Parish and Family Relationships
Growing Through Caring Relationships Across Generations
Care for Creation
"The Catholic approach to environmental justice is based on the two commandments of Jesus Christ: to love God above all things and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Love of God requires respect for God’s gifts and for God’s will for Creation. Love of neighbor requires justice, which prohibits the selfish destruction of the environment without regard for those in need today or for the needs of future generations." (The Catholic Conservation Center)
Simply put, whenever we teach love of God and neighbor, that implies love and respect for all of God’s gifts, not the least of which is creation, and the unselfish sharing of those gifts with others.
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“WHAT’S THAT MAMA?” HE ASKED. “WHAT’S THAT NOISE? BIRDIES?” I STOOD WITH THEM AND HEARD THE FIRST PEEPERS OF THE SEASON.“Those are frogs, sweetie. Little, tiny frogs who live in the swamp back there.” Junior’s eyes went big and his mouth dropped open. Little Bear mimicked him. I wish I had a picture of them in that moment. Their pure delight and awe of the natural world written all over their faces.
I once wrote about six ways that I convince my kids to go outside on a daily basis. But since I wrote that, I’ve reflected a lot on why these methods are successful and I have to admit that there’s a lot more to it than getting them out the door each day. My kids go outside daily because they want to go outside daily. In fact, they love being outside. It is easily their happy place. |
Nature journaling with kids
Our appreciation and awe of this beautiful earth grows when we observe the intricate workings of the natural world. Even the smallest insect is absolutely amazing.
Nature journaling helps us pay attention to our surroundings. It also forces us to slow down, something most of us need to do more often. The natural curiosity of children makes them excellent candidates for nature journaling. It’s a fun family activity and an excellent way to develop a child’s awareness and appreciation of the earth. (It’s also helpful for teaching science, art, writing, and research skills.) |
Printable Nature Journal with Creative Prompts
Learn how to start a nature journal with kids using a free printable template that offers ten creative prompts. It is a perfect nature STEM activity for kids as it encourages them to go outside, explore nature scientifically, then record their nature finds artistically!
Our appreciation of the world around us grows when we pay close attention to small details. Like an ant carrying a chip of wood bigger than its own body. Or a lilac blossom about to burst open. Or a songbird lofting a tune from up in a tree top. Nature journals encourage us to focus on our surroundings and record our observations.
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Sign Up to Receive Free Science and Nature Ideas for Cooped Up Kids
Every week on Fridays the K-12 Education team at The Cornell Lab of Ornithology will be releasing fun and engaging activities to keep your children's bodies and minds active. Whether you want your kids to work independently or take on quests for the whole family, we think you’ll find these materials relevant and fun!
If you would like to receive periodic updates with activities and ideas to your inbox sign up here! |
Backyards: Still The Best Places To Go Bird Watching
One of the delights of bird watching has always been that you can do it anywhere—including right at home. Take a quiet walk or enjoy a moment of reflection at your window: birds will be with you. Now is a great time to deepen your knowledge and appreciation with resources like these:
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Play and Learn
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology Bird Academy project has a catalog of free learning games—amazing explorations of bird song, breathtaking artwork of bird families, the magic of feathers, and more. There’s even a video game that explores evolution and the hypnotic BeastBox, where you can use natural sounds to create your own hip-hop sound loops.
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It dignifies children by looking them in the eye and asking them to sing with the voices they have now. Leading the charge is Sandra McCracken, Flo Paris Oakes, Katy Bowser Hutson, and Alice Smith, and the result is tender-hearted, lively Scripture songs for children and anyone else who needs simple truths to sing. Throughout the album, listeners hear the voices of children and adults singing together, trading verses and harmonies. It reminds me that we’re all part of the larger family of God and every voice has its part.
Right off the bat, “All Things Bright and Beautiful” sets the tone for the album as a folky yet groovy, reminding the listeners of the many sweetnesses that God gives us in the natural world: the little flowers, the birds that sing.
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Show the children in your life the awe-inspiring connection between the natural world and the God who created it.
Louie Giglio offers 100 more devotions about God and science that will expand the curiosity of your 6- to 10-year-olds. Including amazing scientific facts, beautiful photography, fun illustrations, and simple activities, How Great Is Our God covers topics like
With this science devotional, children will embark on a journey to discover more about God and His incredible creation. From the pink lake in Senegal to the earth's trip around the sun to the water-holding frog that can live up to five years without a drink, the wonders of the universe will deepen your kids’ appreciation for God's wild imagination.
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Anti-Racism
Care for creation includes recognizing that communities of color are often living in some of the most polluted neighborhoods in the U.S., contributing to the systemic racism that impacts every aspect of daily life. Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Si’ emphasizes “Everything is Connected!”
Click here to learn more about becoming an Anti-Racist Family.
Click here to learn more about becoming an Anti-Racist Family.