All Things Bayou Pigeon: Not all learning is the 3 r’s… … Just as valuable is the Outdoor classroom

Kids are learning machines...Teach Them About The Wild Atchafalaya

Mother Nature is the best teacher and getting kids outside to learn and play is good for their brains and their bodies.

Survey data says that the impact of changing lifestyles, urbanization and the commercialization of children’s activities, that children today are spending nearly 8 hours a day using some form of electronic entertainment media. Only 6 percent of children ages 9-13 play outside on their own.

This was not a problem when I was raising my children, ie., smart phones and the internet did not exist as it does today

We are at risk of losing an entire generation’s appreciation for how nature and the outdoors works. When I say outdoor skill I am talking hunting and fishing, and a variety of wildlife related activities.

I believe being in the outdoors is critical to developing observation skills, building confidence and problem solving. Hunting and fishing are a part of the Atchafalaya and Bayou Pigeon heritage.

I am determined that I am going to teach my grandchildren… about the Heritage of the Atchafalaya, their Grandparents heritage...

Besides I have always been happier when I am in the woods…

Also , I am concerned that outdoor activities and natural heritage being taught in the school classroom, is biased against Hunting and focuses on environmental activism and political correctness.

Ms. Patricia Settoon of Bayou Pigeon, certified teacher, copy editor of the Bayou Pigeon book is constantly reminding me... a good teacher challenges, inspires, encourages, is patient, avoids bad mannerisms, speaks clearly and distinctly, uses plain spoken language.

With that advice in mind...

Enjoy this little outing on the 'Spirit of the Atchafalaya' from May 28, 2018...

Paw- paws Chasseur Cocodrie boat

The students, Brody Rivet and Brady LeGrange

1st Lesson

Our Lady of the Atchafalaya - Little Bayou Pigeon - Big Bayou Pigeon Confluence

Honor ... Our Lady Queen of Peace and Patron of Bayou Pigeon...Guide us from unseen underwater logs, stumps, and pilings. Keep the waters clean so Gods creatures can swim, fly and jump. Bless us all who view fish and hunt in these waters.

2 nd lesson - A stop at the The Tree of Knowledge...

The most famous cypress tree on Little Bayou Pigeon

3 rd lesson - Catching Catfish during Spawning period

Brady taking his turn...

Brody taking his turn

Our catch... nice channel cats

Lagniappe...the boys get to meet a real deal,

full time commercial fisherman Mr. Stud Gros and his helper of Pierre Part, La.

Channel Cats and Buffalo Carp

Lesson 5 - Elephant ear leaves and blooms...make good umbrellas and flowers for mama

Lesson 6 ... At the houseboat...What's that ?

Learning about old fashioned shallow well pitcher pump...

Lesson 7 Living museum ... visiting a prehistoric Indian shell midden ... They found the Atchafalaya before it was discovered ... Finding a 1000 year pottery shard ...