December 30

Welcome the New Year

Change is inevitable but learning to accept and even embrace change is a learned skill, one that is critical for emotionally healthy children. Children experience change when the family moves, a sibling is born, or when a new school year begins. Change may bring feelings of fear or discomfort. How do we help children prepare for these transitions and navigate change effectively?

Connecting with nature and noticing the rhythm of the seasons is a simple, yet effective way to accomplish this goal. Discuss how animals and plants develop resilience as they adapt to changes in light and temperature. Celebrate the beauty each season brings, such as delicate snowflakes, a crimson fall leaf, or a cherry tree engulfed with blossoms. Activate your senses and look for the sounds, sights, and smells associated with each time of the year.

At the beginning of each month, take a walk with your children. As you hike, look closely at your surroundings. Are there blossoms, seeds, or buds on plants? Do you see insects or other signs of animal life? Be sure to look on the ground, as well as up in the branches. Walk the same path at the first of each month, taking note of what has changed and how living things have adapted. Take photos in the same spots and marvel at changes you observe. Nature improves everyone’s mental health!

Check out additional ideas on Tinkergarten’s First Day Hikes page.

Click here to visit Georgia’s First Day Hikes page. Many other states celebrate with hikes on January 1st too. Click here for more information.

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December 22

My Favorite Christmas Traditions

My favorite Christmas traditions revolve around photos. When I decorate my home each year, I look forward to these decorations most of all! On my mantle, I hang a banner with clips, so I can attach past Christmas cards. As I clip on each card, the memories attached to each photo come to mind and bring me such joy.

On a side table in my dining room, I have family photos displayed. Behind each photo is another photo of my daughter with Santa. Each December, I just switch the photos, and I can easily switch them back after Christmas.

My friend, Debora, shared the next idea with me. She takes all the photo holiday cards she receives and places them on a ring after Christmas. Then she prays for friends and family throughout the year as she turns the photos on the ring.

December 18

An Outdoor Family Tradition

When I first read this book, I believed the family was off to choose their Christmas tree, but there was a delightful surprise awaiting me. This charming story is sure to be a favorite with nature enthusiasts.

Click here for the Safeshare link to the story.

See the source image

Start a new family tradition and make edible ornaments for the birds. One of my favorites is a pinecone covered with peanut butter (natural is best) and rolled in birdseed. Hang the pinecones with twine and in the spring, the birds can use it for nesting material.

December 15

Why?

When I was in the classroom, I always looked for science phenomena to encourage my students to wonder and ask questions. I saw a row of trees that appeared to lose their leaves in an unusual manner as I finished some holiday shopping. What do you notice? Students develop a sense of curiosity and engagement increases in an inquiry-based approach to learning.

Click here for a collection of phenomena that could be used at home or in a classroom.

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December 14

Kissing Under the Mistletoe

Mistletoe is a plant that grows parasitically on trees. It extracts water and nutrients from the host plant. In the winter, the plant produces white berries. Use caution around children and pets because mistletoe berries are toxic.

What is the origin of the holiday tradition of kissing under the mistletoe? Mistletoe is considered a symbol of fertility and life because in winter, when deciduous trees have lost their leaves, and many plants have died away, mistletoe remains green. There are a myriad of myths and legends about the mistletoe plant throughout history.

When you hike or while you drive, ask your child to spot mistletoe growing in trees,

Mistletoe is Common in Atlanta.

Click here for the Safeshare Link.

December 13

Poinsettias-What do You Know?

Many of us decorate our homes with poinsettias during the Christmas season, but what do you know about this plant?

Poinsettias grow wild in Central America and Mexico.

In their native environment, poinsettias are shrubs that grow as high as 10 to 15 feet tall.

Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first ambassador from the United States to Mexico, brought the plants to the United States in the 1820s, and they were named after him.

The colorful parts of a poinsettia aren’t flowers, but modified leaves, called bracts. The flower is the yellow center of the plant.

Click here for the Safeshare link for the following informative video.

Visit a nursery or greenhouse with your child to examine different varieties of poinsettias.

The Legend of the Poinsettia, from Mexico, is an excellent choice if you are studying Christmas around the world. Legends are traditional stories regarded as historical but with little or no evidence to prove them.

Click here for the Safeshare Link.

See the source image

Click here for details about a poinsettia art project for kids of all ages. This would make a beautiful card!

December 11

Vultures

I was gardening when I saw the vultures begin to land on the street near me. Although not a popular bird, they are fascinating, and these social scavengers have an important role in the food chain. It’s a nasty job, but grateful they do it!

As large as they were, they blended into the branches of this tree across the street, Can you spot two vultures?

After observing them as I worked, I wanted to learn more. Listen to find out why they don’t have feathers on their heads.

Click here for the Safeshare link.

Click here for the Safeshare link.

Click here for the Safeshare link.

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December 10

Woodpeckers

I hung up my suet feeders this week and they are already frequented by a wide array of birds. Woodpeckers are one of my favorite visitors. So far this season, I’ve seen downy and red bellied woodpeckers.

Did you know that bioengineers are studying woodpeckers to design new football helmets and head protection gear for other sports?

Listen for, as well as look for, these interesting birds when you hike. Examine dying trees. Do you see any sign that woodpeckers were there?

For young children to understand what a feat it is for a woodpecker to drill a hole in wood, ask a child to hammer nails into a tree stump. This is also a great fine motor task.

Click here for the Safeshare link.

Click here for the Safeshare link.

The Owl and the Woodpecker is well suited for teaching about story structure-characters, setting, problem, and resolution. Stop mid-story and discuss possible resolutions.

See the source image

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December 7

An Ornament to Treasure

My daughter, a Covid bride, was married this year and we both wanted to save the lovely flowers from her wedding in June and her reception in November. I experimented with drying the flowers in my basement. When I saw these DIY ornaments at Michaels. I knew they would provide the perfect means to display some of the blooms. I’m excited about gifting her this keepsake ornament! What an easy way to preserve memories from a dance, anniversary or any other special occasion. Do you have any other ideas on how to use these flowers? Please leave your suggestions in the comments.

Note:  Suspending flowers upside down in a dry, cool place helps to maintain their form while they are going through the drying process. It also allows the air to circulate around the petals, stems and leaves, preventing mold.