November rolled in
with a Golden Glow last weekend.
The grapes, all harvested.
The trees bare their bones.
Golden leaves hold tight to branches.
The flowers cling to their last petals of brilliance.
But that was last weekend here in Erie.
This weekend,
the old familiar has arrived.
Gray clouds
and
cold rain
make the golds
not quite as gold-y.
Despite the clouds,
the Clark School hill
has a green glow of fertilizer.
Construction equipment gone.
New grass planted.
And my favorite tree
gets some rest from all of the activity
along East Firman.
She stands naked and leafless
waiting for snow.
As a teacher, I often get asked for
Christmas gift recommendations for children.
I always suggest gifts
that are not a lot of money,
but involve creativity,
and some investment in family time.
This year,
I suggest this book:
It is a story about a fox
who loves plants and studies botany.
There is a rare flower for his collection
he is on the search for.
He collects gear for his adventure:
a map,
field notes,
and some sandwiches to take along.
He packed his raincoat,
a hat (with cuts for his ears to stick out)
some water
a flashlight
and a compass.
On his quest
they identify trees, leaves, and seeds
stop for some refueling,
and learn how to whistle with blades of grass.
I don't want to give away the end of this thrilling tale.
Instead, I'll tell you what you can do.
Purchase the book
(locals-Werner books is my favorite bookstore).
Get a big box and wrap the exterior.
Put the book inside--wrapped in gold paper, preferably.
Shop for some inexpensive binoculars,
water bottles,
compasses,
and every kid's favorite--flashlights!
Wrap each separately,
opening only the book.
Read the story to your children--
lap readings on the couch preferred!
Then open the rest of the contents of the box.
Plan an adventure to a local park,
Presque Isle,
or a State Park---
yes, even in the snow!
Make sure you pack sub sandwiches,
and YouTube how to whistle with a blade of grass.
I also recommend finding a "treasure box"
to put exciting discoveries into.
A shoebox will do--
kids love a kind of box where its lid can be lifted,
either completely off,
or hinged like a treasure chest.
If you want to extend it further with a higher cost investment
get some rain coats for the family,
waterproof gloves,
or the little polaroid cameras
to take photos of your adventures.
One day,
rediscovering the felt-lined shoebox of treasures,
your children will remember
the time you spent with them,
far longer than the compass will survive.
For even more fun--
try Geocaching!
I've mentioned it on my blog before,
and it can be so much fun for families.
I have more recommendations
I'll share throughout November.
And yes,
most include a book.
A book shared with a loved one,
makes for the most solid and lifelong learning.
Enjoy the weekend, Readers.
Eloise
