β€œThis is my home!”
This is my home!
This is my home!”
 
Three-year-old Ella lay in a sled, interpreting the sounds she heard from the trees. Listen to it here.  It came from the Red Squirrels leaping from tree to tree, chasing one another up and down. The rattle cry was a declaration that let everyone know this area belonged to that squirrel and to stay away. Ella translated this rattle scream into English as she watched the squirrel acrobatics in the trees.
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At this moment, Ella was learning the language of squirrels and building a connection with a creature very different from herself. In her way, she recognized that this place where she loved to play and felt at home was a place she shared with the squirrels.
 
Squirrels are everywhere. You can see this rodent in your community, whether you live in a rural or urban area. They are furry neighbours with whom we share the Land, and they are an accessible way to support connection and observation of the natural world with the children you work with.
 
There are 14 different types of squirrels in Alberta, but you are most likely to see the Eastern Grey Squirrel (they can be gray or black) or the Red Squirrel. 
 
Here are some ideas on how you can experience this neighbourhood animal with children:
 
🐾 Look at prints in fresh snow going from tree to tree. See what they look like here.
 
🌲 Find piles of cones whole or chewed up usually under spruce or pine trees called a midden. See what they can look like here.
 
πŸ‚ Clusters of leaves or grasses in trees are called a drey. See what they look like here.
 
πŸ’ƒπŸ½ Move like squirrels!
 
πŸ‘‚πŸ½ Listen to sounds squirrels make like this rattle and see if you can hear it outside.
 
Do you have any experience with squirrels? What do the children notice? I would love to know. Reply to this email and let me know!
 
p.s. Want to grow your connection to nature and learn how to nurture this with young children? Join us May 2-4 in Calgary for our third annual Outdoor Play in the Early Years Conference https://getoutsideandplay.ca/conference2025/.
 
8520 47 Ave. NW
Calgary, AB T3B 1Z9, Canada