.
Feedback

Observation - 52 Views of a Twig

An activity to stimulate observation skills and build a brief together time.

Yep. 52 observations of a twig.

If you are interested in stimulating a child's skills at observation, find a twig on a tree in your yard. Select one growing at or near the child's eye level and tag the six inches closest to the tip with a ribbon, etc. that will last for 52 weeks.

Provide a blank paper notebook (with 52 pages) and pencil and maybe colored pens to be used to draw what the twig looks like when you observe it once, each week, for a year. Date the observations to keep track of the changes.

In January the first glance indicates nothing is happening. But, a closer look reveals the leaf buds have already formed. Next week they may look the same, but if you measure them, have they grown, even a millimeter?

When you stop once a week to observe, draw and spend 1-3 minutes discussing what you and the child see, you are helping develop the child's powers of observation, their sketching skills and creating a brief one-to-one time together. Apart and together, those two skills and one moment of together time equals three reasons to consider 52 views of a twig.

Margaret Santjer (Editor) January 22, 2013 at 02:58 pm
Great idea, Paddy! Thanks for sharing.
Kim Hornsby January 31, 2013 at 02:55 pm
Excellent advice!

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from Edmonds Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
The Edmonds Beach Water Temperature-Taker Dude.
Jeanne Gustafson (Editor) June 2, 2013 at 06:18 pm
Awesome pic, Brian! Love it!
Brian Soergel June 2, 2013 at 08:47 pm
Thanks for posting. Bill loves to talk to people.
Driftwood Children's Summer Camp
Jeanne Gustafson (Editor) June 4, 2013 at 06:08 am
This sounds like so much fun for the kids, Kathleen! I know my children always really enjoyed theirRead More youth theatre experiences.
C.Taylor May 29, 2013 at 07:42 am
Here's the link:Read More http://www.edmondswa.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation-a-cultural-services/about-us/francesandersoncenter/aquatics.html They've pulled next week's swim lessons from the sign up.