Theme Learning
"You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives."
~Clay P. Bedford
~Clay P. Bedford
Desert Activities
Hiking
South Mountain
During the cooler months, our family loves to hike. The kids love to explore the desert. They love to get in the dirt and the rocks and look at the cacti, trees, and wildlife that are unique to the desert. We have seen snakes and other wildlife. When we read books that refer to these things, they already have a connection to them.
Desert Scavenger Hunt.
We had a fun time hiking with a forest ranger on one hiking trip last year. She pointed out all sorts of things including certain animal holes, scat, trees and plants, and animals. I think it was in the McDowell Mountains.
Lake Pleasant
Lake Pleasant, Peoria, AZ
There is all sorts of desert wildlife at Lake Pleasant. At the Visitor Center, you can see a live snake and other small critters in cages, of course. If you keep your eyes open, and you're out there long enough, you might see scorpions, lizards, various birds, rabbits, squirrels, snakes, and other wildlife, as well as all the natural desert landscaping.
Books
Cactus Hotel, Brenda Z. Guiberson
Way Out in the Desert, Jennifer Ward and T.J. Marsh
Life in a Desert, Stuart A. Kallen
A Walk in the Desert, Rebecca L. Johnson
Good Night, Arizona, Adam Gamble
The Three Little Javelinas, Susan Lowell
Josephina Javelina, Susan Lowell
Way Out in the Desert, Jennifer Ward and T.J. Marsh
Life in a Desert, Stuart A. Kallen
A Walk in the Desert, Rebecca L. Johnson
Good Night, Arizona, Adam Gamble
The Three Little Javelinas, Susan Lowell
Josephina Javelina, Susan Lowell