In a time when it is easy to be overcome by fear or worry, we want this series of blog posts to give you simple, gentle, and dynamic ways to reclaim an atmosphere of peace, joy, and wonder in your home. We can all then help shine light to the world by sharing how we are choosing beauty daily. Please join us by using the hashtag #choosingbeauty on social media.
#ChoosingBeauty – Day 13
at
“Children should be encouraged to watch, patiently and quietly, until they learn something of the habits and history of bee, ant, wasp, spider, hairy caterpillar, dragon-fly, and whatever of larger growth comes in their way.”
-Charlotte Mason, Home Education, p.57
“Red Squirrel” by Hans Hoffman, 1578
Activities
Look: Study the picture. Notice the detail of the squirrel. I’m curious what the fur would feel like. What do you think? Notice the shape of the eyes and the various shades of color. Close your eyes. Can you still imagine the picture? Describe everything you remember without looking. This artist drew the lines first using something like a pencil, and then used watercolor over the top. If you like, make a quick sketch of the squirrel, or try using pencil and watercolor for a more detailed drawing.
Read: “Meeko the Mischief-Maker” Secrets of the Woods by William Long
Observe: Take a walk outdoors. Find a park or woods where there may be squirrels. Look up into the trees. Do you see any clumps of leaves that could be their nest? Do you hear any squirrel chatter? Find a spot to sit and observe the squirrels and their activity. How do they use their claws? What color is their fur? Tell about how their movements may remind you of another small mammal you have observed before.
Read: “Squirrel” by Mary Ann Hoberman (Scroll to second poem)
Listen: “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” an Anglican hymn by Cecil Francis Alexander, arranged and conducted by John Rutter
Share: What is something that has made you laugh and smile today? What are you wondering? #choosing beauty
More to Read and Do:
“The Red Squirrel” Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Comstock
“Chatterer and Happy Jack John” The Burgess Animal Book by Thornton Burgess
“Mr. Red Squirrel Comes to Live in the Forest” Among the Forest People by Clara Dillingham Pierson
Beatrix Potter studied real animals to help her paint her characters. Here is a picture of Squirrel Nutkin, done with pencil and watercolor. How does it look similar to, and different from, the one by Hans Hoffman?
Mary Ann Hoberman was named the Children’s Poet Laureate from 2008-2011. Get to know her a little in this video.
©Charlotte Mason Institute 2020
