It's a common symptom of winter at our house -- by the time we've finished the day's work, school, errands and chores, it seems we've run out of daylight to play in.

This morning, the kids and I had planned to get outside before dark. It's now well past sunset. But while we may not be able to play, we can still explore!

Ready for the cold in our coats, caps and gloves, we step out into the chilly evening air. Our breath turns to mist before our eyes and we take turns sending plumes into the night. We laugh out loud, puffing and pretending that we are steam engines. Volcanoes. Sleeping dragons.

The silvery moon floats above the trees and houses in our neighborhood. Our eyes adjust to the darkness. The sky is crisp and clear and full of stars.

We face south, where three bright stars in a perfect little row can't be missed. They form the belt of Orion, the hunter, the brightest constellation in the winter sky. Together we trace the rest of this figure and I can't help but smile. When I was a girl, my grandfather taught me to find these stars. And, like loyal friends, they are here to meet us again tonight.

"Mom, what's that star?"

The kids are pointing to a brilliant star to the left of Orion, slightly lower in the sky. "That's Sirius," I recall. "It's called the dog star -- it's one of Orion's hunting dogs. I think my grandpa once told me that it's the brightest star in the sky. Let's see if we can find any that look brighter."

Sure enough, we can't. But we find a ring of bright stars that seems to circle Orion -- some colored like jewels with hints of orange, yellow or blue. We agree to look them up later in our star book, to learn their names and the constellations they call home.

Before we head back to the warmth of our home, we remember this old rhyme and say it aloud together:

Star light, star bright
First star I see tonight
I wish I may, I wish I might
Have the wish I wish tonight

On this evening, it seems we have plenty to choose from.

© National Wildlife Federation. All Rights Reserved.

GREEN HOUR™ is a program of the National Wildlife Federation - www.greenhour.org

The author and illustrator H.A. Rey is best known as the creator of Curious George, one of the most endearing characters in children's books.

Perhaps not as well-known, but every bit as enduring, are Rey's Find the Constellations and The Stars: A New Way To See Them . Simply by reconnecting the stars of each constellation into meaningful, retraceable shapes, Rey revolutionized the way we look at the night sky. These charming volumes make stargazing fun and accessible, and are the perfect introduction to astronomy for kids -- and for kids at heart as well. Highly recommended!

CONNECT THE DOTS

Tracing the constellations in the night sky is a grand game of "connect the dots". But even when you can't get outside, you still can have fun finding them!

Refer to a star guide and sketch the stars of your favorite constellations on a sheet of paper. Using your book, trace their shapes with your child. See if you can remember and find the constellations on your sheet without looking at the book.

You can also make your own constellations! Cover a sheet of paper with a random assortment of dots. See what shapes you and your child can find among the "stars" on the paper. Don't forget to give names to your constellations!

KEEP A MOON JOURNAL

Introduce your child to the phases of the moon.

What You Need:

What You Do:

1. Each evening, go outside with your child and try to find the moon in the sky.

2. Use the coin or lid to trace a circle in your notebook for each day. In the circle, sketch the shape of the moon as you observe it.

3. For each observation, record the date, time, and -- if you know it -- the direction. If weather conditions keep you from observing the moon, make note of that, too.

4. Over the course of one month, make as many observations as you can.

A lunar month is the time between phases of the moon (ie., from one full moon to the next full moon). Based on your observations, how many days long is a lunar month? What do you notice about the time and direction you recorded in your first and last observations?

Helpful Hints:

The moon follows the same approximate path across the sky as the sun but it may rise very early or very late, depending upon its current phase. Remember, too, that during the "new moon" phase, there will be no visible moon in the sky.

Orion and its neighbors make up the most impressive group of constellations visible in the Northern Hemisphere's skies.

Seven of the 21 brightest stars (and, of these, five of the 11 brightest) can be found in this section of sky. Six of them -- including Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky -- form a great ring around the seventh: Betelgeuse, the reddish giant star which marks Orion's shoulder.

Among Orion's immediate neighbors are Gemini and Taurus. Gemini's brightest stars are the twins, Pollux and Castor. And, besides the bright orange star, Aldebaran, Taurus offers one of the winter sky's most charming sites. The Pleiades -- also known as the Seven Sisters -- are a shimmering little cluster of stars, well worth a look in binoculars or field glasses.

