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We sometimes call sit spots "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"!
Assignment 1:
Assignment 1:
Find a magic spot (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.
Find a magic spot (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 to practice your observation skills.
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)
Go Find a Sit Spot and Try It!
Go Find a Sit Spot and Try It!
OPTIONAL: IF you want to know more about sit spots, you can watch the video or read the article below
OPTIONAL: IF you want to know more about sit spots, you can watch the video or read the article below
Sit Spot Routine
Sit Spot Routine
This core routine will help you be a better observer.
Assignment 2: Record some of your observations in a Nature Journal
Assignment 2: Record some of your observations in a Nature Journal
(If you don't have a journal, any piece of paper will work - keep it to share with your teacher!)
(If you don't have a journal, any piece of paper will work - keep it to share with your teacher!)
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 things 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. You can also add possible explanations from evidence with "I Think Maybe..." - if you do this, try to think of as many possible explanations as you can, and don't forget to add "something else" as a possibility, because you can't think of everything! See if you can observe more to find evidence to rule out some possible explanations to get closer to figuring out the answer.
OPTIONAL: IF you want to learn more, you can watch one or more of the short videos below to help you get started.
OPTIONAL: IF you want to learn more, you can watch one or more of the short videos below to help you get started.
Introduction to Nature Journals
I Notice, I Wonder, It Reminds Me Of
The superpowers of observation!
Spin the Wheel to choose what to observe next! (OPTIONAL)
Spin the Wheel to choose what to observe next! (OPTIONAL)
Just for fun, spin the wheel and make more observations about something at home or that you can see out the window or find in your house.
Un-Nature Trail Game! (optional - just for fun!)
Un-Nature Trail Game! (optional - just for fun!)
Watch and play one of these online Un-Nature Trail games, then try making your own for your family to play!
Watch and play one of these online Un-Nature Trail games, then try making your own for your family to play!
Try this online Un-nature trail (click here to watch video full screen)
Another Un-Nature Trail Video
Un-Nature Trail Directions:
Un-Nature Trail Directions:
Try an online Un-Nature trail (see videos above), then make your own to test the observation skills of your family!
Your own Un-Nature Trail could be a short trail, a short walk down your street, or a "trail" in your back yard.
Your items should be things like toys or household items (get permission first!), but not trash.
Count how many items you are "hiding" in case you can't find them all! Make sure you collect them all at the end.
Remember to "hide" the items in plain sight - high, low, sitting in a bush or tree, on the ground - don't cover them up.
Walk slowing and quietly along the trail and count silently to yourself (you can count on your fingers if you make sure no one else can see!)
See how many each person found.
Collect the items and take turns hiding them again if you want!
Optional: Read or Listen to
Optional: Read or Listen to
The Other Way to Listen by Byrd Baylor,
The Other Way to Listen by Byrd Baylor,
a wonderful story about learning to notice things!
a wonderful story about learning to notice things!
Read
Read
The Other Way to Listen-Byrd Baylor.pdfThe Other Way to Listen
The Other Way to Listen
by Byrd Baylor
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