Our year long Nature Study begins again after a month off in July.
The first week of August we explored pond dipping again. It is such a fun and easily prepared activity for kids of all ages. Dip a net into a pond and gently dump the contents into a clean container filled with the same pond water. You will be amazed at what you find.
We recorded some of our findings in our Nature Journal. It’s interesting to observe how a child’s mind has grown and evolved in just one year. The different questions being asked and different observations made are fascinating.
This year, observing the ecosystem of a pond has been particularly special. We are currently travelling and so the pond we are observing is the one from my childhood.
There are so many things to share with Quentin. The holes dug by turtles and the remaining egg shells, the small minnows that swim past your toes. The smell of the water, and the crunch of the sand. A highlight for him was feeding the swan family and talking about their role in the ecoystem.
Pond ecosystems are virtually endless with a wealth of information to satisfy children of all ages. Everything from naming different animals for toddlers, to life cycles to the microscope world.
This particular pond has four generations worth of memories for my family and I’m glad I got to share it with Quentin today.
Our Montessori Life 
Inspiring, as always!
Could you please tell me which two books are in the above photo? I’m currently collecting supplies to make this a habit with my kids. And do you have a watercolor brand recommendation – something with vibrant colors that travels well?
Thank you so much!
The books in the photo are “Outside my Window a first book of Nature” by Nicola Davies and “Nature Anatomy” by Julia Rothman. The second one is the one we use for our entire yearly Nature Study.
Great, thank you!