Both Gemini and Taurus are constellations of the Zodiac. Because the apparent path of the sun, moon and planets lies within the Zodiac, it's not uncommon to see one or more planets in this already brilliant section of sky!

If you think you've spotted a planet, remember one easy way to tell the difference: stars will twinkle or shimmer, while planets will shine with a steady, even light.

Exploring and enjoying the outdoors with your child is a wonderful way to spend time together. Ready to get started? The information and ideas collected here will help you find the best ways to make Green Hour work for you.

> Focus on Fun
> Engage Your Curiosity
> Model Active Participation
> Discover Together
> Guide the Exploration
> Stay Flexible
> Adapt for Age
> Adjust for Learning Styles
> Be Prepared
> Tame the Dangers
> Celebrate the Benefits

Focus on Fun

First and foremost, spending time outside should be fun -- for you and for your child. Are you looking at it as one more chore on a to-do list that's already too long, or one more duty you must fulfill to be a good parent? Don't! This is a chance to take a break from chores, duties, schedules, and stress. Give yourself permission just to play... and the many benefits of Green Hour will follow. (TOP)

Engage Your Curiosity

Any time of the day, at any time of the year, something amazing is happening outside your window. Step outside with an attitude of wonder and you'll find it. Begin by exploring with each of your senses. Encourage your child to look closer at a flower or a rock, listen to a bird song, sniff the rich damp earth, touch a fuzzy leaf or a tree's rough bark. Practice delighting in each discovery you make, and your sense of wonder will grow stronger and stronger. (TOP)

Model Active Participation

Twenty years from now, your child may not remember every piano lesson or soccer practice you took them to. But you can bet they'll remember climbing a tree with you! You have tremendous influence as a role model; if you are squeamish about worms or spiders or rain or mud, your child is likely to follow your example. On the other hand, if you're the first one to fall over and make a snow angel or wade bravely into the pond to catch a bug, your child will probably be eager to try it too. (TOP)

Discover Together

You absolutely do NOT need to be a nature expert to successfully enjoy nature with your child! Instead of the teacher with all the answers, be a partner in the game of discovery. You can observe and appreciate plants, birds, and bugs whether or not you know their names. If identification is important to you, take along a field guide or visit the library and look up answers to your questions together. Or make up your own names for the new friends you meet.

• "I don't know what kind of beetle that is. What do you think we should call it?" "It has spots and it runs fast. Let's call it Speedy Spotty Beetle." (TOP)

Guide the Exploration

Maybe you do have names or interesting facts about nature on the tip of your tongue. Knowledge can certainly add depth to your experience, but sometimes it's best to wait until your child asks before imparting it. Instead, notice what interests your child and try asking open-ended questions that will encourage him or her to think more deeply or investigate further.

• "Why do you think that bird has grass in its beak?"
• "Do you hear that sound? Let's see if we can find where it's coming from."
• "You found an animal track! Where do you think the animal was going? Did it have big feet or small ones? Was it walking or hopping? What do your tracks look like when you walk and when you hop?" (TOP)

Stay Flexible

Outdoor exploration doesn't lead down a straight road to a single outcome. Follow whatever path sparks your interest, and if you end up doing something entirely different from the activity you set out to do, that's quite all right. By staying open and flexible, you'll be ready to take advantage of whatever spontaneous "teachable moments" come along. Maybe you'd planned to collect fall leaves, but if an unexpected guest -- a bird, a squirrel, even a deer -- appears and looks right at you, then by all means stop and watch and whisper your wonder to each other! (TOP)

Adapt for Age

You'll want to choose outdoor activities appropriate to the age of your child. Imagine a map with your home in the center. Draw ever-widening circles around it, each representing a successively older child's realm of experience. For the youngest nature explorers, the backyard is the whole world. Keep it simple and fun, focusing on sensory explorations and joyful discovery. As children get older, they'll be ready to explore farther and farther afield. They'll want more strenuous physical challenges and new information to stretch their minds. Whenever possible, encourage some independent exploration as your child develops new skills and greater confidence. (TOP)

Adjust for Learning Styles

"Multiple intelligence theory" lends scientific credibility to something parents have always known: There are many ways to be smart, and every child has a unique set of strengths. You know best how your child learns and can tailor activities to his or her interests and preferences. At the same time, you can encourage your child to stretch his or her abilities by trying new things. The chart below lists the recognized "intelligences" and offers suggestions for activities that make use of each.

