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.

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.

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.

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.