Green Hour

How often do you get outside? Depending on where you live, it might be "too hot" or "too cold" which causes the tendency to want to hide out in a climate that takes the edge of the elements. Knowing that about myself, I decided to plan our curriculum so that I would not be tempted to "hole up" for the winter. (I guess we'd call it "White Hour" then.)

A website called GreenHour.com encourages families to get outside every day. We've been pretty consistent about getting out since the weather has been so good. (I've noticed, however, that it's Thursday and I haven't made the effort once this week since it's in the 20s and 30s!)

Another website offers ideas to increase the enjoyment and appreciation of the outdoors. The button over to the right (The Outdoor Hour) is from that website. If you click on that button it will take you there. Or you can click HERE.

We keep a journal and J draws/writes in it when we come back from our outdoor activity. The last time we were "out" we saw some sumac trees. No leaves, but their red cones were nice and bright:

We also saw some light snow flurries. We borrowed a children's book from the library about a man named Snowflake Bentley who was the first to photograph snowflakes. J copied some of the photos:

Below is a book that shows the photos Bentley took. He was homeschooled until he was 14 years old, and then he continued studying on his own. His passion was finding a way to see the snowflakes up close and then capturing them on film. He created the special equipment to do this.

Homeschooling gives children time to explore. They can explore the outdoors without the bell calling them back in after only 30 minutes. They can explore an interest without the hindrance of state-mandated requirements and busywork.

Are you getting outdoors? Are you taking the time to pursue an interest?