The day finally arrived that I have been waiting for since arriving in Philadelphia - the Green Woods Charter School open house. As the name suggests, this amazing school is located in the woods - 340 acres of woods to be exact - and is connected to the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. This is the school that I so dream of Kai being able to attend next year. And so do hundreds of other parents apparently as the room was jam packed - all there for their one chance to receive an application packet to vie for the 13 kindergarten spots that will be open in the fall. Luckily, the spaces are chosen by lottery, so each of us has a good a chance as the other. The extensive application is due the end of February, the lottery is held in April and we should know our status by May - I am so hoping and praying that we’ll be accepted!
If there was ever a school in Philly that I would want my children to attend - or even want to teach at myself - this is it. Green Woods has an incredible, nature based curriculum. The mission of the school is to:
“provide children in grades K through 8 with the opportunity to be active, knowledgeable and conscientious young investigators by fostering a keen understanding of the interrelatedness and interdependence of our local and global existence.”
That mission was apparent through every aspect of the school that we were exposed to - from the two hours the kids spend hiking each week to the worm farm in the kindergarten room. As the website states:
“Each and every day, Green Woods’ teaching team provides students with dynamic learning experiences that focus on the relationship between humans and the natural world. Our ponds, streams, forests, and fields act as the ideal “learning laboratory”; for exploration and discovery, while our partnership with the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education enhances the award-winning curriculum created and delivered by our passionate staff. Share the Green Woods experience through the eyes of our special kids.”
So, we’ll see what happens…
Earlier in the day, I took the boys to the Schuylkill (a word I still avoid attempting to say out loud) Center so I would know exactly where we were headed to that night. While the discovery center was filled with enticing, informative displays. While we were there, the current kindergarten class even came in for a lesson - I was thrilled to see that the center plays such a role in the daily curriculum of the students. Still, not wanting to get in the way of the class, it was a prime time to take off on a hike.
We hiked along portions of the grey fox loop, widener and woodcock trails and sat for a while in the Founder’s Grove for a picnic. They were out of trail maps in the center, so it wasn’t until looking at the website that I realized we weren’t actually supposed to eat on the trails - oops - but at least we did out best to ensure we didn’t leave any crumbs behind. There was still snow on the ground, so the walk was quite muddy and Kai had a great time crunching in the icy puddles. I was happy that he was entertained and created his own games to play as we walked along. We found a bird blind and I tried to encourage the boys to look quietly through the holes to watch the birds feed. Kai is getting used to an inside voice, but he just doesn’t get the need to be quiet outside - we’re working on it…
It made me think though about a story I had heard the week before at a women’s conference. Keala Sikahema, wife of Vai Sikahema, shared about a time when her husband was trying to teach their sons to use the riding lawn mower to make their lawn look as nice as their neighbhor’s perfectly manicured lawn. During a visit of Keala’s father, the boys were receiving one of the frequent lectures. Her father told Vai to “remember you are raising boys and growing men”. After that, Vai gave up on the lectures and soon the boys, as they continued to practice, did a fine job of mowing the lawn. I have been reminded of that story as I hiked with my boys, as well as we put away toys this week and flipped pancakes together. There is no need for perfection, we are just teaching our sons one step at a time. I can’t expect my boys to be expert hikers or have an innate respect for the birds, but I can share my love for nature with them during our leisurely nature walks - knowing that they will grow up to be men who have an appreciation - and, I hope, a passion - for the world around them.
I just wanted to post this incredible helpful article from Low Impact Living on the most useful environmentally friendly websites for parents - because sometimes you just don’t know where to start looking! Low Impact Living has a wealth of information on all things green - from ways to make basic changes in your lifestyle to how to transform any room in your home. I even just read an article on eco-healthy child care centers throughout the country.
One small thing we’ve just done was order a energy saving kit through our electricity provider - it includes a new water-saver showerhead, lightbulbs and several other items that help to save electricity throughout the home. As I see it, we can’t expect our children to love nature if we’re not doing our part to preserve it for them - and teaching them to do it for themselves.
from the recession. The zoos, botanical gardens and aquariums in New York state are losing much of their state funding which is a shame on so many levels. Of course of greatest concern to me is that it may deprive many children from having a chance to interact with nature. As stated by Mr. Steve Englebright in the New York Times article:
“It is through these institutions — the excitement of a trip to the zoo, or the ability to touch an exotic plant at the botanical gardens — that stirs the imagination and leads to a lifetime commitment to caring about the natural world.”
And I’m sure this won’t be the last we hear of such cuts as the recession deepens. Here in Philadelphia, the city has already stated that they will close nearly all of the public swimming pools this summer, in addition to fire departments, libraries and many other things our neighborhoods depend on. During a hot summer in a big city, going to the pool is sometimes all kids are able to do outside. While I realize the political leaders are doing their best to ensure the cities and states are able to endure the current economic storm, it doesn’t make it any less disappointing.