(TOP)

Be Prepared

A little advance planning will help to ensure successful adventures. Often you won't need any special equipment, but you and your child might enjoy putting together a backpack of supplies to hang beside the door so that you're ready to head outside at a moment's notice. See the box below for some ideas about items to include.

You might also want to gather up seasonally-appropriate clothing and keep it handy near the door: coats, hats, mittens, boots for winter; rain jacket and mud boots in the spring and fall; sun hat, sunglasses, and sneakers for summer.

Another thing to gather is information about local community resources. Where are the nearby parks and trails? How about nature centers with family-friendly programming? Share this information with teachers or day care providers, too, and let them know how important it is for children to go outside.

(TOP)

Tame the Dangers

Mosquitoes, ticks, poison ivy, frostbite, sunburn... the outdoors might seem scary if you dwell on the dangers. The truth is, there's no reason any of these should keep you inside. Know the facts so nothing gets in the way of your fun!

Bee, Wasp and Insect Stings
Most people have only mild reactions to bee, wasp and insect stings. Those who are allergic to certain venoms can have severe reactions that require emergency treatment. If you know you or your child is allergic, carry a bee sting kit.

Tips to avoid getting stung:

• Wear shoes and long pants and sleeves
• Cover food at picnics.
• Don't swat -- stay calm and move slowly or stand still.

Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac
These three common plants can cause a painful, itchy rash.

Tips for avoiding them:

• Learn to recognize poisonous plants that grow in your region.
• Wear long pants and sleeves.
• If you think you have been exposed, wash the area with warm water. Don't scrub.

West Nile Virus
This virus is spread by mosquitoes and can be transmitted to birds, animals and people. The risk from a single bite is extremely low (less than 1% of people bitten and infected become severely ill). The best way to avoid the virus is to prevent mosquito bites.

Tips to avoid bites:

• Wear long pants and sleeves.
• Apply insect repellant to clothing.
• Regularly change the water in bird baths, pet dishes, flower pots and other objects in your yard that collect water.
• Keep gutters and downspouts clear of wet leaves and standing water.

Snakes
Venomous snakebites are rare, and they are rarely fatal to humans. However, it is wise to learn to recognize the snakes of your region. For any snakebite, seek medical care as soon as possible.

Tips to avoid snakebites:

• Wear boots and loose fitting pants.
• Leave snakes alone.
• Stay on trails and watch where you place your hands and feet.

Bird Flu
Although avian influenza (bird flu) viruses do not usually infect humans, rare cases have been reported. Most cases are thought to have resulted from direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces.

Important things to know about bird flu:

• The most dangerous strain has not been found in wild birds in North America.
• People who feed birds are not at high risk from birds in their yards.

Ticks
Tick bites can spread Lyme disease and other diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever. If you or your child is bitten by a tick, watch for symptoms and seek medical attention if they develop. Most cases can be treated successfully with antibiotics.

Tips to prevent tick-borne diseases:

• Wear long pants and sleeves.
• Tuck pants legs into your socks.
• Apply repellant to clothing.
• Conduct a body check upon return from tick-infested areas.
• Properly remove attached ticks.

Weather Extremes -- Heat
The most serious concern in a hot environment is heat stroke. Heat exhaustion and fainting are less severe, but can also occur.

Tips to prevent a heat-related illness:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Wear appropriate clothing (light colored and loose fitting) and sunscreen.
• In very hot weather, limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• Never leave children or pets in a parked car.

Weather Extremes -- Cold
In very cold temperatures the most serious concern is hypothermia. Frostbite is another serious effect of cold exposure.

Tips to stay safe in cold weather:

• Dress warmly (layers, hat, scarf, mittens, etc).
• Stay dry or get out of wet clothes immediately.

Outdoor Allergies
When allergens such as pollen and mold spores are inhaled, they may cause allergic reactions.

Tips for outdoor allergy relief:

• Be aware of the pollen count and mold spore count.
• Avoid fresh cut grass.
• Upon returning indoors, take a shower and change clothes.

