By Tyler Starbard, Dandelions teacher 

As humans we want to feel self-sufficient, meaningful, and helpful. There is satisfaction in looking upon our own work, just as there is reverence in admiring the meaningful work of others. These positive emotions broaden perception, range of thought and build self-esteem. They can turn enduring activities into joy and they can fuel our drive. A job well done is a good reward in its own right, but there’s more.

Children watching adults involved in meaningful work are learning how to be human;  they biologically expect to learn by watching (and asking what? and why?)

We can support children to participate in worthwhile efforts by modeling the simple tasks that make up the important things that need to be done each day. 

Through observing the care, tribulations, and pleasures associated with the projects we undertake as adults, children are developing functions of their own capacities. As a model it is important to keep in mind that true self esteem comes from feeling genuine competence, not performing for an adult's praise. By demonstrating and developing our own competencies we are laying the foundation for children to live in similar ways. To go about one's business in a meaningful self-directed way is to add to life in present and in future.
Children also attach emotions to events, so if we are joyful in work, they will associate that task with joy.

Soon you'll be turning work into story time for your young ones.

Simple activities to model for children: reading, writing, creating, mending, gardening, bird watching, building, washing dishes, sweeping, folding laundry, weeding, moving rock, brick or lumber...  

By Chanel Loren, Waterstrider teacher 

We love creating opportunity to see birds. What do birds like?
As the days are warming up birds are searching more for water. Birds need water for drinking and grooming and cooling themselves off in hott days. By putting out water in your yard you will undoubtedly attract birds and get to see and know who they are. 
 How to share water with your bird friends:

• Any simple dish or shallow bowl will do! 
• Fill it up with water and freshen it up regularly.
• You can place it on the ground, on a table, stairs, tree stump etc. 

 After setting up your bird bath you can sit near by and wait! You will be amazed at what Birds might come by and take a dip. 

The Longest Sit Spot
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For obvious reasons, I have been home much more than I normally am. This has been a time like no other, and while a great deal about being home so has been difficult, some interesting things have happened.

Things I’ve noticed while home so much more:A few days into this pattern I began to notice that a Crow took a stroll along the fence every evening between 7 and 8 pm.  She's walking along it now, as I write this. I noticed that a House Wren visits the same fence, hunting for early evening insects between 5 and 7pm.  In the mornings, a California Towhee searches in the garden in the shade of the fence. In the late mornings, that fence belongs to the Mockingbird!  A House Sparrow hunts insects under the house eaves every afternoon, which tells me they have babies somewhere nearby. The Western Scrub Jay flies into the neighbor’s orange tree with twigs in her beak day after day.

When beginning to walk the path of Nature connection, we learn that having a sit spot, a place to visit repeatedly over time, at differing times of day, is the best and fastest path to knowledge, awareness, and intimacy. This is a key and vital ingredient.

 This quarantine has been the longest sit spot I have ever had. I have learned the patterns of the individual birds who’s home I share. I have become more intimate with them as I have watched their lives unfold, daily. Like any long sit, this one has its discomforts, its minor miracles, its long stretches of seeming nothingness. 

 Pay attention to all that is around you. 
You, too, are in the longest sit spot.  

Pro-Tip #1  Take a walk or play outside first thing to start the day.
              The sunlight will help with circadian rhythms.

Pro-tip #2   Adults often watch children, but children learn through imitation. Instead, allow your children to watch you doing meaningful things around the house. If you are joyful in your work, they will learn that work can be joyful. They take their cues from those older than them. Children watching adults is healthy, which is why we say, they look up to you, it gives them something to imitate. 
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