Thursday, March 7, 2013

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS AS A AN OPPORTUNITY…


DAYLIGHT SAVINGS AS A AN OPPORTUNITY…

Here's a "timely" blog entry by TBE's Early Childhood Director Ronnie Brockman - head of our Shorashim Nursery School

Remembering daylight savings time has always been easy if I think of it as “spring ahead.”  And, I will admit to having a hard time with this whole spring thing as I watch the snow falling and feel the temps dropping.  But, it’s a great time to use that extra hour of daylight for a winter nature walk.

Taking a walk after dinner is one of the easiest ways for families to get in some play outdoors time every day. Not only that, it helps us slow down, reconnect with each other and run off any last bits of energy before getting ready for bed.

Always remember to:

Dress for the weather. Your kids will stay happy if they’re warm.

Keep it short. Most kids are usually pretty tired by the time dinner is over and you make it outside for your nighttime walks. Which is why we it’s best to keep them pretty short – usually about 15 minutes. 

And if you’re feeling especially ambitious, make it a Winter (it still is) Nature 
Scavenger Hunt.

This is just a few things you can hunt for before spring starts sprouting:

*A tree that has lost all its leaves
*A tree with only a few leaves on it.
*An evergreen tree.
*Buds on trees. (FYI…Deciduous trees form a winter bud to protect the developing leaf.)
*Animal tracks in the mud or snow.
*A bird.
*A  feather
*A pinecone.
*Fungi or moss on a tree.
*A plant with berries.
*Something with thorns.
*An insect.
Things to hear:
*The wind. (Can you tell which direction the wind is blowing?)
*A bird chirping.
Things to feel:
*A smooth rock.
*A tree with smooth bark

The best winter nature walks allow you to get a sense of what the season looks and feels like in your neighborhood. Pay attention to the details and use your five senses in searching for nature’s treasures. 

Instead of using a pre-made winter scavenger hunt list, you can also make up your own in just a few minutes. Keep it simple with things like “something red,” “something round,” “something old,” “something wet” and so on.
Enjoy Daylight Savings Time!
Ronnie

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