Connecticut Audubon Society

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Sharing a Sense of Wonder
By Jennifer Kittredge, Education Director, Birdcraft Museum
If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder…
he needs to have the companionship of at least one adult, who can share it,
rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.
Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder

As we think back to our earliest and fondest memories of childhood, most of us recall a special trip to the seashore, picnic in the park or walk in the woods that has stayed with us through the years. At one time or another in our lives, nature touched us in some personal and special way. As I recall my own childhood experiences in the natural world, two key factors are always present. There is something exciting and wonderful which I wanted to explore and there is an adult who shares the experience with me or encourages me to discover, get dirty and have fun.

Children possess certain treasures that must be carefully nurtured. They have vast reserves of care and compassion for fellow creatures and a deep sense of curiosity about the world around them. The development of a child’s environmental awareness is not a task that is theirs alone. Instead, as Rachel Carson has told us, it is a joint adventure in which experiences with trusted adults are necessary for developing a deep and lasting compassion for the earth. Sharing a sense of wonder with a child is the greatest gift which can be given or received. This sharing relationship is essential for children as they begin to find a place in the world.

A young child may not be able to do much about environmental issues such as pollution, global warming and deforestation. However, they can be guided to find wonder in the daily activities of nature. These experiences do not have to take place only in wilderness settings but rather should take place with common things which can be found right in our own backyards. A robin pulling up a fat worm for lunch, an ant carrying a cookie crumb twice its size or even the family pet playing in the yard are perfect learning opportunities and chances for us to discover something new about the world and about ourselves. By cultivating a sense of wonder, being aware of environmental issues and actively working to save the earth, caring adults can provide children with tools and models that will help them to grow into young adults who can and will be aware of environmental issues and actively do something about them.

Suggested Nature-related activities to share with a child:

Go on a "senses" scavenger hunt- discover new things to see, touch, smell and hear in nature.
Put up a wild bird feeding station in your backyard and keep a family journal of your observations.
Take a rainy, windy or snowy day nature walk and discover your backyard in a whole new way.
Take an environmental education class with your child at one of the Connecticut Audubon Centers and learn more about the world around you.