Isaiah's World:

Lightning Bugs

July 5, 2006

One of the many things that I love about being a parent is watching Isaiah enjoying some of the same things I enjoyed as a child. One of my favorite summertime activities as a young child was catching ligntning bugs. Since I moved to the Chicago area, I do not recall ever seeing lightning bugs. Maybe I just have not been paying attention. Maybe it is because my first several years in Illinois were spent living in the city. But even out in the suburbs, I do not remember ever seeing any-- until this weekend.

Harold enrolled Isaiah in a "Firefly" class. It took place out in one of the Park District parks. During the first part of the class, the instructor, who is a Naturalist, gave us a fairly detailed lesson on fireflies. The discussion was a little long-- we were all anxious to go out and catch fireflies-- but it was very informative.

Finally we all grabbed out flashlights and "bug boxes" and scattered to catch lightning bugs. The park was full of them. I think I had as much fun as Isaiah catching lightning bugs and putting them in the bug box. Isaiah is really into bugs these days, so this activity was an extra special treat for him.

The next day we went to the library and checked out several books about fireflies. Isaiah likes reading the books. But he really just wants to go back outside and catch more fireflies.

Stacey
editor@celebratingchildren.com