Hands on Learning

Now, I have posted in the past about Ruth's interest in Nature. I mean she was a "snake wrangler" for Halloween. Not many girls would choose that costume, let alone provide the items needed to create it.

Now, in my house we have raised boys. I have helped to capture snakes, watched a snail lay eggs, caught tadpoles, and the list goes on. I guess I figured that if they were interested, then I should help them learn. Was it my greatest desire to create a home for the ring snake that ended up dying because it stuck to the duct tape that I placed on the top of the terrarium after it had gotten out in the house and hid under the dishwasher? No, not really. But, I just find this to be one way that children can learn about how things work.

So, I shouldn't be surprised that Ruth thinks nothing of carrying in critters like this grey tree frog.

She found it while out on a walk with her beloved Grandpa. He finds her to be amazing. As he pointed out today, "When we are on a walk in the woods, there isn't a rock or a log that she can overturn that is passed by untouched." On my walks with Ruth, we seek out gypsy moth caterpillars, earthworms, beetles, slinky or scaly animals, rabbits, and owl pellets. (Yes, folks, that would mean dried owl puke.)

Ruth's newest enjoyment is fishing. I asked her last night, while she and I were out fishing on a mother daughter date (I cannot believe this...) what her summer goal was. "I want to fish as much as possible." was her honest response just prior to my catching a small bluegill. It was the only catch on the evening. I don't have any tools for removing hooks from the fish's mouth, and Ruth somehow, without a knife or scissors, cut the line. As we drove home, Ruth talked about taking the fish to Grandpa's to have him help us. I explained that Daddy was able to help, and she pouted a bit. When I asked why she said, "Grandpa would let dissect it."

I must admit. It was too small to eat, and there was no way it would have lived. I told her that I would let her dissect it. I mean, it was a way to let her explore, hands on, while not ruining a food source. She ran into the house and grabbed a steak knife. By the time I reached the utility table, she was sawing away. "I need some help, this is too hard for me to do,"she pleaded. I went in and got the fillet knife, and she tried again. "wow, that made it easy." I will not go into the gory details, but let's just say I will not look at a bubble the same way again. She explored until we found a red worm crawling around.

I find that we can teach our kids about things. I mean I figure I could either be the 'coolest mom' or the worst. I am not a frilly girl. I know how to wear a dress, and make up, but it is not my every day lifestyle. I had forgotten along the way the days I spent creating fishing poles from string, a stick and a safety pin. I recalled today the days spent with the boys next door tracking water bugs and earthworms. Or late afternoons fishing alongside my Dad, minus my 5 siblings which was a rare treat. I guess that I hadn't considered the prospect of having a nature girl in my life. But I can say one thing...

I am thankful to be able to share with her some

hands on learning.