Taking Root

Outdoor Homework

Core Routines to Practice Science Skills - we'll use these every month:

Sit Spots, Nature Journals, I Notice I Wonder It Reminds Me Of observation routine.

Go to the menu (click "Home") and choose the lesson you are doing homework for each month

The Magic of Sit Spots

We sometimes call them "magic spots" because when you are quiet and still, the animals think you are gone and you will see things you would never see if you were moving or noisy. It also makes it easier for you to focus on and observe the natural world when you are not distracted by moving or making noise. So sit quietly and still, but relax and enjoy your sit spot, and you, too, may discover your own "magic"!

Every Month (or more often if you want!): Find a sit spot somewhere you can observe nature, and sit quietly in it for at least 10 minutes, noticing what is happening in the natural world around you.

Remember, "nature" is all around! It's best if you can go outside but even if you can just look out a window and see trees or plants, birds, ants, or clouds, those are all parts of nature that you can use for practicing your observation skills. Pay attention to what has changed since you last visited and write that down. At the end of the year, you will know a lot more about the nature in your sit spot!

Your Choice:

You can watch the video below to learn more about sit spots, OR you can read "The 5 Qualities of a Perfect Sit Spot," OR you can just go do it!

TIP: Be sure to tell your parents what you are doing so they don't worry about you when you are quiet for 10 minutes!! (Also so they don't disturb you in your sit spot)

Sit Spot Routine

This core routine will help you be a better observer. Sometimes called "Magic Spots" because animals will think you left and you'll see much more than you would if you were not sitting so quietly. We'll do this every month and you'll notice changes.

The 5 Qualities of a Perfect Sit SpotSo, you want to spend more time in nature, and you like the idea of a Sit Spot where you can simply be still and open your senses. But where? How do you find the perfect place to be? The perfect Sit Spot has five qualities.

Observation and Nature Journaling

Every Month: Record some of your observations in your Nature Journal

If you have your Taking Root Journal, you can use that, otherwise, any paper, even a piece of cardboard, will do. Write and draw what you are observing in your sit spot using the words "I Notice" to start your sentences. Then use the words "I Wonder" to write some thing you wonder about what you are observing. Last, write down some things starting with the words "It Reminds Me Of" to describe more about what you are observing. If you want, you can watch one or more of the short videos below to help you get started.

You can watch this video to learn more about Nature Journals

Or watch this I Notice, I Wonder, It Reminds Me Of instruction video

Here's another fun video on using the superpowers of observation!

Taking Root Journal Pages for all year - you can use blank paper if you don't have the journal. Be sure to write the date, location, and the weather, and include your notices, wonders, and reminds me ofs! There are also blank pages if you need more room for drawing and writing.

Taking Root Student Journal-2019-08-09-single pages.pdf

Parent Information - PARENTS ONLY!! :)

Parent Guides to I Notice, I Wonder, It Reminds Me Of, (I Think Maybe) Observation Routine

Video Parent Guide to Nature Observation Routine

Parent Guide_ I notice, I wonder, It reminds me of, I think maybe... (1).pdf

Parent Guide to accompany video