Friday 16 July 2010

Natural Learning

I recently read the Joyful Learner's reflections on Charlotte Mason's Outdoor Life for Children series.  I admittedly don't know very much about Charlotte Mason's philosophies but these reflections really got me thinking.
Today when we were at the beach, the tide was out and L and I were walking toward the water.  L let go of my hand and said "it's okay we're over the barnacles now"
It was then that I realised how much life learning is going on every time we go to the beach. 
Just the vocabulary alone.  The things L really knows.  Not just because I told her about them or we read about them in a book but because she has experienced them first hand herself.
L knows that the ocean is made up of salt water and the lakes of fresh water because she's tasted the difference.
L knows that millions of tiny crabs live on the beach and walk sideways because she's watched them.
L knows that dark purple sand dollars are alive and white ones are no longer alive because she's felt them.

L knows what jellyfish, seaweed, sea grass, starfish, crabs, shells, barnacles, oysters, clams, minnows, driftwood, and tide pools are because she's experienced them all.  Taken them in in her own way.

Now the tide that is a different story : )  It's one of those elusive things that we keep talking about but she never seems to be able to pin down!

So many physical skills are also constantly practiced and honed.  Swimming, throwing rocks, balancing on driftwood, running and jumping over waves, digging in the sand... the list is endless.

What a wonderful way to learn and experience life and nature.  We are so blessed!

10 comments:

Mommy Moment said...

What a beautiful post!
Isn't it amazing to see what our children learn everyday.

Beautiful photo's too!

Jody

The girl who painted trees said...

I totally agree. I grew up in Vancouver and was at the beach so often growing up. We also sailed every summer. I learned so much about the beach just by spending time there. You are so lucky to have access to a beach like that. We live 6 hours from the closest beach so once a summer is all we get. I miss it SO much. The beach is part of my soul and I really wish that for Bear and J-jo. Wish I could be back in Vancouver:)

Your photos remind me of photos of my sister and I when we were little:)

Joyful Learner said...

"L knows that the ocean is made up of salt water and the lakes of fresh water because she's tasted the difference.
L knows that millions of tiny crabs live on the beach and walk sideways because she's watched them.
L knows that dark purple sand dollars are alive and white ones are no longer alive because she's felt them.

L knows what jellyfish, seaweed, sea grass, starfish, crabs, shells, barnacles, oysters, clams, minnows, driftwood, and tide pools are because she's experienced them all. Taken them in in her own way."

Wow! Well said! It makes me want to live near a beach. I think you said what I wanted to say in one simple post so perfectly. Thanks for sharing this beautiful post!

Olives and Pickles said...

Beautiful words!!Wonderful pictures.I totally agree on that..They learn by experience..don't they?Thank you for sharing.I just posted something similar this week..we went to the forest to explore nature as we do every week.It is so fun!

Counting Coconuts said...

I couldn't agree with you more! We enjoy the beach and nature so much for this very reason. TONS of learning to be done just by exploring.
I just love everything you wrote and I appreciate you giving me a new link to check out!

Elle Belles Bows said...

Very touching post and wonderful reminder. Thanks!

Unknown said...

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Karen said...

What a Beautiful post!!! my dear bloggy friend!! lovely,... that's why I enjoy to read your blog....I left you two awards on my blog!!!

Big Hugs,
Karen

Olives and Pickles said...

Because I love your blog, here is a great award for you,you can find it at my blog.
have a wonderful summer day!

Deepti Khemani Bhatia said...

Beautiful post! Will look into that book! Experiencing life is precious!

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