Make way for ducklings
May 13, 2008
Posted by CindyW in : For Kids , 11 comments
On a usual Sunday morning, I roll out of bed, make my coffee and head out to walk our dog. It’s quite pleasant just strolling in the neighborhood parks and open space. But last Sunday my kids decided that they had to go with me because it was Mother’s day and their perpetual presence was obviously the best gift to me. But that really meant that I had to answer to “what’s this” and “mommy, look at this.” every two minutes. Signing to myself, I helped them with shoes and jackets. How could I reject my gifts?
As we entered a neighborhood park, my 5-year old, the natural born treasure hunter, spotted something in the middle of the grassy field. “It’s moving,” she announced. When we all stopped yakking, the early morning quietness allowed us to hear waves of chirps. We tiptoed a little at a time, as lightly as possible. We were about 50 feet away from “it”. There they were – not one, but nine little ducklings waddling behind the mother mallard duck who quacked occasionally to guide them.
My normally very muted motherly instinct took over. What if the neighborhood dogs chase them? What if the cats hunt them? What if the hawks, which perched on the nearby treetop, snatch them up? What if they get run over by a car? We decided to follow them.
Someone must’ve called the neighbors. More kids showed up with their parents who tried their best to curb their kids’ exuberance. So they did not all run up and scare the ducks. Yes, we saw ducklings following mommy ducks on TV, in movies, and in magazines. Still, the recently hatched squabbling bunch captured every child’s heart.
Momma duck knew exactly how much waddling the fuzzy ones could handle. They rested in the ivy for 10 minutes. And off they went again, searching for their new home. But where? A phone call to the local wild life rescue returned a strange answer – momma duck apparently had a plan. Best to leave her alone to lead the bunch. A plan? Including crossing big streets and open fields where cars and predators could make them all disappear?
Quite a few kids there demanded that the parents escort the ducks. On a perfect Sunday morning, in a quiet neighborhood, a dozen of people, big and small, followed a momma duck and her nine chirping ducklings to who-knew-where. It was a strange sight to say the least.
The ducks finally settled into someone’s hedge, perhaps for the hour or for the day. A thoughtful girl wrote a note “baby ducks in your hedge. Please put out a bowl of water.” and left at the front door of the lucky neighbor. We all reluctantly left the ducks alone.
Within an ear shot, I heard a boy ask his mother whether they could bring back a video camera and follow the ducks to make sure they get to a safe nesting spot based on momma duck’s “plan”. I made a mental note to check back with the mother.
Perhaps that was how we connected with nature – for almost irrational reasons, we cared about what would happen to the mallard and her offspring. For the rest of the day, my kids spoke about the ducks to willing and not so willing audience.
For me? What gift can be better for a Mother’s Day than following a momma mallard duck and her waddling ducklings with my kids? We witnessed “make way for ducklings”.
*all pictures are courtesy of a thoughtful neighbor who never parts with his camera.
CindyW at Organicpicks
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A Nice Spring Present
March 20, 2008
Posted by CindyC in : For Kids , 1 comment so far
Rather than buying something for Grandma’s birthday, my husband and 5 year-old made her a present.
All you need is an egg carton, paint, pipe cleaners, glue and something to arrange the flowers in. Dad had to cut the carton (too hard for safety scissors) and the glue gun but my daughter did the rest: painting, twisting the pipe cleaner for the flower base and arranging the flowers in a bucket or pot (with a floral frog). It was a fun project to do, especially since she was stuck at home with the flu and cost us next to nothing.
What inspired Dad and daughter to make something? How about this cool viper made from recycled keyboard pieces!
Source: artinvest72
I know these pieces are worlds apart in skill and materials but you got to start somewhere.
CindyC at Organicpicks
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Related Posts:
Light Bulb Crafts
Recycled Art Project
Copyright 2007 Organicpicks
A Cute Way to Recycle Sweaters
February 21, 2008
Posted by CindyC in : For Kids , add a comment
A couple of weeks ago, CindyW talked about her hording guilt and received some great ideas on how to use or reuse items. Last week, I read about a cute idea on recycling sweaters- by making them into soakers. To be honest, I didn’t know actually know what a soaker was – until my mom-in-law enlightened me. It’s basically a diaper cover – usually home made until the advent of the plastic ones.
Rather than using new material, soakers were often made from wool – as it is absorbent, breathable and often help in avoidance of diaper rash. A mom in Sacramento combined her artistic inclinations and the virtue of recycling and made this idea into a small business – Babycaper. All of the Babycaper soakers are made from recycled sweaters and hand sewn by owner, Majica Phillips. These soakers are unique, creative and look like wonderful baby shower gifts!
