Here is another “Big Screen” family activity for you…you’ll like these: no preparation, no added materials, just time outside.

Recipe for: The How Things Are Doing Hike…

Hello Friends! I sincerely want you to know this: I really want you to do this with your family. Why? Because everyone in your family will come to like these hikes.

For an example of a how things are doing hike go to the blog: “How Things Are Doing” 11-3-19

"How Things Are Doing"

Ingredients:

· You, your spouse, your kids. Or you and whoever will go with you!

· Your backyard

· Nature Place 1

· Nature Place 2

· Your 5 senses

· A Family How Things are Doing Journal (Your Family Nature Journal)

· Curiosity about nature (it will grow as you do these hikes.)

White tailed deer are big surprises on ‘How Things Are Doing Hikes.” Be satisfied with the little things too. Take what God gives you.

Mixing instructions/steps:

1. Mix all the “dry ingredients” (your kids, possibly your spouse😊) first with this question: “How do you suppose the squirrels, or rabbits are doing outside?” (Or whatever nature you think will get them to look.) Or use this question: “What’s happening out there?”

2. Ask the question days before you want to take the “dry ingredients” outside to build interest.

3. Go to the window with your future hikers, look for squirrels and rabbits. Talk about what you see.

4. You’ll know when to “add water/snow” by the amount of curiosity the kids show. Perhaps a day or two will be enough.

5. Take the “dry ingredients” outside when their curiosity is elevated.

The ornamental shrubs and other plants in your yard are always worth noticing. Color always catches our eyes.

Adding “dry ingredients” to the wet/nature outside.

1. Dress for the weather, if you plan to stay out for more than 10 minutes layer up. Your first hike should “bake” between 10 and 20 minutes. Stop when the “dry ingredients” are still interested. You don’t need a toothpick-Moans of “do we have to go inside are an indication you have prepared the “recipe” correctly! Go in early while there is still interest.

2. A “How Things Are Doing Hike” is your foray into the natural world outside.

3. Posing the question “How are things doing?” invites a look at everything.

4. Go slow. Look at things, smell things, listen to things, touch things. Talk together about “how things are doing.”

5. Try a “How Things are Doing Hike” to nature places beyond the backyard.

6. You can do these once a week! As you repeat How Things Are Doing Hikes a second blessing occurs-your family begins to understand change in nature…things never stay the same.

The natural places you choose should be close to home. If you must drive to them they should be close. The easier you make this, the more likely you’ll be able to sustain it. This natural place is about 15 minutes from our house.

“No time spent outside is ever wasted. “

David W. Ellis

The How Things Are Doing Hike