Learning, Nature-ally

We are very fortunate to be surrounded in wood and nature. As homeschoolers/unschoolers our children have ample opportunity to learn about nature first hand and up close.

Both the girls have a deep love for any animal or living thing. We have jars, tanks, and little cages with bugs, crayfish, frogs, and at times snakes to watch and learn about. They eventually do let them go, knowing they need to be in their own environment to live. I feel the same way about my children. To really live, they need to be in their environment. That is a big reason we leave them be (for the most part) and let them investigate the world at their own speed and on their own terms. 

The other day Greta discovered a birds nest. One in the tree with baby birds in it. 

This is the nest of the Blue Eyed Vireo.

It is hard to see, but there are three little ones there.

AnnMarie mothered an orphaned mouse for a while. It didn't live long, but long enough that AnnMarie felt she did give it some life. It ate, walked, and nuzzled with her. 

When something interests the kids enough, they will learn all they can about it. They will learn as much as they need or want to. Then they move onto something else. That is the way it is supposed to be. 

I have no problems remembering this for the young ones. I need to constantly remind myself it works this way for everyone.