And if you are crafty, I also found a “recipe” to make your own baby soaker. So the next time you wear out a favorite sweater, try it out!
CindyC at Organicpicks
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Copyright 2007 Organicpicks
We all need a pinch of inspiration
January 30, 2008
Posted by CindyW in : For Kids , 1 comment so far
Inspiration (n). 1. Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of activity or feeling. 2. One that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention…
Believing in the causes, many of us endeavor to live greener lives, despite of all the bad news from the global warming front and the blatant inaction (or rather anti-action) by our own government. We talk to each other, encourage and learn from each other. Then we go back to our homes and try to do the right thing. But even the heartiest among us need a pinch of inspiration now and then.
Inspiration is by definition an abstract concept. It may be words, images, voices, acts, events or other forms of stimulation of the mind or emotion. We cannot force inspiration, but when it happens upon us, it drives us to do the right things despite of ourselves, it elevates us to find the strength that we did not know we had, and it makes us yearn for our better selves.
Recently the seemingly non-stop Californian rain has forced us indoors more than usual. And for once I am glad, because in the last two weeks, I, together with my family, found unexpected inspiration in two children/family movies. You heard it right, children’s movies – Duma and Fly Away Home, both directed by the brilliant Carroll Ballard. Never heard of them? Apparently the media “power” decided a while ago that children could only absorb and be entertained by animated films with clichés, shallow jokes, and cheap snippets of moral lessons.
In a review for Duma, L.A. Times stated, “In a sane world, there would be dancing in the streets at the arrival of a film as magical and entertaining as Carroll Ballard’s “Duma.” Television and radio advertising would trumpet its arrival, and audiences nationwide would be streaming to theaters to see it. Sadly, we do not live in that world.”
In any case, Duma was about a young boy (Xan) becoming a man during a journey to return Duma (Swahili for “cheetah”) back to the wild. The adventure spoke of heart-breaking loss and grief, the indescribable majesty and harshness of nature, friendship and loyalty, and most importantly, the strength and wisdom in himself Xan gradually found and learned to trust. The vast green-gold South African plains and the cheetah that moves like lightening are in themselves great treats. I whole-heartedly agree with one of the reviewers:“ (Duma) is an adventure tale with lots of danger and suspense, made in a way that doesn’t abuse children’s emotions or underestimate their intelligence. Needless to say, adults are likely to enjoy it just as much, if not more.”
After finishing Duma with teary eyes and bubbling love, we had to find other films directed by Ballard. When the rain kept us inside a bit more last weekend and “forced” us to watch “Fly Away Home”, we were all too willing to oblige. 13-year-old Amy lost her mother in a car accident and had to live with her estranged sculptor father whom she could barely remember. In the desolate yet beautiful land of Ontario, she accidentally became a “mama goose” to a flock of newborn geese. Against all odds and with the help from dad, Amy taught and led the geese along a migratory route from Ontario to North Carolina. Through the process, Amy gained unyielding confidence in herself and opened to new possibilities. Yes, she flew with the geese.
Both of my girls ( 5&1/2 and 3) were enthralled with the movies, especially Fly Away Home. They could not tell me the specific reasons, but they begged me to buy a copy so they could “watch it again and again and again”.
But I know why the movies were so riveting to them as they were to me. It was that deep nourishing connection the hero/heroin found between their young souls and the animals in nature. It was the innocent and relentless belief that everything was possible. It was the surprising and delightful realization of their inner strength and wisdom.
It was that pinch of inspiration we all need, now and then.
Now, I can go back to trying to do the right thing.
CindyW at Organicpicks
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Copyright 2007 Organicpicks
Free solar system and better education
December 18, 2007
Posted by CindyW in : For Kids , 5 comments
English, Math, Music, History, Science – all common part of the curriculum for a K-12 school. Can environment and alternative energy be integrated into the curriculum too? The German International School of Silicon Valley (GISSV) thinks so decidedly.
Early this year, GISSV started such an education focused plan – what better ways to teach children about alternative energy than having solar panels on the roof of their classrooms and using solar energy to power the classrooms. The school, led by Ms. Oelschlaegel, patiently researched and looked for a photovoltaic (PV) system vendor who would be willing to offer a system to the school at no cost. A few months later, their effort came to fruition. Phoenix Solar donated an 18 kWp photovoltaic system to GISSV. Other vendors that offered free services included Xantrex and Solar City.
A month ago the system was up and running. It is to provide 34% of the school’s annual electricity demand and avoid 17 tons of carbon dioxide every year.
