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Unschooling

Happy Trails — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:56:00 GMT

Thank you for your response! If I did homeschool, it would be unschooling for sure. I think we're going to give Kindergarten a try, and pull him if it's not the right fit. It's just more about being realistic about what I can handle emotionally, in terms of... all of it! It's been an interesting ride already! I'm still open to all possibiities, so thanks for the encouragement!

Jodi

Rollin' on the River!

Happy Trails — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 17:27:00 GMT

What an incredible day! I hardly know where to start. Each Happy Trails event we do gets better and better.

This outing was so fantastic, for the mere fact that in just over one hour, kids and their parents were exposed to so many gifts from the natural world. We started by balancing on a manufactured log course. This was fun, but it was about to get way more interesting. We walked along the trail above the river, then began to explore the area around a large downed cottonwood. The kids had a fantastic time climbing, and their parents got to practice taking a deep breath!

We found our way down to the frozen Mississippi, and had what can only be described as a magical time. We learned that the river was safe to walk on, here on the edge. We learned what our bodies were capable of doing, as we attempted much climbing and jumping. We learned that beavers must live here, as evidenced by the chewed logs. We learned about the cycles of life and death, as we saw evidence of a coyote's rabbit meal. We used magnifying glasses, and got a closer look at what we thought we knew.

Mostly, we learned about ourselves, as parents faced their apprehensions head on (will she get hurt climbing? Is the ice really safe?), and kids (and their grown-ups) played and explored their world, and their places in it.

School Agony

Happy Trails — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 01:43:00 GMT

I've been having a hard time lately. My boys are almost 4 and 5. The oldest will be going off to Kindergarten next fall. I know there is a lot of time between now and then, but I'm already missing this special time in our lives. I've been an at-home mom, and though I have my share of stress and boredom, I love the freedom my boys and I have had. I would love more than anything to homeschool, but I've had to admit recently that I don't have it in me.

I love that I can say to the boys, "Hey, let's go to Minnehaha Falls today!" or "Let's check out this new nature center I heard about". Even better are the days when spontaneous outdoor adventures happen. Granted, more of these happen in warmer weather, but not all. I know we can still do stuff on the weekends, but during the week, every place is far less busy; we often are the only ones there.

When Evan goes off to school, I will miss him and our outings. Sure, we can still do some things in the afternoon, but his prime time is morning, when he's well rested. I will always treasure this special time in our lives, and I know new adventures await as they grow older. But nothing can beat the excitement on a preschooler's face when they encounter a cicada shell, or view the stars at night.

If anyone else out there knows the feeling, or has any other impressions, I'd love to hear from you!

Jodi

Forts at Fort Snelling!

Happy Trails — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:45:00 GMT

This was such a fun day! REI's second Winter Trails Day was a great success. Happy Trails had an exhibit table there, and I was able to let a lot of families know about us. It was great to see some Happy Trails families there! My favorite part, of course, was watching kids and their grown-ups shoveling a fort, building with branches, and climbing trees! Near our table was a wonderful natural area, and once the Happy Trails kids started climbing trees, other families came over to do the same! Very cool! I loved wearing snowshoes all day. Much easier to get around, and they kept my feet warm. Thanks to all who stopped out!

Cold weather, warm hearts

Happy Trails — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

One of the things I love about doing this nature club, is meeting all of you lovely parents. Everyone who comes out is so nice and friendly, and fun. This event was so fantastic. It was pretty cold outside, but we had scheduled lots of time to be indoors in the large National Wildlife Refuge's Visitors Center. They families utillized every corner! There were kids and their parents viewing the Red Tailed Hawk out near the bird feeding station, kids drawing on nature color sheets, parents and kids reading books, kids doing floor puzzles, and checking out computerized information. Still others checked out the many displays, warmed by the fireplace, and perused the gift shop. This was educational, and we hadn't even been outside yet! But, since we don't want nature to be an abstract idea, we then bundled up, and went out to play!

Film nite

Happy Trails — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The discussion following any screening of Where Do the Children Play? is just as important as the film itself, I believe. It is believed that the processing of an event afterward is how learning occurs, and, I think, synthesizing the information. We had a rich discussion that night, sharing our concerns, ideas for change, and also more information. Thanks to all who came out to see the film, and also to those who were able to contribute to a fantastic discussion. I love grassroots movements! Happy Trails will be screening it again in April, in conjunction with Children and Nature Awareness Month.

