Thursday, June 28, 2012

Reptile invasion

Reptiles have gotten a little closer to my life than I thought they ever would.  I was raised in a home built in the woods of snowy Wisconsin.  When you think about reptiles, you don't think about Wisconsin.  Some of the reptiles that do survive in the north woods, were not seen often by me.  I rarely saw a turtle or snake.  Lizards, and alligators, were foreign to me.  Then I married into the military, and we were sent to Florida.  It was climate, and culture shock for me!

Lizards are so abundant here, they "decorate" the outside of my house, which creates an opportunity for my four year old, to learn the art of lizard catching.  I've seen more snakes and turtles in my backyard in the past few years, than I did my entire childhood.  The gators have prevented me from ever wanting to dip just a toe, in any body of freshwater here.



There are an array of opportunities to gaze at these creatures, both great and small, at local establishments as well.  My reptile curious son, has been to Gatorland, and on a few air-boat rides, on a gator infested lake.  We've learned a lot by getting a closer look at the toothy monsters.  Did you know gators are born with a tooth on their nose?  It's what helps them break out of the egg shell when they are born!


With International Mud Day upon us, and our almost daily interactions with reptiles, we were inspired to make a simple change to our sensory play this week.  Just a few natural materials, and some fake reptiles, were all we needed!    


We made habitats...


Created designs and patterns...


Played hide and seek in the mud...


Experimented with consistency and texture...


Imagined...


Discovered how water can flow through and over the earth...


And took pleasure in the experience that mud brings!


What are you doing to celebrate International Mud Day?
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12 comments:

  1. My son would love your reptile and mud sensory play. It looks awesome.

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    1. Thanks, a change to our sensory table was overdue and International Mud day created a perfect opportunity!

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  2. I had sort of the same experience. We are from Idaho and My husband was in the military. We had to go to North Carolina. I just could not get over the humidity, bugs, and jets that fly over and shake the house. Some soldiers died in training from snake bites. However, I do love the mud and the kids just can't get enough of it. Thats why dirt is in my Top 3 Organic toys! Stopping by from KBN. Those mud pictures look awesome and make that toy snake look real!

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    1. Oh my goodness, you don't hear death by snake bite often! Glad to "meet" a fellow blogger who has experienced the military world!

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  3. This looks like awesome fun! I come from a military family, too- and you bring up a good point about being often removed from what is familiar! It's a great thing, I think!

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    1. Even though it can be shocking I embrace it as best I can, change can be a great thing, it certainly has made our family "grow!"

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  4. What fun! I love the photos! Thanks so much for sharing your post on this week's Kids Co-Op link up!

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    1. I have to admit I'm becoming an Instagram fanatic!

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  5. This looks like brilliant fun. Nothing more fun than squelching around in mud! I agree with Tulip - that snake looks real!

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    1. It looks real in person too, not just on camera!

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  6. Great mud sensory bin! How much fun is that! Thanks for sharing at the outdoor play party

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  7. What a great sensory bin! Looks like there was a lot of fun! Thank you for sharing with us on Saturday Show and Tell. I hope you'll join us again this week!
    -Mackenzie
    http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com

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