“The Accidental Apprentice”

“The Accidental Apprentice”

Craft Project, Folklore, Foraging, Free Printable, Learning, Middle Grade Book Buds, Recipes, STEAM
I began Picture Book Buds with the intention of exclusively featuring picture books. But then I read The Accidental Apprentice (Wilderlore Series). I was so inspired that I knew I needed to start doing middle grade book buds! I have been reading a ton of middle grade books lately, but would love to hear your suggestions for more book buds! Middle grade books are substantially longer, so I have broken the middle grade book buds into a lesson (called lore in honor of Wilderlore here), a craft or two, and a snack. All are driven by the themes and ideas in the respective book. These could be the jumping off point for a more in depth academic book study, or just a fun project to further immerse yourself in the worlds…
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“Wake Up, Woods”

“Wake Up, Woods”

Foraging, Hike Ideas, Learning, Picture Book Hikes, Spring
Picture Book Hikes are a fun and easy way to bring learning outside. Read a book (you can even read it outside!) and then enjoy the related hike, activity and snack suggestions! Wake Up, Woods Written by: Michael Homoya & Shane Gibson, illustrated by:Gillian Harris This book is absolutely packed with information about spring ephemerals-- delicate North American native flowers that grow in the forest the early spring before the tree canopy leafs out. This is less of a story book and more of a nonfiction information book, its almost a feild guide but with beautiful illustrations. If you are looking for more of a story, or working with younger friends, try the Possum and the Peeper by Anne Hunter. It doesn't specifically mention spring ephemerals, but depicts them in the illustrations. The…
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Signs of Fall

Signs of Fall

Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Nature Art, Nature Journaling, Play
I am generally opposed to worksheets- they squash creativity and are limiting. Consequently I am never impressed with the "fall scavenger hunt" printables that make the rounds this time of year. For one thing fall looks different depending on where you live. That said, this is great time to look for signs of the upcoming seasonal shift. It's a great practice as an adult to focus and hone in on subtle shifts in nature and I find that it is downright thrilling for kids. (As well as setting them up to be adults who notice the subtle shifts in nature...) So ditch the worksheets and just bring a nature journal or sketchbook and try listing and or drawing pictures of the things you see. If you do this year over…
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A Printable Winter Special Spot Journal

A Printable Winter Special Spot Journal

Free Printable, Nature Journaling, Winter Solstice
Winter is a quiet time in nature, but there is still lots to do and see! Below is a printable journal to get you started, but it just scratches the surface of winter prompts. Use the blank pages to add your own! Print out all the pages and then lay them in this order on your work surface. Notice that the cover sheet is placed face down! download Line the pages up, fold them in half and poke an odd number of holes into the spine. Sew together with yarn or string. For instructions on how to sew the journal together, please click here. I designed this printable so that you only have to print on one side of the paper because trying to match up sides can be soul…
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How are you Feeling? How is the Weather?

How are you Feeling? How is the Weather?

Free Printable, Nature Journaling
This is a simple, but interesting data visualization. You can click on the image below to print out a pdf and record your observations all on one sheet, or you can try trying a triangle in the corner of your regular nature journal every time you start to draw. When you look back on your observations you might start to notice correlations between the weather and or temperature and your mood! What else could you record this way? download Here is one being used on a journal page!
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