24May 2024 by catbird No Comments
“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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21Mar 2024 by catbird No Comments
“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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26Aug 2023 by catbird 1 Comment
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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