(TOP)

Celebrate the Benefits

The benefits of getting outside with your child far outweigh the risks as long as you use your common sense. You'll enjoy spending time together doing wholesome activities you remember from your own childhood. You'll engage your child's curiosity and sharpen observation skills. You'll foster respect for the natural world. You'll also be healthier for it! Outdoor activities promote physical fitness and well-being, and spending time in a natural setting can reduce stress and improve concentration. So what are you waiting for? Go on out and play! (TOP)

MAGAZINES

• Ranger Rick -- ages 7 & up
• Your Big Backyard -- ages 3-7
• Wild Animal Baby -- ages 1-4

FIND NATURE NEARBY™

• NatureFind™ - Search by Location or Zip Code

BOOKS FOR PARENTS

• Last Child in the Woods
  by Richard Louv
  ISBN:1565125223
  
• Secret Spaces of Childhood
  by Elizabeth N. Goodenough (Editor)
  ISBN: 0472068458
  
• Sharing Nature with Children
  by Joseph Cornell
  ISBN: 0916124142
  
• Children and Nature: Psychological, Sociocultural, and Evolutionary Investigations
  by Peter H., Jr. Kahn (Editor)
  & Stephen R. Kellert (Editor)
  ISBN: 0262611759
  
• The Sense of Wonder
  by Rachel Carson
  ISBN: 0060914505
  
• The Geography of Childhood
  by Gary Paul Nabhan and Stephen Trimble
  ISBN: 0807085251
  
• Beyond Ecophobia
  by David Sobel
  ISBN: 0913098507
• I Love Dirt!
  by Jennifer Ward
  ISBN: 1590305353

GARDENING

• Attracting Birds, Butterflies and Other Backyard Wildlife
  by David Mizejewski
  ISBN: 1580111505
  
• Roots, Shoots, Buckets, and Boots: Gardening Together with Children
  by Sharon Lovejoy
  ISBN: 0761110569
  
• Noah's Garden: Restoring the Ecology of Our Own Backyards
  by Sara Stein
  ISBN: 0395709407

FIELD GUIDES

• Peterson's First Field Guide Series
  (Over 55 titles covering North America. Published by Houghton Mifflin.)
  
• The Audubon Society Nature Guides
  (Published by Alfred A. Knopf.)
  
• Fun with Nature (Take-Along Guides)
  by Mel Boring et al
  ISBN: 1559717955

RECOMMENDED RETAILERS

Wild Birds Unlimited Help children rediscover the wonder of nature with National Wildlife Federation® (NWF) and Wild Birds Unlimited!

ORGANIZATIONS OF INTEREST

The Children & Nature Network
http://www.cnaturenet.org/

Playing for Keeps
http://www.playingforkeeps.org/

Downloadable resources for parents and caregivers are coming soon!

Taking photos of -- and with -- your child is a great way save and share your outdoor fun. Here are some tried-and-true tips for photographers of all ages.

1. Fit the SHAPE

Think of your camera's viewfinder as a picture frame. Try to match the frame to the shape of your subject.

If you have an up-and-down subject, don't hold the camera in the "normal" way (below left). Turn your camera side-ways to fit the shape of your subject (below right).

2. Get the LIGHT RIGHT

If you shoot toward the sun, your subject may come out too dark (below left).

Shoot with the sun behind you or to the side and the subject will come out just right (below right).

If you shoot in bright, midday sun, your photo may have lots of glare and dark shadows (below left).

Wait for a cloud to come along, or shoot early or late in the day. That will "soften" the glare and shadows for a more pleasing photo (below right).

3. Fill the FRAME

Small things can "disappear" if you shoot from too far away (below left).

"Supersize" your subject by using your camera's zoom or by moving closer (below right).

4. Cut the CLUTTER

Check all parts of your frame before you shoot. Watch for stuff that doesn't belong -- and takes attention away from your subject (below left).

Move your subject (or yourself) or zoom in to get a simpler, uncluttered background (below right).

5. Go LOW

Got a subject at ground level? Aiming down (lower left) might be OK, but . . .

. . . it's usually better to get down on your knees or even your belly and go eye to eye (lower right).

6. Catch the MOMENT

Think you have a good shot lined up? Go ahead and shoot (lower left). But then wait a moment.

With patience, you may turn a good shot into a great one (lower right). Try to catch that magical moment!

- Photographs by J.H. Pete Carmichael