2/08/2015

Fox in Socks, Rocks and Roll

  
You be the judge.
Are there more turtles or more rocks? Should rocks take baths? What did you name your rock buddy? Are rocks faster than acorns?

Yes, it was a wild and wacky rock day with the nature families. When it all works it sure feels good.

Ever since I heard Dr. Bob and Mary Hobbs' session at the NAEYC Convention, I've been itching to share their ideas. And the results were all I hoped.



Science #58 Introducing the physical sciences with rocks 12:30–3:30 p.m. Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Room D166 This hands-on workshop will focus on using rocks to introduce the three big ideas of physical science. Sort and classify rocks by properties, measure them using rulers and balances, and see how they move down an inclined plane. Materials and samples will be used to conduct activities. Everything can be done in individual classrooms upon returning home. Kids love rocks. You will too. Robert Williams and Mary Hobbs, The University of Texas at Austin. Preschoolers


Parents and kids explored matching, sorting, estimating, observing, describing, stacking, rolling, racing, measuring, washing, drawing, and choosing favorite rocks. Every child was anxious to tell me a personal rock story, and some stories were actually pertinent. Parents recalled fond memories of skipping rocks. I hope they will share this skill and some oral family history with their kids.
  
  
Yes, I've had this fossil since I was six.
My dad and I spent many hours together fussing with our rock tumbler. We had odd outings on snowy evenings to Earl's Lapidary Shop where I spent my allowance money on jewelry fittings and listened to Earl's wild rockhound stories. Sharing a hobby across genders and generations might be one of the most empowering, priceless gifts we can give our kids.


© 2015 Nancy L. Ruder
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2 comments:

seana graham said...

I can remember the part of childhood where we used to go down to the river and pick up rocks, then go home and trade them with each other like Easter eggs. It was always a little disappointing though when lost their luster as they dried.

2/09/2015 1:13 PM
Collagemama said...

Yes, they lose their luster. Classmates used to paint theirs with clear fingernail polish.

Also, overnight, I remembered it was Everett's Rock Shop, not Earl's. The shop was in his home basement near Northeast High School, for any old-time Lincolnites.

2/09/2015 5:49 PM

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