Are your children daydreaming, staring out the window, never finishing their studies in the time allotted, just plain bored? Is it their fault or is there another way to approach learning that is more enjoyable and sustainable? I wonder what this boy sees outside his window.

The other day I went to the garden and saw one of my prize tomato plants devastated. With a closer look I discovered a huge, I’m talking huge, tomato hornworm. It was well camouflaged as it was the same color as the tomato stem. I couldn’t leave him on there so like a child I got a jar and scraped him into it and brought him to the porch. I put a little water and a few sprigs for food, probably something he didn’t like since it wasn’t tomato leaves.

The next day the worm was squirming around and breathing heavily. I thought perhaps it was dying. Then the next day it began to form a chrysalis or a cocoon. I don’t know which because as of yet I hadn’t researched the caterpillar. I may just wait to see what emerges or curiosity may get the best of me.

So how are children any different from me? They have a little more time hopefully. If I were a child I’d draw and color a picture of the different stages. Now, I’d love to do it in watercolor. When the butterfly or moth finally emerged, I’d watch the unfolding and drying of the wings. I’d color those stages and finally, I’d pull out the watercolor set and paint the moth (yes I finally looked it up. It’s a moth). What a great science journal I’d have and what fun making it with my own live caterpillar!

Maybe if I were a child I’d read The Very Hungry Caterpillar and discuss the story with an adult and show off my prize journal. Maybe the adult or older child would help me see the spiritual aspects of the caterpillar lifecycle. Maybe I’d share what I was learning with a friend. But I’d certainly keep my science journal “forever” and add to it when I spotted the next cool thing in God’s Creation.

Parents/teachers how about you? Have you thought about the learning possibilities just outside the window? Did you notice the child has learned to journal, probably writing as well as drawing? Have you noticed that the child learned life cycles, research, and observation skills?  Do you think he in some way measured the worm, the cocoon, the butterfly? Oh, there’s math. Has he learned any history of the devastation of crops by hornworms? What spiritual lessons were learned? Check your state’s standards of education. You will probably be surprised how many standards from Kindergarten through High School were covered in this child-centered lesson.

Time to go outside! Blessings, Gail Cartee