Rain or Shine Mamma

Spring Nature Walk: Learning about Wildflowers

Posted on April 22, 2014 Written by Linda McGurk 4 Comments

Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria)

Spring is a wonderful time of the year to go outside to explore all the changes that are taking place and watch everything come to life after the winter. I'm once again teaming up with a few of my fellow "Woodsy Mamas" to give you some great ideas … [Click to read the full article]

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Easy Outdoor Fun with Bread on a Stick

Posted on April 16, 2014 Written by Linda McGurk 10 Comments

Making bread on a stick is a classic outdoor activity for families in Scandinavia and something that made for unforgettable childhood experiences for me growing up. So needless to say, I was pretty excited to try it with my own girls for the first … [Click to read the full article]

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Recycling for Kids – A Fun and Simple Earth Day Activity

Posted on April 3, 2014 Written by Linda McGurk 6 Comments

In my opinion, every day should be Earth Day - a day when we celebrate nature and try our best to minimize our environmental footprint. But since I don't get to call the shots and our planet only gets one "official" holiday, we might as well make the … [Click to read the full article]

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5 Fantastic Butterfly Activities for Kids + a Giveaway!

Posted on March 24, 2014 Written by Linda McGurk 15 Comments

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the classic children's picture book The Hungry Little Caterpillar and to celebrate this and the official start of spring, I've put together five great butterfly activities for you to enjoy with the kiddos. I'm … [Click to read the full article]

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Spring Nature Study: Life and Death in the Forest

Posted on March 13, 2014 Written by Linda McGurk 16 Comments

Spring is finally here and what better way to experience the changes that are taking place outside right now than by taking the kids for a nature study in the woods? I follow the philosophy and tradition of the Scandinavian forest schools when … [Click to read the full article]

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But Mommy, I DON’T WANT TO GO OUTSIDE!

Posted on March 6, 2014 Written by Linda McGurk 9 Comments

Image courtesy of stockimages/freedigitalphotos.net

If you're reading this blog, you're probably already aware of the many wonderful ways children can benefit from playing and staying active outdoors - physical activity, improved motor skills, vitamin D and increased ability to focus, just to mention … [Click to read the full article]

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7 Fabulous Kid-Friendly Outdoor Urban Adventures by Jennifer Fontaine

Posted on February 25, 2014 Written by Linda McGurk 17 Comments

7 Fabulous Kid-Friendly Outdoor Urban Adventures. Rain or Shine Mamma

When it comes to getting kids outdoors in the rural Midwest, I'm rarely short on ideas or know-how. But how do you explore nature with children if you live in a big city? Since I haven't lived in a metropolitan area after having children, I asked Los … [Click to read the full article]

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Creating a Nature Table: Nuts and Seeds

Posted on February 20, 2014 Written by Linda McGurk 12 Comments

Our First Nature Table: Nuts and Seeds. Rain or Shine Mamma

Nature tables are staples of many Montessori and Waldorf classrooms, and provide an opportunity for children to connect with nature, the seasons and the world around them. I just recently became familiar with the concept myself, and I'm excited to be … [Click to read the full article]

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Rockin’ Homemade Valentines for Kids

Posted on February 12, 2014 Written by Linda McGurk Leave a Comment

Make a Rockin' Valentine - Rain or Shine Mamma

These homemade valentines are unique and easy to make - plus they bring a little bit of authenticity and nature into an otherwise pretty commercialized holiday. Besides the rocks, which I found at a local shop, I had all the materials on hand. If you … [Click to read the full article]

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5 Olympics-Inspired Backyard Games

Posted on February 6, 2014 Written by Linda McGurk 20 Comments

You don't need to be an avid Olympics enthusiast to have a great time with these simple winter backyard games. Aside from being fun, a backyard Olympic Games session will give your kids a good workout and a chance to practice gross motor skills, … [Click to read the full article]