Weird, Wonder-Filled Science Happenings for Kids this Fall Autumn has arrived! Celebrate natural changes by investigating these 4 happenings (phenomena) with children. Lead with exploration of a leaf pile, a hike, unstructured time with loose parts such as leaves, crisp fall air, dried grasses, squash and frosty grass. Emphasize the use of our senses. Collect their observations. […]
Click to get the Creation Care Bingo by GGH. How do faith and science connect? This creation care bingo game is a hands-on way to explore caring for God’s creation outside the worship space. Get to know how you can make a difference on a daily basis with five categories: the 5R’s , energy, water, places, […]
Air, Insulation & Heat-trappers Keep Squirrels Warm How do squirrels stay warm when they sleep? Do you think that acorns and fur are enough to keep a squirrel from freezing on chilly nights? How is a squirrel’s nest similar to your snuggly bed? Taking a closer look at a squirrel’s nest of leaves high in […]
Outdoorsy Fair Highlights 2014 While born and raised in the land of 10,000 lakes, I’ve also lived in Washington, North Dakota, and Hawaii. A family trip to the Minnesota State Fair proves again that Minnesotans know how to GET OUTSIDE! Despite a stormy morning, puddles on the ground, and air thick with humidity fair-goers were […]
Natural Playgrounds Taking Root The “Great Minnesota Get-Together” will have a natural playground in 2014! Research (C&NN) shows that combining fresh air, natural materials and power of play leads to physical and mental health benefits for children. Natural Playgrounds are popping up in backyards, schools, nature centers, childcare centers, and churches across the state. This […]
Tips, Types, What to Pack…and Leave Behind Outdoor adventures await you! Camping can be a fun and easy way to play outside, gain a sense-of-place, experience your environment, and practice sustainability as a family. State parks and national parks are like giant natural playgrounds for kids of all ages. Here are some things to consider […]
A Community Green Space Grows Many Things The space at 4th & Adams in Anoka was designed by Growing Green Hearts to grow trees, plants, food, and COMMUNITY. It was great to meet Sue Austreng, journalist for the Anoka County Union Herald, last month. She spent hours celebrating, playing, taking pictures, and talking with people […]
New Natural Playground Space At Zion Lutheran What a celebration! Today 300 people, two fire trucks, a police car, songs, hot dog lunches, bounce houses and 10 different kinds of rain garden plants were all part of the dedication of Zion’s Community Greenspace. A gift from Frank and Janice Jensen as well as grants from […]
Registration for Little Green Frog Camp is open now! One way Swedes celebrate the first day of summer is singing and dancing to a song about a little green frog. The Gammalgarden Museum in Scandia, Minnesota is providing three 2-day camps for kids K-5 throughout the summer. The historic buildings, artifacts, and stories inspire nature play, […]
Where have green hearts been growing lately? Where next? Are you heading to the NAEYC conference at River Center on January 31st? If so, please consider stopping by the Growing Green Hearts workshop titled “Energize Kids About Climate” on Friday at 2:15. It would be great to see you there! Will your kids be getting […]