Ms. Oelschlaeger told me that the students were involved during the entire installation process and were very excited when the system was brought alive. Now besides generating green electricity, the PV system supports the school’s efforts to integrate alternative energy into their curriculum. It demonstrates to the students that the time has come to restructure our electricity supply from conventional energy sources to sustainable renewable energy sources.
When asked if there are any unexpected results from the solar system implementation, Ms. Oelschlaeger, who was often mild-mannered, exuded much delight and pride. The concept of conservation has surprisingly spilled over to other areas of interests. Students are much more enthusiastic about recycling – bottles, cans, class room scrap paper… The parents are asking what else they can do to help with conservation efforts and environmental causes.
I applaud GISSV for integrating green energy into their curriculum and for creatively finding free resources to implement their goals. Bravo Ms. Oelschlaeger!
Lucky students.
CindyW at Organicpicks
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Copyright 2007 Organicpicks
White Shark Webcast from Monterey Bay Aquarium
November 14, 2007
Posted by CindyW in : For Kids , add a comment
For those who have not had the opportunity to see the white shark in the Monterey Bay Aquarium, now you can see it in the comfort of your home. You and your inquisitive kids can watch a webcast on the legendary white shark, courtesy of the aquarium. White shark experts John O’Sullivan and Salvador Jorgensen along with Aquarium storyteller Ken Peterson will be on hand to present a behind the scenes look at one of nature’s premier predators.
(courtesy of Monterey Bay Aquarium)
Register is EASY. I did it in 10 seconds. And it put the event on my calendar for me. Can’t get easier than that! I have seen the white shark a couple of times, but I am still excited to see it up close without 50 kids (mine included) screaming into my ears 
And finally I get to hear the story behind it.
See related entries:
I am clearly obsessed with the white shark
or perhaps
the aquarium?
Also see other events in November
CindyW at Organicpicks
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Copyright 2007 Organicpicks
Outdoor unstructured playing develops a whole child
November 12, 2007
Posted by SeanS in : For Kids , 1 comment so far
When I look around these days, it seems many teenagers spend the majority of their time on the internet, playing video games, or texting each other. While I have no doubt my 3 and 5 year old daughters will engage in similar activities – soon eclipsing my own internet savvy, Pac-Man proficiency, and digital dexterity – I hope to instill in them a love of nature that will survive through the teenage years into adulthood.
I think many parents assume that their kids won’t find anything to enjoy during a short hike or a stroll in the woods. Given the number of 3-year-olds I see being pushed around in strollers, it seems many parents don’t even think their kids can walk. But give it a try, and your children just might surprise you. Try and see the world as they see it, and you can join in the fun. I recently spent two hours walking around a 12-acre undeveloped area near our house with my two girls.
They immediately gravitated towards “Dirt Mountain”, a four foot high pile of dirt left over from some landscaping maintenance work. I threw the ball for the dog while the girls repeatedly
scaled the imposing peak. I finally lured them away with promises of tree climbing and acorn finding. My younger daughter loves to pick up acorns and drop them in gopher holes. I’m not sure how the gophers feel about this, but in playing this game she’s come up with countless questions that I do my best to answer. What are acorns? Why do they fall? Will they all grow into new trees? What kind of tree makes acorns? Why are there so many gopher holes?
My older daughter has always loved to climb trees. She knew the word “metamorphosis” at the age of 2 because we often saw caterpillars on the tree branches, which would soon spin cocoons and change into moths or butterflies. Today she corrected me
when I saw a cocoon and said there was a caterpillar inside. “Actually, Dad, what’s inside is a chrysalis.” Thanks.
What’s amazing about kids, though, is that they could care less whether you are hiking in the Swiss Alps or rummaging around in your own back yard. They tend to focus on the small and immediate, and they often find unlimited pleasure in the simplest of things: raking leaves and marveling at the multitude of shapes and colors; clearing rain gutters and picking up worms and snails; stomping in puddles. And with all of these activities come an unending deluge of questions, many of which you may actually be able to answer. Kids have an amazing way of seeing the world – they are in a constant state of discovery – and with a suggestion here and a word of explanation there you can turn the local park, or your own back yard, into the greatest toy chest, laboratory, and classroom your child will ever know. And the act of interacting with nature, I think, creates a bond that is mutually nurturing.
