Exploring Nature: Praying Mantis

Praying Mantis by Mary Ann Hoberman That praying mantis over there is really not engaged in prayer. That praying mantis that you see Is really preying (with an e). It preys upon the garter snake. It preys upon the bumblebee. It preys upon the cabbage worm, The wasp, the fly, the moth, the flea. (And sometimes, if  its need is great, It even preys upon its mate.) With prey and preying...

Exploring Nature: Slugs

“Never be within doors when you can rightly be without.”-Charlotte Mason (Vol 1: Home Education) Our spring weather has been absolutely glorious down here in East Texas. So whenever I can, and however I can, we take our learning outdoors. Since our Experience Early Learning box (EEL) has been all about BUGS, it has lent itself well this past month to learn outdoors. I grabbed our Big Book of...

Pattern Block Bugs

This post contains affiliate links. I loved pattern blocks as a kid. I remember creating giant mandela patterns on the classroom floor on those rainy recess days. Our Experience Early Learning (EEL) box sent us pattern blocks this month and we now have quite a collection! By having a good variety, all of us could play together, design together, and get inspired by each other's work, and EVEN...

Exploring Ants with Preschoolers

This post may contain affiliate links. It's a new month which means a new theme of learning from Experience Early Learning. This month is all about bugs! I have to admit, I used to hate those creepy crawlies, but after this past year of Exploring Nature with Children and trying to show my kids how to love and enjoy the great outdoors, I have found more respect for bugs. (still not a fan of wasps...