Kids aged 8 to 13 will sharpen their senses and get to know the natural world up close with this guide to nature observation and exploration, including tracking, mapping, and reflective journaling activities.
Children will see the natural world around them with brand new eyes, as they learn to follow its signs, hear its language, and understand its secrets. With this unique and compelling book written by expert environmental educator Devin Franklin, kids aged 8 to 13 will build their own relationship with nature through finding a "Sit Spot" -- an outdoor space in the backyard, in a field or in the woods, in a vacant lot or a city park -- where they can stop, observe, and become familiar with the flora and fauna that live there.
From the Six Arts of Tracking (Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How) and making a habitat map to walking in smooth silence like a fox and learning the basics of bird language, exploration exercises lead young readers on a fascinating journey of discovery as they watch, listen, map, interpret, and write about the sounds, sights, scents, and patterns they encounter. With journaling prompts, map-making activities, and observational tracking practice throughout, Put On Your Owl Eyes is an interactive and thought-provoking guidebook.
"Devin Franklin's wonderful book helps young folks to better understand what the natural world is all about. Easy and fun to navigate, it is an excellent way to encourage our youth to put down those screens and engage with the great outdoors." -- Chuck Leavell, musician, environmentalist, and cofounder of Mother Nature Network www.mnn.com
"A refreshing approach to getting kids outdoors observing, listening, interacting with nature through fun yet informative activities that stoke even my curiosity." -- Clare Walker Leslie, wildlife artist, author, and educator
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Put On Your Owl Eyes is an invaluable resource for using the outdoors to transform and inspire. Mr. Franklin provides young readers with questions and insights that help them sharpen their senses and encourage them to explore their surroundings, opening their eyes to the beauty around them and providing positive exposure to the outdoors." -- David Hartness, director of FLOC Outdoor Education Center
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Put On Your Owl Eyes is a great resource for helping children connect with nature! Devin presents outdoor activities that will inspire kids to discover deeper connections with the plants and animals of their backyard and local parks." -- Jason Knight, director, Alderleaf Wilderness College
Table of Contents:
Your Wild Backyard
1 Discovering a New Backyard
Exploration 1: Sit Spot
Exploration 2: Wandering
Exploration 3: Mapping
2 Your Backyard Trees
Exploration 4: Expanding the Senses
Exploration 5: Exploring Field Guides
Exploration 6: Mind's Eye Imagining
3 Your Backyard Mammals
Exploration 7: Fox Feet
Exploration 8: Questioning
Exploration 9: Tracking
4 Your Backyard Birds
Exploration 10: Owl Eyes
Exploration 11: Deer Ears
Exploration 12: Bird Language
5 Your Backyard Community
Exploration 13: Journaling
Exploration 14: Story of the Day
Exploration 15: Giving Thanks
Your Backyard Journey Continues
Owl Eyes Certification
Speaking Metric
Connections
Index
Storey Publishing
Pub Date: May 28, 2019
0.7" H x 9.2" L x 7.4" W
160 pages
paperback
