One of the best things about homeschooling the kids is that we can have class outside on the picnic table when the weather cooperates. That improves everyone’s mood. I’m pretty open to “teachable moments” when a distraction is worthwhile. Springtime school supplies on the picnic table include three pairs of binoculars, so we’ve spotted a lot of good backyard and feeder birds during class.
Now Timmy and Kelly are really sharp, having learned long ago the art of distracting Daddy in the middle of class:
“Hey, Daddy, I hear a Carolina Wren! We haven’t seen one of those in a while…” 10 minutes of class gone
“Look, it’s our first female Common Redpoll this winter…” 12 minutes of class gone
“Get your camera Daddy, the Cooper’s Hawk is back…” 20 minutes of class gone
“Look, I think that is a Wilson’s Warbler!” 15 minutes of class gone
“Is that a Crossbill?!?!?” 18 minutes of class gone
I’m sure they can see the mental “brake lights” flash across my face every time they announce a great find. This summer I thought I’d streamline the distractions a little, so I brought out a few old film canisters to incarcerate the jumping spiders they kept finding on the picnic table. After our lessons I could photograph them and not interfere with class.
I shouldn’t imply that they are maliciously scheming to avoid schoolwork. They are great students, but they do welcome a change of pace at times. I suppose we all do. While attending St. John’s Elementary School, I remember getting caught watching the squirrels run along the power lines more than a few times. The kids share our passion for wildlife and have developed a great knowledge of the natural world around them. I’d argue that is a valuable education in and of itself.
The kids found this dimorphic jumper one afternoon. I brought it down to the basement to take photos in the light tent. I used a 100mm 2.8 macro with 68mm of extension tubes and a three-flash set up. Afterwards I released the cooperative little guy back where I found him.
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