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‘There are some days that make you laugh; days when little white clouds chase each other across a smiling sky, when little breezes play round the tree-tops and tickle the leaves into laughter; when wavelets skip and dance in the harbour, and birds gush and gurgle in the bush; when the whole world laughs with joy and you must laugh with it.’ Amy Mack A Bush Calendar
Amy Mack’s A Bush Calendar was first published in 1909. It is an exquisite literary account of the Australian bush 100 years ago. Each month Amy sets out on a bush walk around Sydney, seeing what she can discover. Her particular interest is the birds and flowers that she finds. Her enthusiasm is infectious. Amy Mack’s book will inspire you to get out and start Nature Walking. This book is not just for homeschoolers or students but for any one who wants who loves nature.
Nature Walks are a great excursion discover science in the primary school and homeschooling environment
Excerpts are from The Wonderland of Nature Journal by Margaret Taylor and Michelle Morrow ©2007 Going on nature walks is a great way to begin a journal entry and a good form of exercise. Take the children outside to observe what is happening around them and use these cues to help in your journal observations: · record the date - this identifies the season and may give clues as to what you might expect to find at this time. It provides a framework for future reference. · record the time - this may be precise or a general description i.e. early afternoon. · your location - town, state, area or habitat, draw a simple map, · weather - what sort of day is it? what is the temperature? are there clouds, rain or wind? which direction is it coming from? etc, · first impressions - what is the first thing you observed?
Don’t forget night time journaling, the moon and the stars have inspired generations and our country has interesting and unique nocturnal adventurers. Bats, possums, owls, phases of the moon, eclipses should not be missed. Find out about astronomical events occurring in the Southern Hemisphere and plan to observe them.
There are many books available about local bush walks, usually indicating the degree of difficulty of the walk and worthwhile sites along the way. The local library usually has these books. Familiarise yourself with your local environment. Spring is a great time to see the wildflowers that are in bloom for only a short period of time.
Go to the beach. Look in the rock pools, what can you identify and draw? Which shell has what living in it? Is it high or low tide? Is it a full moon or a crescent? Are there any birds about?
How about a rainforests walk. How is the vegetation different? Can you identify trees that thrive in this environment? What wildlife is here?
After a bush fire go and see which plant life is showing green shoots? What wildlife would be most affected by this devastation? Is there any that gain from a bushfire? You can even use the charcoal to make your drawings.
Australia has many zoological parks from which we can appreciate the unique beauty of the many different species of animal life, including our own native wildlife. These places will broaden our horizons and bring delight and questions about how we care for animals.
Try a lake walk. What type of lake is it - fresh water, coastal, alpine or volcanic in origin? Maybe it’s man made? What could you expect to observe in any one of these different ecosystems?
Children love the natural environment of a farm especially if there is a creek and wildlife, as well as the domesticated animals. There will be abundant birdlife to observe, plants, insects and the variations of seasons providing many opportunities to observe, question and learn.
Many local council areas have a nature watch group. These can be quite active with great websites, journals and information that is relevant to your local area. These are a few ideas to help you find a way in which you can start a worthwhile nature study and journal. Remember your own backyard! |
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Downunder Literature |
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A Bush Calendar by Amy Mack: An Australian Nature Journal |
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Providing homeschool resources of enduring value |
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60 pages eBook only $5.00
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