The Most Impostant Tool for Outside
Moms, Dads, I want you to do this. Do this with your children.
The first time spend less than 10 minutes. Do this together. Sit and watch the natural world as a family. Start near the house.
Before I tell you any more, you should know this idea comes to you with extensive testing. This method of discovering what occurs in the natural world by sitting and watching it was tested regularly and often by author and naturalist Ernest Thompson Seton.
You’ve never heard of him?
There is a reason.
He was born in England-in 1860. As an adult he became an accomplished naturalist, artist and author…his subject nature. Sitting still, and quiet in one place was his strategy to discover more about plants, birds and animals. It worked! Modern naturalists, me and former colleagues where I worked named Seton’s nature discovery tool after him. We called it “Seton Watching.” I speak from experience: once children are taught this simple nature discovery approach; they find delight in it. They greatly enjoy the independence and solitude of Seton Watching.
You don’t need to call it that.
Make it personal.
After you experience “Seton Watching” a few times the name your family will give to the experience will be superior to a name I give you.
How to Seton Watch:
Purpose of a Seton Watch-to sit still without talking and with minimal movement in order to discover what wildlife is doing. The purpose of a Seton Watch is to discover truth about nature-by watching.
Why Seton Watch: It seems too uncomplicated -just sit and watch. However, this straightforward activity will foster critical thinking, improve questioning, increase reflective thought and greatly enhance your children’s motivation to write. Perhaps the most significant benefit is learning how nature works. A major side benefit-you and your kids will learn to be patient. AND you will see the invisible qualities of God-His power and divine nature. Read Romans 1:20 click on the button.
Where to Seton Watch: Begin in your backyard. Sit on your deck, better yet, sit on the back lawn. Begin together. If you have younger children you can model and guide them in learning to sit still without talking. When you and your kids have become comfortable with the strategy go to wilder places near you. Once your family becomes proficient with this nature observation method try it in state parks, national parks and national wildlife refuges (they will be the best place to observe nature!)
How long to Seton Watch: With younger children-start with short sessions. 5 to 10 minutes. They will enjoy sitting with you. End the first sessions while they still want more. Since this is an activity which can be repeated again and again for the rest of life, success at first is important. As time passes build up the Seton Watch time length. What your children will see in an hour will amaze you and them. But START first with less than 10 minutes-and more than one short session to practice and model for them.
Tools for a Good Seton Watch: 5 Senses, patience, quietness, reflection, asking questions, a journal for older people in the family.
When to Do Seton Watches: Once you become skilled as a family with the Seton Watch technique-you will find this is an activity you will enjoy doing in every season. Dress for the weather…and remember, there is no such thing as bad weather-it’s just bad clothes.
Writing during and after Seton Watches…get your older kids and yourself journals to write about your Seton Watch Experiences. Once all of you become comfortable, bring your journals along…include sketches too. There will be delightful surprises from this activity…you will be amazed at the writing which begins to develop.
Can you and your family become naturalists? Try Seton Watching!
