Stir this up with a bit of Construction and Voila – a FUN PARKDAY.

Anyone can share in the fun stations: 1) lemonade stand construction; 2) stand decoration; 3) prepping & squeezing lemons; 4) [...]]]> Kiddo Entrepreneurs Unite !

Everyone is nostalgic for lemonade stands.  And we have a number of enterprising children at our parkday.

Stir this up with a bit of Construction and Voila – a FUN PARKDAY.

Anyone can share in the fun stations: 1) lemonade stand construction; 2) stand decoration; 3) prepping & squeezing lemons; 4) making lemonade; 5)  selling lemonade & 6) washing & running cups.  And we will need some SUPPLIES.  A few cardboard boxes to make a stand or two (I can bring a box & boxcutter).  Some poster-board and markers to decorate and announce the stand.  We caught some cars, joggers and dog-walkers under the shade of trees by park entrance.

The ingredients haven’t changed- Lemons (anyone  have a tree?), sugar, water & Ice.  (I will bring a few knives and cutting boards and a few squeezers); Squeezers are fun, but kids can easily squeeze lemons by hand or at least roll them.  Pitchers (washed out juice bottles) & cups as well as a few containers for the kids to pour their lemon juice into before it gets added.  We can even set up a washing station to reuse cups.

…………..If anyone’s child wants to sell or accept donations for other items like flowers, fruit, baked goods or who knows what – well that is up to your family but perfectly fine with me.

…………….And parents – be prepared for the mess and accidents.  How mistakes are handled at this age affects AMBITION and SELF-ESTEEM.

Parents manned their stations leading the kids on a [...]]]>

Take the MudPies & Butterflies Nature Pledge Today.

1. Respect All Living Things

2. Observe (Nature)

3. Protect the Earth you Play upon

In order to protect the living things in your neighborhood, backyard or park, we must find out what they are.

Parents manned their stations leading the kids on a nature scavenger hunt where they recorded what they saw in their sketchbooks. We all observed what we saw in the grass, in the trees, dirt and sky.  Magnifying glasses only add to the fun! At MudPies & Butterflies EVERYONE is a scientist and/or a naturalist.  On this day, they were Nature detectives who drew and counted the wildlife and plantlife around them.   By recording what you witness outdoors in a Nature Journal it will make a visit or camping trip even more memorable.  In order to Care for Nature, we have to NOTICE it.

This week, I invite you to take a second look in your backyard.  Find the smallest animal (insect) and the biggest.  Find the plant or tree with the greatest variety of colors or shades.  Take a walk in your neighborhood and LISTEN for nature.  Even concrete neighborhoods harbor animal and plant life.  If you look for unique animal and plant life, YOU will find them!

When you take time to sketch Nature, you notice the coolest things you missed!

What the heck is a BIOME anyway?

A biome is large area where the plants and animals have adapted in their own unique ways to the water, heat & soil specific to that area, like a rainforest, desert, or prairie.  We will discuss Biomes, Habitats & Ecosystems.  And Everyone will make a miniature-biome -  a small handmade terrarium that will fit in your home (don’t forget your bottle) -It takes a little more care to create, but you can make one out of a glass bottle if your family avoids using plastics.

In order to make our Mini-Biome, I supplied organic dirt, some seeds & seedlings, activated charcoal, pebbles and moss to layer our terrariums with built in filters.   I am a big believer that in bringing nature indoors to more closely observe what happens will only increase the awareness and conservation outdoors.

Three Biomes: Rainforest Canopy, Desert Life & Swamp

Take the Biome Challenge with your family to see how well you know  your  surroundings.

• Identify four fruits and/or vegetables that are in season now (prepare them this week!)
• Identify the closest body of water to you.
• Name your state flower or bird.
• Name the geological conditions that define the land in your area, such as bodies of water or valleys, etc.
• How often does the weather in your region affect your activities?
• What are the natural signs of the change of seasons in your area? What do you like best and least about each one?
• When did you last encounter wildlife in your neighborhood?

Three Biomes: Rainforest Canopy, Desert Life & Swamp