The boys and I finally made our first solo expedition out of Philly. While It should have been a straight shot down route 1 to Media, PA, I’ve found that google maps and Philadelphia streets don’t seem to get along, so it took quite a bit longer as it sent us down Girard Avenue through a few neighborhoods that I would rather not get lost in… But we got there.
Our destination was the Tyler Arboretum - a fantastic nature center just about 1/2 hour (or an hour if you have my directional skills) south of the city. My friend, Kay, saw an ad for a kids nature class in a local parenting newspaper and thought we might be interested - I’m glad Kay knows me so well already. So, off we went…
The class we attended was geared specifically to 4-5 year olds, referred to as tiny trackers. Classes for older kids are called junior naturalists and for younger, teeny tiny trackers. For just $8 ($6 if you’re a member of the arboretum), Kai had an hour and a half class on the wonders of winter including a story, an explorative walk and a craft project. Each month, they have different classes for each age group.
While I had been looking forward to seeing what the class was all about, when the teacher said that parents could leave, I grabbed Taz and got out of there before she could change her mind. Because, with 20 miles of hiking trails, I was hyped to have a chance to get a good hike in - with just a sleeping bundle in the front carrier and some time on my own to reflect. It was a chilly day, but I made sure Taz was rugged up and I quickly warmed up while walking. I took the yellow trail - it was just under two miles so allowed me enough time in the woods without making late to pick up Kai after class.
In addition to the hiking trails, there was a pond, gardens and even a reproduction of Thoreau’s cabin that I sat in for a while just staring out at the pond.
Unfortunately though, while trying to take off my gloves to check the trail map, my camera fell to the ground and I thought it was broken. Turned out it wasn’t, thus the one photo of the front of the arboretum that I took while trying one last time to fix the camera before we left - obviously, success.
Anyway, I’m hoping our next trip down to the arboretum will be for the pancake breakfast & maple sugaring celebration - time in nature to make me happy, all you can eat pancakes to make my boys happy - I’d say it’s a win, win situation.
oh, the words that bring joy into every student’s heart - snow day! I actually thought Kai might be a bit disappointed as he just started pre-school a few weeks ago after all. But his reaction after taking it all in - “well, that’s happy”. So, he’s snuggled in his sleeping bag on the couch, reveling in this free day off. We’ve also already had him say, “can’t I just sleep a few more minutes” when trying to wake him up to get ready for school - it’s going to be a long trip to senior year…
Unfortunately, it’s not going to be a good play in the snow day though - sometime during the early hours of morning, the snow turned to freezing rain making for very slippery roads, but not for fun outdoor play. But, to compensate, we do have an oh, so cool book from the library.
One of the blessings of our location is that the library is just a couple of blocks away - a massive, stately building, it puts respect for books into anyone who enters as you can’t help but whisper within those ancient (according to American standards) walls. Kai has faith that any subject he’s wondering about can be expounded upon by finding the perfect library book. On the way there the other day, he had his desired subjects in a neat list - how things work, booby traps and Indiana Jones - and he kept repeating them over and over to ensure he wouldn’t forget one. Confidently, he marched right up to the librarian and told him what he wanted. Thankfully, the librarian was well versed in the needs of a curious little boy because while he was able to find books on how things work and Indiana Jones very easily, a book to teach kids how to make booby traps wasn’t as obvious… until he thought of one of his personal favorites, a book that could not be kept in the children’s libary, a book that definitely needs parental supervision — The Dangerous Book for Boys. Without a doubt, it is a book every boy should have in their possession - especially these days when too much time is spent in front of media, and not enough outside, exploring, experimenting, scraping knees and climbing trees. We’ve been having a great time going through this book and learning about a diverse range of subjects. So, here’s a list of just some of the topics covered:
The Five Knots Every Boy Should Know
How to Play Stickball
Fossils
Building a Treehouse
Making a Bow and Arrow
The Rules of Rugby Union and Rugby League (the first section Kaleo read to Kai)
Making a Go-Cart (which Kai and I could have used as we made one out of cardboard recently…)
Insects and Spiders
First Aid
Hunting and Cooking a Rabbit (the second section Kaleo read to Kai)
As well as maps, grammar, history and even Shakespeare. Mind you, I do realize a lot of these things would once have been taught by neighborhood friends, a cool uncle or in boy scouts, but in absence of having access to those wonders of knowledge, this book is incredible. So, thank you to an author and a knowledgable libarian who understand the needs of curious, adventurous and mischevious little boys. And thank you to the big and little boys in my house who may make writing a blog challenging, but who bring curiousity, adventure and mischief into my life each day.
REI outlet sale - save an extra 20% if ordered before 29 January.