Cost of taking them outdoors: $0
Well-rounded, adventurous, inquisitive, healthy children: Priceless
Sean, gearhead at large
* no gear involved in this…
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Copyright 2007 Organicpicks
Monterey Bay Aquarium - white shark on exhibit
August 31, 2007
Posted by CindyW in : For Kids , 1 comment so far
Labor day weekend is here. For those who still don’t have any plans (like me), here is a possible activity: visit Monterey Bay Aquarium. It’s always fun for my family to go there. Now there is even a better reason. Yesterday evening, a white shark was placed in the Outer Bay exhibit. For those who have not been there, visiting the Outer Bay exhibit is a mesmerizing experience. My kids can spend an hour staring at the giant fish - bluefin tuna, sun fish, hammerhead sharks, and many other. Now a white shark.
This is the third white shark Monterey Bay Aquarium has had in their exhibit. The first one was there for 198 days before returning to the wild and the second one stayed for 137 days. Hopefully this one will stay around for a few months.
While you are there, don’t forget to pick up the handy seafood guide, which tells you which fish are sustainably caught and which fish are on the endangered list.
See other fun exhibits in the aquarium and why we need to care about sustainable seafood.
CindyW at Organicpicks
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Copyright 2007 Organicpicks
Catered school lunches deliver wrong value?
August 23, 2007
Posted by CindyW in : For Kids , add a comment
My 5-year old started her first day in kindergarten yesterday. It means that from now on, I need to prepare her lunch everyday or order hot lunches from a school-contracted caterer. The vendor came to the school yesterday to showcase their healthy lunches. “Organic whenever possible,” they said. Great, I thought. This can certainly be a good alternative every so often when my daughter is sick of having sandwich and mini-carrots for two weeks straight. Unfortunately much to my dismay, the healthy, organic whenever possible, lunches come in small plastic containers, one for meat, one for vegetable, one for bread or rice. Remember airplane meals? Yeah, kinda like that, but with more containers. In addition, there is a half-sized bottle of water. I asked if they recycled the containers, which seemed sturdy and perfectly re-usable. “No, recycling is not a part of our business,” they answered. I wanted to pursue the conversation further but realized that the demo people weren’t the right ones to speak with. I did some math in my head. So for a week, my child will throw away 15 plastic containers and 5 water bottles. The kinder program has 30 kids. That would mean 22,500 plastic containers and 7,500 water bottles tossed away annually in the landfill. And that is all from a tiny kinder program. In the US alone, we have more than 50 million school-aged children. Even if only 5% of the kids are getting boxed lunches from caterers, it will result in 2.5 billion thrown away plastic containers and water bottles every year.
Ummm, thank you very much, I am not interested in the catered lunch. Kids learn from what they do everyday. A lot of my habits and values were taught when I was a school-aged child, eagerly absorbing everything. I certainly do not want my daughter to learn not to think twice about tossing things in the trash, after all it would be a trash-laden world she and her peers would inherit.
So I am back to packing her lunch everyday and learn to be more creative.
CindyW at Organicpicks
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Copyright 2007 Organicpicks
Safe Disposal of Lead Contaminated Toys
August 22, 2007
Posted by CindyC in : For Kids , add a comment
The recent toy recalls from Mattel have created much anxiety and fear among parents, me included. It makes me shudder to think that I may have purchased a potentially harmful or toxic toy for my child and my first reaction is “how do I get rid of it?” Although the urge of throwing these recalled toys in the trash is understandable, experts are warning parents against hasty disposal. Since these toys are potentially lead-tainted, sending them to landfills may cause environmental harm; these toys need to be treated like hazardous waste. Experts strongly urge parents to use one of these safe disposal methods to protect children and the environment.
–Mattel’s recall program is offering a free voucher for the exchange of the toys in question. Consumers can print a free prepaid label to mail back the items, which Mattel will dispose of safely.
– You can always leave the toys (or make a drop-off appointment) at your local household hazardous waste collection site. The centers will treat and process the toys like toxic substances.
– Several Bay Area cities have set up lead toy drop-off centers where parents can leave recalled toys or even toys that they no longer feel comfortable having. The current list* includes:
- Alameda:
Starbucks Coffee
700 Atlantic Ave. - Emeryville:
Children’s Development Center
1220 53rd St. - Fremont:
Alameda County Library
2400 Stevenson Blvd. - Hayward:
Main Library
835 C St. - Oakland:
Temescal Branch Library
5205 Telegraph Ave. - Prescott Joseph Center
920 Peralta St. - Eastmont Wellness Clinic
7200 Bancroft Ave. - Oakland Fire Department
98th Ave at International Blvd. - Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
2000 Embarcadero St. Suite 300
* List obtained from nbc11.com
Let’s keep this potential threat out of the hands of our children and the environment.
CindyC at Organicpicks
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Copyright 2007 Organicpicks
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