Friend of Nature

Take a nature walk and discover items of interest.

• a.

  Show or tell what you found.

• b.

  Make these items into a collage or poster.

List the names of three different trees and do a bark rubbing of each.

Collect four different kinds of leaves and compare.

Go on a critter hunt. Explore (or observe with a magnifying glass) all the things you can see in a 10 sq ft area. OR Explore a yard or park and talk about what you see.

Visit one of the following:

• a.

  Zoo

• b.

  Park

• c.

  Wildlife area

Explain how to become a friend of nature, such as how to protect trees, nests, etc.

The aim is to develop observation skills, explore, collect, and share nature in the out-of-doors.

A naturalist may help you with identification. Place the paper on tree bark and lightly rub crayon over it. Talk about the different rubbings and how each tree is unique and special in its own way, just as people are unique and special.

Collect at least four leaves from different trees. You may wish to teach the children to properly press, dry, and preserve them. Compare and study the leaves through a magnifying glass.

Your critter hunt may be for any item of nature found on your walk or just live creatures, such as worms, caterpillars, ants, or beetles. Allow the children time to express what they saw.

When you visit a zoo, park, or wildlife area, etc., search for the smaller, often unnoticed creatures, including small birds.

Tell how most pollutants are caused by humans and our disregard for the creatures God has created. A child is not too young to help by taking proper care of trash and human waste. Teach your group to protect plants, trees, birds, and animals.