I’m tempted by oh, so many things… especially the bags - I am notoriously hard on bags and seem to just go through them like crazy - I just think they should hold everything that you’re able to stuff into them without ripping out in the seams! Right now, my daypack is wearing out, as is my stroller bag, so I’m really interested in this Mountainsmith Messenger Bag. I think it would be really multi-functional. Now we’ll see if I can justify it…
But they also have heaps of kids’ winter stuff on sale - it’s always good to stock up for next year.
even as I’m still in awe of the history written this day - and still laughing that Kai’s made-up superhero of the day was Barack Hulk (comprised of an Obama volunteer skull cap courtesy of Grandbill and talking Hulk hands courtesy of Auntie Lolo) - I’ve decided that not only must we not fear the future, I must not fear the shape I’m in. So, in honor of our new President, I’ve decided that, today, I will begin The President’s Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program.
While there are a couple of different levels you can sign up for, I’ve decided to start with the Active Lifestyle Program - a starter program which requires just 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Just last week, I began going to the gym downstairs (now that Taz is finally sleeping through the night) at 5 am, so I’m definitely still in the starter category. But the good news is that as I finish that program, I can progress to become a PRESIDENTIAL CHAMPION - I know, it’s a title you all want to achieve…- which allows for a more intense program based on a physical activity of your choice.
Anyway, the website provides a helpful way to track my progress - so hopefully I can see how far I’ve come. So, while I will not shame myself by revealing a beginning or ending weight on my blog, I will let you know how much, if any, weight I’ve lost at the end of the 6 week program. I guess I’ll have to stop eating President Obama celebratory fudge bars…
And, if you complete the program, you can even be the recipient of an award in the form of a patch or a medal - wear em with pride! They’ll be a fine addition to the President’s Challenge Program Certificate of Achievement we received after completing the Winter Trails Day program.
Okay, so it’s not bootcamp, but at least I’m getting out there and hopefully will be in the shape I want to be in for outdoor fun in the spring. And, I am going to hope that my best shape is ahead of me, instead of fearing that it’s already behind me…
boys. So, as I’m listening to the beach boys on this gray, snow flurry-filled day, I’m thinking that my boys looked like naturals on the beaches of San Diego - it must be the Hawaiian blood running through their veins…
We hadn’t been in San Diego 24 hours before Kai insisted on a beach run. We didn’t make it to La Jolla until the sun was starting to set, but, as it turns out, that makes for the best photo lighting - and it didn’t stop the kids from heading straight into the waves. And since it was winter in Cali, we practically had the beaches to ourselves - definitely a rarity in that part of the world.
Taz - my easy going one - threw a tantrum like I’ve never seen when I wouldn’t just let him crawl into the water on his own. He got so mad when the tide would pull the water out - and settled down again when another wave would tickle his little toes.
A day or two later, my brother, Evan, a Navy man, took us a to great beach on the Coronado Island naval base. Having sand fights with Grandbill was definitely the highlight for the cousins.
While, Taz was content to explore the puddles - well, at least that what I’d insisted on. It had actually rained the day before - for the first time in 200 days - and, as Evan informed me, apparently the rain causes a lot of runoff into the ocean which polutes it for a few weeks. Lovely… So, while the lifeguards informed us that the water had been tested that morning and was safe, I thought a decent distance from the waves was in order.
The hardest part was definitely getting the kids off the beach… Zach and Kai actually tried to burry themselves to stop us from leaving.
Actually, that wasn’t the hardest part - the hardest part was definitely getting Kai into the shower to rinse the sand off. He just couldn’t understand why the water wasn’t hot. Poor kid.
And, so, for the 1000th time since leaving Cali, I wonder why we don’t live there…
Just thought I’d pass on the link to the USA Service Organization which is sponsoring a national day of service this Monday, the MLK holiday. So, instead of just hanging out in your jammies all day since you don’t have to work, check out service events near you. There are heaps of choices. I actually signed up to help clean up Fairmount Park with the boys - 2 for 1 - some time outdoors and a chance to serve in the community. Considering the weather is going to hover around freezing that day though and is supposed to be cloudy, I’m just hoping it will work out…
We tried to take the boys out today as it’s bright and sunny out so didn’t feel all that cold. But Taz will absolutely not keep gloves on - once we saw his hands turning red, we decided I would turn back with him. And, as I saw that it’s only 17 F right now, I can see why the poor little guy was having a meltdown… So, I’m stuck inside, but as Kaleo has to work all week inside, I couldn’t begrudge him an outing with Kai to our favorite indoor Philly spot - the Franklin Institute, which is just a few blocks from our place - especially because today they’re celebrating Ben Franklin’s birthday. Kai wants to be an inventor when he grows up, so Franklin is on his list of heroes. And besides, time alone with Daddy is always a treat.
