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.
🍂 Clusters of leaves or grasses in trees are called a drey. See what they look like
here.
💃🏽 Move like squirrels!
👂🏽 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!
