreciate the beauty of nature. You just need a sense of adventure and a keen eye. As parents, it is so important to take a pause from the busyness of everyday life and just breathe it all in. Take notice. Show the kids. You’ll be glad that you did. 

    Learning About Nature with Kids - exploring nature around you

    How will you appreciate nature in your own backyard today? 

    About the author

    Lauren is a California native turned Texan, who loves to get out in nature and discover hidden gems all around the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She is a wife and homeschooling mama to three kids who definitely keep her on her toes. She truly believes in the value of homeschooling and that there are learning opportunities available all around us. In addition to homeschooling, Lauren is also an entrepreneur; she’s the co-owner of Crunchy Boutique (a natural-living/eco-friendly boutique). 

    You can find more from Lauren in the following places:
    Instagram: @crunchymamadfw
    Facebook: @crunchymamadfw