The Day of the Turtle

Does this ever happen to you;

Driving down the road and come up on a turtle trying to cross, you swerve to miss him and watch in the rear view mirror to make sure the car behind you does the same as you let a strange sound escape your mouth. Yeah? Me too. The other day, we actually turned around and was going to assist the turtle across the street. I realized that Little Mister has never seen a turtle up close. So, we brought the mobile-home guy home for the day. Don't worry, when the day was coming to a close, we let him go (far from busy streets)!

Confused about what to name your turtle? Luke or Lucy?

 Finding this creature lead to many learning activities:
Sensory play : cold vs. hot (warm actually) with frozen turtle eggs
Language: the letter T
Math: counting turtle parts, 1 head, 2 eyes, 4 legs...
Literature: Look Out for Turtles by: Melvin Berger and Yurtle the Turtle by: Dr. Seuss
Science: where do they live, what do they eat, etc...
Good Stewardship: we are all part of this beautiful planet! Let's take of all things that live here!

**Featured at The Good Long Road, Kids Co-Op
in honor of World Animal Day

Water, Water, Everywhere

We love to play in the water! Unfortunately, it has been too hot lately to stay outside for any length of time without gasping for air. I know that may sound completely weird but, in the Deep South, all things are possible. Today we had a small window of opportunity. Rain clouds were appearing a ways off and we felt the cool breeze of approaching rain LONG before the storm arrived. We seized the moment with gusto. I filled up the little play pool and then I remembered something I have been wanting to try for some time. We went inside and gathered up some supplies and ran back out! My little guy is not very tall so I had to make a mini-version so he would be able to enjoy his Water Wall.

I used a scrap piece of lattice and zip ties, along with other plastic items around the house that I could cut and poke holes in. (A large Cool Whip container, plastic water bottle and a disposable cup).