By Holly Giles | Florida , Great Outdoors , Inspiration
Reviving Florida’s Heritage Outdoor Sports It was the fall of 1978. At 4 am the bells began ringing on my grandfather’s wind up alarm clock. I had slept in my clothes so I would be ready for the fishing trip. It was so quiet and still in the darkness outside as we loaded the nets, […]
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By Holly Giles | Field Trips , Florida , Great Outdoors
Living in Florida gives us a unique advantage to outdoor adventures all year long. City playgrounds to sportsman activities give families plenty of options to add adventure throughout all our homeschooling years. Toddler Years When my children were young, simple outdoor adventures were easy to find. Nature centers, museums, and many parks offer classes or […]
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By Holly Giles | Florida , Great Outdoors , homeschooling
Nature on its own is a powerful tool to learn. Nature is a classroom. Extended periods of outdoor time increases attention, yes, INCREASES attention in children. It aids in behavior, activates creative development and all senses are activated in nature. What do you see? What do you smell? How do different things feel outdoors? Use […]
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By Holly Giles | Florida , Great Outdoors
The Tradition Quail hunting was a staple in my grandparent’s generation in providing food for the family. I never experienced a hunt myself, but I remember having quail for dinner. My grandfather cleaned and dressed them out behind the barn and my grandmother would coat them in flour and fry them up in her cast […]
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By Holly Giles | Florida , Great Outdoors , Nature Study
First aid kits and contents can vary with your activities, but having basic supplies on hand is key. An at home first aid kit is a must and keeping a smaller kit for the car or taking on hikes or walks is a good idea. Beth Goodale joins me as we talk about what we […]
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By Holly Giles | Florida , Great Outdoors , homeschooling
Introduction: Delia is a pediatric Occupational Therapist. Her specialty is pediatrics and play-based therapy. I met her several years ago at a homeschool event. She is a popular workshop speaker in our area for the wonderful insight on helping children get the most out of body movements and learning. Delia is a homeschool mother herself […]
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By Holly Giles | Family , Florida , Great Outdoors , Nature Study
One morning this week I was exhausted from motherhood by 9 am. First, the boys had pushed my buttons and ignored their chores. Then, I began yelling too much and a myriad of other things that made me run out the back door looking for fresh air!!! I asked God, “Why does this happen? I wake up with […]
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By Holly Giles | Florida , Great Outdoors , Nature Study
Become a Backyard Naturalist A naturalist is someone who studies living things in their habitat. Naturalists observes the same thing over time to see how it changes. Backyard naturalists appreciate nature, the life and behavior of plants, animals and other living things. You and your children can become naturalists by observing the changes in nature […]
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By Holly Giles | Great Outdoors , homeschooling
We recently attended a student day event at a beautiful state park. The day was supposed to be filled with demonstrations and hands-on activities for students to learn primitive tool making. Grayson was most excited because this is one of his hobbies. Another family joined us for the event and as we walked from tent […]
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By Holly Giles | Great Outdoors , handicrafts , homeschooling , Uncategorized
Pretending to be Robin Hood in the forest with a bow and quiver or Indians on the Plains, a bow and arrow can bring delight to every child. We have had our share of plastic suction cup arrows in our house and now the boys have real bows and backyard targets. Along the way, Grant […]
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