Windfallen Apple Pie

Here’s a Pennie Brownlee idea for the Autumn School Holidays:

“You learn to do something by doing it. There is no other way.” John Holt

Make apple pie, feijoa crumble, collect field mushrooms…

These are the real experiences that lead to ‘ecoliteracy’. Real experiences – these are what strengthen children’s relationship with nature – not talking about it. Talking about something is not the real thing. Would you rather talk about an apple pie with just a hint of cinnamon and lashings of whipped cream – or make one and eat it?

No contest there. Go on – make one with your children. You can cheat and buy the pastry – they will still remember making apple pie as the highlight of the week.

The girls and I plan to visit Sydenham Botanic Park to forage for apples, and then skype Nana (aka Florabunda & Cake) for an apple pie recipe.

We may even go to the park with the big circular swingy thing – is it Gordon Carmichael Reserve? There’s a long metal path sashaying through the swampy duck lands down there. Our 3 year old has been documenting our lives with some artistically enviable digital photographs of late. Perhaps I will be able to report back with her snapshots.

Kia Ora Pennie for reminding me of the magic of nature and the vitality of the real experience. You may like to email penniepost@wave.co.nz asking to subscribe to her seasonal newsletters. If you’re a parent, grandparent, educarer or someone that cares about children you’ll probably feast on her words and wisdom.