“They will need to understand the relationship
between forests and the evolution of the human mind. They will need
a larger idea of forests and wildness than that contained in the
industrial worldview. They will also need stories and myths that
give purpose and meaning to the experience of forests. And they will
need the example of mentors willing to fight for every tree, woods,
scrap of remaining wildness, and decent forest.”
-David Orr, Earth in Mind
Mentors are important in a person’s life. They contribute to developing a sense of self and self-confidence. A mentor need not be a family member or close friend, simply a person that wishes to share and engage in the wonders of the natural world. One need not to be an expert as the learning process can occur together. What is essential is the spark, the excitement and the dedication to nurture and grow with the child through the journey of discovery.
Do:
- Let things happen naturally.
- Be enthusiastic! After all, enthusiasm is contagious.
- Make connections to their everyday life.
- It is okay to talk about other topics on a “birdwalk.” Sometimes an outing can be a hike punctuated by stops for bird watching. Make walks more interesting by incorporating a scavenger hunt using all senses.
- Scout ahead for the best routes and points of interest. Get to know an area well so that you will recognize the regular species as well as notice newcomers during migration.
- Go beyond identifying the bird by name. Observe birds in their habitats; take note of color, song(s) and chip notes, feeding behavior, flight patterns, interaction with mate and other species to name a few examples.
- Create a nature journal to take field notes: record sightings and details including sketches of the bird.
- Engage their interest/imagination with bird jokes and bird lore.
- Set a good example. Kids will mirror your behavior and etiquette. (e.g. staying on marked trail vs. wandering onto private property).
- Believe that nature has something to teach us.
- If your child asks questions (and don’t worry, they will), have the patience to answer them. If you do not have the answers, use it as a learning opportunity and seek out the answer together. Research at the library, your local nature center or on the internet.
- Involve each child and let them know that their discoveries are important and interesting to you.
- Emphasize wise use of resources and respect for the natural areas and inhabitants of the places you visit. Teach the notion, “Take only pictures, leave only footprints”.
- Make sure the birding experience is for them and not for you. Put the child’s needs first even if that means your personal goals have to change.
- Be a source of inspiration.
- Offer hope to children. Share bird conservation success stories and how citizen science can help to reduce further negative impacts.
Don’t:
- Don’t overload kids with information. It is equally as important that kids have the opportunity to investigate their surroundings and develop an intimate bond with the natural world. Rachel Carson makes the point clear in The Sense of Wonder (1965): “I sincerely believe that for the child, and for the parent seeking to guide him, it is not half so important to know as to feel…It is more important to pave the way for the child to want to know than to put him on a diet of facts he is not ready to assimilate.”
- Don’t set yourself up for failure. Start small and know your limitations.
- Do not be discouraged if a child’s attention span is very short. Share in the experience of exploring together and talk about it later.
- Know when it is time to move on. If a child is not showing interest do not drag out the situation making both parties frustrated and miserable. There is nothing wrong with dropping an activity, switching gears, and moving on to something more interesting.
- Don’t get defensive if a child knows more than you.
- Competition is natural but is not the ultimate goal. Focus rather, on the child maximizing his or her own fullest potential.
- Be dependable and on time. If a child is counting on you, do not let them down.
The Goal is to build a trusting relationship. To achieve this you must ultimately earn their trust and maintain it. Focus on the child and how each activity will affect them both positively and negatively. Do not fault yourself for any errors made, instead, learn from them and incorporate them into the learning experience. Keep these essentials goals in mind and you will make progress.
Laura Guerard, Manager, BirdCapeMay on-line