Some of our very best mornings have started with a walk to the pond.

When we lived in Mississippi there was a pond in our neighborhood and it was a frequent destination for a field trip during the week.

These walks took many forms. We would take our time. I followed their lead.

Sometimes they were interested in gross motor and we chase each other.

Sometimes they are interested in the trees or flowers so we study those.

Sometimes they are lost in their imaginations and they pretend to be characters and the small pond and island become their setting.

Regardless these field trips to the pond always abounded with learning opportunities.

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Field Trip to a Pond

Before the Field Trip

Often my kids were interested in the ducks, geese, and other bird life at our pond. When I noticed a particular interest, such as the birds, I would make a point of planning a book and discussion before our walk.

We had observed the birds several times when I pulled out this book to share.

Pond Walk by Elizabeth Wallace

Before we went, we read POND WALK by Elizabeth Wallace. In the book the bear really want to see a turtle and I like how the messages of taking your time, noticing details, and being patient are described throughout the book.

During the Field Trip

After reading the book, our kids grabbed their bug kits and their journals, put on boots, and we headed to the pond.

We watched the geese…and they watched us. There was a particular interest in the geese’s feet that were made more visible through the binoculars.

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We tried to catch bugs but they are quick. At least the moths that my son really wants to get a good look at.

We got these Adventure Kids Bug Catcher Kits from a friend and they are a huge hit! I must admit I am a little skiddish around bugs and would not have taken them down this path on my own, but the kits sent them off chasing for bugs and especially our son is hooked. If you don’t mind a good view of a squirming insect, the magnification on the bug jars does a good job of getting you a little closer.

And then they drew. They drew the ducks. They drew the water. They drew the tree. They drew a rainbow because in their world there always needs to be a colorful rainbow (possibly so you have an excuse to use every color).

Whatever they end up exploring, they always hate to leave and they always come home brimming with ideas. All we did was walk to the pond and their world comes alive with new possibilities and wonders.

Good things to know about pond safety

• Establish rules ahead of time, establish consequences and follow through. I don’t mess around with safety – especially water safety and my kids know that. I’m also not concerned with them getting a little dirty – they know that too.

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