nature walk

We’ve been visited by many NEW and interesting creatures this Summer,
and most of them we’ve needed help in identifying.

As handy as the internet it, sometimes it’s hard to look up a bug by description.
We use these sites quite often, they are the best we’ve found:

What’s That Bug
What Bird
Animal Track Guide
Printable Animal Track Identification Guide
Another Printable Animal Track Chart

But, we have come to realize that’s it’s much more efficient to simply post the photo to Facebook.
Within a few minutes we have gotten some very interesting and often accurate identifications.

It’s gotten to the point that directly after we catch a new critter,
my son says, “Post that to facebook so we can find out what it is!”
So I must say a BIG Thank you wise Facebook Followers for all your help!

You have made my job as Mommy/Biologist so much easier.

Just to prove I’m thankful, I whipped you all up a few identification printables.

What’s That? Notebooking Printables

There is a sheet for Bugs, Birds, and Animals.
These would be great to have on hand as your children come to you with their backyard discoveries!
I’m a big supporter of impromptu research sessions, and these will help guide young children through the identification process.

It’s Child-led learning at it’s finest.
I’m convinced that this is one of the best, easiest, and longest lasting styles of teaching.
You simply capitalize on their excitement,
and milk it for every educational drop you can get out of it.

So next time your little kiddos come to you with something crazy looking like this:

or this…

or even one of these…

Stop what you’re doing and take them on a learning adventure!
They will love you for it!