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Embracing Place-Based Learning: Where Education Meets the World

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  In a world where information is increasingly accessible at our fingertips, traditional classroom-based learning is evolving. Place-based learning is an innovative educational approach that seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world experiences.   One of the primary strengths of place-based learning lies in its ability to move beyond the traditional confines of a classroom. Instead of just memorizing facts and concepts, students are encouraged to venture outdoors, conduct experiments, making observations, and experience topics they have read about and learned about. This hands-on, experiential learning cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep appreciation for the world around them.   My sons and I recently did a unit on frogs. We learned about their adaptations, life cycles, native vs. invasive species, and their importance to the ecosystem. We chose Frog Lake as one of our outdoor classrooms.   Frog Lake in the Mount Hood Wilderness p
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Navigating the Wilderness: Understanding Typical Hiking Risks

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Are you ready to check out a new adventure? Before you go, it is important to be prepared. Hiking is not without its risks. When you are adventuring with young children it is especially important to prepare for any situations that may arise on the trail. Lets cover 5 basic adventure risk factors and how to avoid them: 1. Inclement Weather Mother Nature can be unpredictable, and weather conditions can change rapidly in mountainous regions or dense forests. Hikers may encounter sudden rainstorms, high winds, or even snowfall, which can lead to hypothermia, reduced visibility, or treacherous trail conditions.    How to avoid risk:  Stay informed about the weather forecast Dress in layers Pack essential rain gear  2. Physical Injuries Hiking often involves traversing uneven terrain, steep slopes, and potentially slippery surfaces. Falls, sprains, and strains are common risks faced by hikers. Always carry a first aid kit in your backpack!   How to avoid risk: Wear sturdy and appropriate foo
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Rucking: Combining Fitness with Adventure

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      As a parent, finding time to exercise can be a challenge. Between taking care of your kids, cooking meals, cleaning, teaching lessons if you homeschool, playing, setting up art/science projects, and working, it can feel like there's no time left in the day for yourself. But what if I told you there was a workout that you could do while spending time with your kids?  That's right, I’m talking about rucking.     Rucking is a workout that involves walking with a weighted backpack. In fact, rucking is used by the military to increase soldiers’ strength and endurance. Don’t let that intimidate you, though! Rucking is a low-impact exercise that's perfect for people who want to get in shape but don't have a lot of extra time to go to a gym or stay on a consistent workout routine.     Did you know research shows that you burn 40-50% more calories if you add weight to a brisk walk? If the weight in your ruck happens to be a child, the weight will naturally increase over ti
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The Importance of Free Play

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       As a child, do you remember how much fun you had playing outside, building forts, and creating your own imaginary worlds? It turns out that unstructured play - the kind of play that doesn't have a set goal or rules - is not only fun but also crucial for a child's development.      Unstructured play allows children to use their imagination and creativity. When they're given the freedom to play without specific rules or guidelines, they're forced to use their imagination to come up with new ideas and solutions to problems. This kind of play encourages children to think outside the box and find creative solutions, which can benefit them later in life as they face challenges.      Unstructured play also helps children develop social skills. When they're playing with other children, they have to learn to communicate, negotiate, and compromise. They learn how to take turns, share, and work together to achieve a common goal. These skills are essential for building s
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It All Goes Back In The Box

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        Many years ago before I had a family of my own I heard an analogy for life that resonated with my own philosophy. The basic idea was that no matter how well you played a game (chess, checkers, parcheesi) at the end of the game all the cards or tokens you acquired went back into the box. It’s very similar to the “you don’t take it with you” adage.       I spent many years honing my MMA skills to become a skilled fighter. After a winning record and dipping my toes into the professional fighting world, I retired with an injury and a child on the way. My conquests were short lived and only memorialized in a few medals collecting dust on the shelves or a belt hanging in a gym that sees a new generation of athletes.       The last five years of my life have been dedicated to raising my three young sons.  Without family living nearby, I spend the majority of my time with my young boys.  Although some days it feels overwhelming due to the natural demands of young children, I remind mys
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We’re Going to a Ghost Forest

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 It’s still over a month until Halloween but my kids are already obsessed with ghosts, skeletons, and other creepy things. My house sounds like a haunted house from morning until dusk. This inspired me to finally plan a trip to a place that has been on my bucket list for a while: the Neskowin Ghost Forest. At low tide, the stumps of old trees are visible. The Neskowin Ghost Forest is the remnants of a Sitka spruce forest on the Oregon Coast. The stumps were likely created when an earthquake of the Cascadia subduction zone abruptly lowered the trees, that were then covered by mud from landslides or debris from a tsunami. Many of the stumps are over 2,000 years old.  Note: I followed google maps and the directions said to turn on Beach lane. That road is now gated and privatized for a new housing development. The only way to access the ghost forest now is to park at the public beach entrance and Wade across the bay.  Definitely worth a visit! The boys discovered crabs, starfish, and othe
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