family – Forage France

29 March 202027 February 2022

Weather Predictions

Micro version of a longer article which can be found here.

Learn how to predict the weather using clouds, you can do this from a window or garden. have a go and see if you’re right!

Cirrus – is the most common high altitude cloud it is a sign of fair and pleasant weather to come.
Cirrostratus – A thin sheet like cloud that can cover the entire sky. It can be used to predict rain or snow if it’s cold enough within the next 12 – 24 hours.
Cirrocumulus – This cloud like the cirrostratus is a layer but differs because of its patchy appearance. When you see this cloud, it means that the weather is stable for now however it could be a prelude to stormy skies. If this cloud does precipitate it is rare that the droplets will reach the surface.
Altostratus – Forms ahead of a warm or occluded front. A warm front means light rain or snow and an occluded front is where a cold front and warm front have caught up with each other, joined together, which can cause strong winds and heavy rain. As the front passes Altostratus deepens and becomes Nimbostratus. Seeing this cloud can be an indicator that the weather is going to change for the worse.
Altocumulus – This cloud brings settled weather. If it does produce rain it is unlikely that the rain will reach the surface.
Stratus – If the weather is warmer it brings rain if it’s colder then it will bring snow. A low level grey blanket cloud that can sometimes be seen as fog.
Stratocumulus – Rarely produces rain. This cloud is usually seen at the tail end of bad weather, however can be a prelude to worse weather approaching.
Nimbostratus – Dark, low uniformly grey clouds. Widespread light to moderate precipitation. If you can see this one it’s probably already raining.
Cumulus – Fair weather cloud. A rounded top and a flat bottom this cloud means that it’s all going to be ok. However, this cloud can sometimes develop into Cumulonimbus which means you should probably think about heading indoors.
Cumulonimbus – Towering bad weather cloud with extreme weather, torrential rain, hail, lightning, but short lived so it’s not all that bad…

Using clouds to predict the weather is such an accessible activity to all people, you can even stay indoors or in your office if you like. Look out of the window, decide what type of cloud it is and see if your weather prediction comes true.

Have fun!

27 March 202027 February 2022

Sound Mapping

We can often hear animals before we see them. A good way to know if animals are around is to listen for their calls and the sounds of their movements. Go to the place where you think you’ll be able to hear the greatest variety of animal sounds. then close your eyes and listen with a deep attention for sounds such as…

The drumming of a woodpecker… the buzzing of a fly… Wind rushing through the treetops… Water cascading down a water pipe.. an unknown bird calling from far away…

Using a sheet of paper place an X in the centre of the paper to show where you are sitting. then, for each sound you hear, draw a mark on the map that shows how far away the sound is and the direction. See if you can draw marks that look like the sounds.

you can use a paper cup with the bottom cut out to enhance the sounds that you are listening to.

You need to spend a good 10 minutes to make a good sound map.

How many sounds did you hear?

What animals did you hear?

Describe the animal sounds you could not identify.

Most of all, as usual, have fun!

27 March 202027 February 2022

Lady Bird Hunt

You can make the ladybirds (or other animals of your choice) out of anything really, i used rounds of wood, but you can use pebbles, paper, card or print them off if your not feeling creative. Ladybirds are good as you can add some maths to the mix, one spot, two spots etc. you can use them for number bonds etc. I have added numbers on the reverse to reinforce meaning.

I like to hide them around the house and garden and go on a lady bird hunt. you can dress up for the occasion as explorers or adventurers. Kit you little one out with a magnifying glass and a basket to collect them in. The aim is to find them all, preferably in order.

you can simplify, by hiding other items like teddys and cars, whatever you child is into.

Most of all have fun.

26 March 202027 February 2022

Poetry of Nature

Writing a poem is another way to become more aware of nature. choose a favorite place to sit for a few minutes watching and enjoying. Notice how each sound, movement, texture and colour is different. Feel the special quality that each thing expresses. if you see a darting swift-moving flock of birds feel in your heart the joy of their flight. if you see a tree swaying in a light breeze, feel it’s strength and gracefulness. Try one of the following forms of poetry, or any other style you like

Verticle Poem

Choose a word that captures the feeling of the place you’ve chosen. Then use each letter of the word to begin a line of your poem. While walking on Mount Subasio near Assisi, Italy, I wrote a poem to the word ‘Spring’ the flower covered hillsides expressed a feeling of excitement as the shadows of the clouds raced over them.

S un-made cloud shadows

P laced on the earth

R unning across its surface

I n and out of the sun i sit

N ot long does the cloud’s twin stay

G oing, going on its way.

Haiku

Japanese Haiku is a form of poetry with only three lines. The first line contains five syllables the second has seven and the third has five again. Look for the syllables in the Haiku poem below.

In the sudden burst

Of summer rain… wind-blown birds

Clutching at grasses

Also, in Haiku poetry, the first two lines describe the scene and the third line expresses surprise or discovery. The two poems below are by Basho, A famous master of Haiku.

An old silent pond
Into the pond a frog jumps,
Splash! silence again.
Basho

My eyes following
Until a bird was lost at sea,
Found a small island.
Basho

Check out one of my favorite modern poets John Cooper Clarke and have fun writing poetry. feel free to share some you have created!