Clambering - my new favorite word!

Happy Trails — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Our last several events have been so meaningful to me. It's been an honor to watch kids and their parents relaxing and having fun in their natural surroundings. We have explored a marsh, played in the dark under a moonlit sky, enjoyed bonfires, and hid in prairie grass. I love to observe kids clambering all over nature: logs, boulders, etc. Already new friendships have been made, and we have a few families that have made it to 2 or 3 Happy Trails events. I invite everyone to come check us out. Go at your own pace. Give yourselves permission to "just be" for a while. I think you'll be glad you did! Jodi

I love spontaneous playtime!

Happy Trails — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

What was cool about this outing, is that once again the kids took the lead. I like to plan enough time into Happy Trails events to allow plenty of time for families to "dawdle" in nature. We started having a scavenger hunt, and also ended up hiding in tall prairie grass and climbing downed trees (my favorite!). There were so many kids up in those branches, they reminded me of a flock of birds. They had a blast; you could just see the self esteem shoot skyward as each child mastered this climb over and over again. They didn't even realize they were getting lots of exercise and fresh air (don't tell them!) Nature provides the best jungle gyms...

Full Moon Fun!

Happy Trails — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

I love to be outside with kids at night! They sense the different energies of the Earth and her creatures, and their senses become acute. Our guide Rebecca was so fantastic. Since she works at Dodge Nature Preschool, she knew the land like the back of her hand, even in the dark. She led us to special areas where the kids could explore logs (huge fungi!), smell the pine grove, and listen for owls. This event was great, as it demonstrated to all that we need not be afraid to go out after dark.

Jodi

What a conference!

Happy Trails — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

This Children in Nature conference was the second one I've attended on this subject, and I was once again blown away. There are so many dedicated people, internationally, nationally, and right here in MN who are working hard to turn the tide, where kids and nature are concerned.

It's so great for me to be in a room with close to 200 local people who are like-minded. The president of the Children and Nature Network, and the chairperson of the MN Children and Nature Connection both pointed me and Happy Trails out the the entire gathering, which was great exposure for our group. I learn so much at these conferences from top researchers, and will do my best to pass along what I learn with local families, and others.

Marshland Fun!

Happy Trails — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

This was such a special day! We met so many wonderful families. The weather was beautiful, which always helps. Upon arriving, one little boy said, "Where are the hikesters?" We walked through the forest, then spent a lot of time checking out the marsh. I love listening to kids' ideas about nature, such as wondering what ducks eat. We were amused at the ducks' tails sticking straight up in the air as they "ducked" their heads down...(oh, now I get it!) The kids found snail shells, and used sticks to pick up "seaweed".

Afterward, we all warmed by a fire, and some families even thought to bring hot dogs to roast for their lunch!

Jodi

It's a no-go in Newport!

Happy Trails — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The weather was absolutely no fun, so this event was cancelled. Two tough moms bundled up their kids, showed up, and decided to go anyway. You go, moms! We'll definitely try for another event at beautiful Loveland Park in the summer!

Jodi

Fun at the beach!

Happy Trails — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Well, as it was MEA's week, we had a small turnout, but boy was it fun! The weather was perfect, and the kids had a wonderful time. They climbed and climbed the bent trees, and it was easy to see how proud they were of themselves. They loved it when a boat's wake would create noisy waves. They also discovered that they could write with powdery shell pieces on black rocks- very cool! We'll have to come here again next summer!

Happy Trails' First Outing!

Happy Trails — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 02:11:00 GMT

Our first Happy Trails Family Nature Club outing was so fun! The weather was absolutely perfect, and the fall colors seemed to put on a show just for us. As families were arriving and meeting in the parking lot, the kids clambered over nearby rocks and trees. We then made our way down West River Road, heading downward into the woods.

The kids (and parents) all seemed to become instant friends. We checked out colored leaves, and peered over fences, as we were really high up above the river. We rested and snacked on a low brick wall and hillside, then headed back toward the bonfire site. We had plenty of time to relax at the bonfire (thanks, Mike and Rebecca!), while the children built forts in the forest.

All in all, about 25 people shared each other's company, exchanged cards to stay in touch, and most importantly, kids played together, leisurely, outdoors. We can't wait until the 18th for the next adventure. Thanks to all of you who came out!