GIGGLEMOOSE NEWS -- NOVEMBER 2001 -- Greetings,
nature lovers!
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CONTENTS:
Autumn Joy
Answers R Us
Speaking of Trees . . .
Mr. & Mrs. Deer, Your Table Is Ready
Saving the Oldest Animals
Better Than Bread Crumbs
From the Moose Man's Office
Links You'll Love
A Final Autumn Thought
We Need You!
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1. AUTUMN JOY
The annual change from summer to fall is always unpredictable here in New Hampshire. During the beginning of October we saw snow flurries. Then November greeted us with temperatures in the 70s. Go figure. Anyway, fall also ushers in the return to school. Whether you're teaching in a classroom or at home, this seasonal transition opens the door to countless educational (and fun!) opportunities. To prove our point, we're highlighting some new articles that are particularly relevant at this time of year. Read on . . .
2. ANSWERS R US
In our never-ending quest to answer all questions nature-related, we provide another insightful response to a visitor's fascinating query: "What function does sap provide to a tree?" Read our explanation by going to http://www.gigglemoose.com/feature_question.htm
3. SPEAKING OF TREES . . .
Do you know what your state tree is? Do your kids? With the help of the National Arbor Day Foundation, we provide a complete listing at http://www.gigglemoose.com/artcl-statetrees.htm Is it the Longleaf Pine? Perhaps the White Oak? Maybe the Southern Magnolia?
4. MR. & MRS. DEER, YOUR TABLE IS READY
Would you like to attract wildlife to your back yard or school grounds? The secret is food, and a variety of plants will attract a variety of animals. Discover who eats what so you can plan the perfect outdoor menu at http://www.gigglemoose.com/artcl-wildlifefood.htm
5. SAVING THE OLDEST ANIMALS
They've been around for about 220 million years, and they've remained virtually unchanged . . . and now they need YOUR help. Find out why at http://www.gigglemoose.com/artcl-savingturtles.htm
6. BETTER THAN BREAD CRUMBS
Fall is an excellent time of year for hiking. The weather is cooler and the diminished foliage reveals areas previously unseen. But before you take that hike, study up on basic compass use at http://www.gigglemoose.com/artcl-compassbasics.htm
7. FROM THE MOOSE MAN'S LIBRARY
Many of our nature-loving friends request recommendations for good environmental education resources. Here's another one of the Moose Man's personal favorites:
Recently, while corresponding with one of our trusted product vendors (a true family business), we discovered that their grown daughter (now a teacher) has written and illustrated a gem of a book titled "My Nature Journal." You hear the phrase "truly unique" applied to so many books that it begins to lose its meaning. But I don't hesitate to use that description for this interactive, creative, and downright fun journal. It offers a complementary blend of exploration, discovery, and reflective activities that help children understand and appreciate the natural world. The journal is their guide as they explore the natural world around them (recording and drawing), learn how nature works (basic ecological concepts are introduced through hands-on journal activities), and spend quiet time appreciating nature (writing their thoughts and feelings). Your kids will hone essential skills for listening, observation, and writing as they explore five natural worlds: woodlands (trees, leaves, decomposers, mammals, animal tracks); meadows (flowers, seed dispersal, insects, butterflies & moths, spiders, reptiles); seashores (seashore treasures, tidepools, rocks to sand); twilight (nocturnal animals, bats, origin story, sunrise & sunset, moon phases, constellations); and ponds & streams (amphibians, aquatic insects, adaptations, birds, poems). Detailed 2-color illustrations provide added interest! To learn more about this little-known treasure, or to purchase it online, go to http://www.giglemoose.com/paj45915.htm
8. LINKS YOU'LL LOVE
"Gorp" is a great substitute when you run out of commercially prepared suet blocks. Mix one part each of peanut butter, flour, and vegetable shortening with four parts cornmeal. Add some sunflower seed, raisins, or nuts, and pack it into a suet holder. You can find more bird treats and information about our feathered friends by visiting the Web site of the National Bird-Feeding Society at http://www.birdfeeding.org They also have sketches of 15 common backyard birds that can be downloaded for FREE. These pictures are perfect for coloring, making into puzzles and mobiles, etc. Gigglemoose is a proud supporter of the National Bird-Feeding Society.
9. A FINAL AUTUMN THOUGHT
What do you like best about fall? Going back to school? The leaves changing color? Picking apples? Carving pumpkins? The cooler weather? Cast your vote in the newest Gigglemoose Nature Poll. You'll find it on our home page at http://www.gigglemoose.com
10. WE NEED YOU!
A final request: if you know anyone who would
enjoy seeing this newsletter and learning about our Web site, please feel free
to forward it to them. Your continued assistance in spreading the word about
Gigglemoose.com not only brings new voices into our interactive experience, it
helps keep us around! :)
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indicated.
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