MAPPING OUR SPECIAL PLACES

“There is growing evidence that strong spatial reasoning skills in preschool help support math learning in elementary school,” said Newcombe. “Beyond math, spatial thinking is important in and of itself for fostering interest in science, math and technology.”                                     … Read More

BEETLES !

Charles Darwin, one of history’s most famous naturalists, got his start with beetle hunting!  He had a thing for beetles, and would go to great lengths to collect and study them.  People who study beetles, remind us that passionate scientists come from passionate kids.  When we value our children’s passions, whether they are transfixed by beetles… Read More

THREE JARS OF PAINT

The ability to understand cause and effect, figure out how things work, and solve problems – are essential to support critical thinking in our children.  One way to encourage these skills is by having children experiment with color mixing. Color mixing can help practice critical thinking skills like exploring cause and effect through observation of how… Read More

THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT – A KEYSTONE SPECIES

Elephants are among the most intelligent of the creatures with whom we share the planet.  Across Africa they have inspired respect from the people that share the landscape with them, giving them a strong cultural significance. They are icons of the continent. They are also a keystone species, playing an important role in maintaining the biodiversity… Read More

A CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS ROUND

There is no better place to observe the different scales and dimensions of the natural world than in the study of the circle in nature and its related forms.  This is a  delightful celebration of all things round… curves, spirals, orbs, and bubbles of full-bodied beauty.  AND….The comfort of  this perfect form can also be felt… Read More

A RAFT OF OTTERS

The interconnectivity of the underwater ecosystem is essential to its own vitality. The sea otter is a critical component in this web of life, and maintains its role as the “Keeper of the Kelp”. Kelp plays one of the most important roles, not only in the ocean, but on Earth, as it harbors life and sequesters… Read More

DOGS AND CATS ALL AROUND US

How many times have you heard children squeal in joy at the sight of a dog or cat, spurring them to run at animals who may or may not be comfortable with strangers? It’s never too early to teach our children that every living creature deserves kindness, and it’s important they also know the safe way… Read More

A Most Misunderstood Reptile

They’re slithery and scaly, and they have icky, flicking tongues and creepy, unblinking eyes. What’s to like about a snake? You’d be surprised! ********************** Author –  Nicola Davies Illustrator –  Luciano Lozano This little girl has a problem. Her family doesn’t have dogs, or cats, or birds—they have snakes! And she really, really, really really doesn’t… Read More

The Art and Symbolism of the Nest

SUZANNE SIEGEL and THE ART OF COLLAGE I am very pleased to introduce you to Suzanne Siegel.  I love Suzanne’s work, and when I saw her “Nest in Place IV”, I wanted to get to know her better.  So, I wrote to her, and she graciously agreed to both share her work with us and the… Read More

THE NATURE OF BEAUTY

Our wide range of life experiences help shape our values.  We may know specifically what they are, or perhaps we just live by them without realizing it.  Our values in their simplest form are our principals about what in life is important.  This children’s book poses two important questions for all of us.  What gives a… Read More