The How (and Why) of Creating a Nature Table

Summer is the perfect time to start a nature table (or area) for your family...

But first--

The Why.

Because...

The heavens declare the glory of God;

The skies proclaim the work of His hands...

~Psalm 19:1

And because...

When I look at Your Heavens,

The work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars,

which you have set in place,

What is man that you are mindful of him,

and the son of man that you care for him?

~Psalm 8:3 & 4

And because...

"...exposure to nature is crucial to healthy childhood development–-

and direct exposure to nature gives children a window into the heart and majesty of God."

~ Go Out And Play 

The how--

is fairly simple.

First, choose an area in your home where you'll have room for

several containers, books, boxes, mirrors, binoculars, bottles, jars and/or trays.

 Gather any resources you may already own for identifying

bugs, birds, reptiles, leaves, plants, stars, mammals, rocks, trees and animal tracks.

It's good to especially aim for guides that cover your own particular area

so that your children can use them as they find discoveries in their own backyard-habitat.

The library is also an excellent place to start if you don't have these guides on hand.

We've found most of our books at

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garage sales, thrift stores, on ebay, or as used books sold online.

 Set out several storage containers that can be used for displaying the items your children find.

We like to use glass bottles, canning jars and wood trays for our displays.

Old printer's trays, with their many compartments, are excellent for sorting rocks and shells.

We also keep a jar with cut up bits of card stock that the kids can use to label the items they find.

 Our nature center is constantly changing as the seasons change

and as our crew discovers new treasures to add.

Having a designated nature area keeps us all on-the-look-out

for items to add as we explore the outdoors.

It is also one way to share our awe and wonder of God's creation with others who visit our home.

Life quickly becomes busy and hectic, moving at such a fast pace

that it's easy to pass by and not really notice the amazing intricacy that surrounds us.

A nature table is one way to--

Pause.

And to really appreciate the gifts that  God gives us through

"the work of His hands."

~Psalm 19:1

"I so long to grow deeper in astonished wonder.

For too long I raced through life with my eyes straight ahead,

not pausing long enough to look down at the flowers

or up at the twinkle of stars.

When you see the heavens, do you see the glory of God?

Do you experience the wonder at God's creation?

If not, stop racing long enough to turn your gaze up

and ask the Father to pour wonder into your heart.

It's a prayer He loves to answer."

~Linda  Dillow

Blessings,

Kara, The Chuppies

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