Teaching your children the Sanibel way

There are many ways to teach and many ways to learn.

Formal classroom instruction and books are clearly the most traditional.

But discovery, exploration and learning from example may be the most meaningful.

That discovery and exploration can be structured, and organizations like C.R.O.W., Ding Darling, Bailey's Shell Museum, Sanibel Sea School and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) are wonderful and well ordered jumping off points to learn about the nature on Sanibel.

In discussing the value of a Sanibel Island vacation with rental guests,however, it is obvious to us that one of the greatest advantages for a family is the ability to do low key teaching and learning.   

Pointing out the animals and birds that inhabit Sanibel to your child is a starting point, but only a starting point.  Knowing the names of the animals and birds helps to distinguish one from another.  Knowing the special features of same, creates a greater hook to learning AND remembering.

The parent who knows more, is able to share more and create a greater value for the child.  The egret with the "spiked" head feathers is not just showing off, he is creating his most attractive visage for the egret he is courting.  Another, not quite so visible sign of courtsmanship,  is that the yellow markings on the beak of the egret are red during breeding season.

Each bird, reptile and mammal on Sanibel has unique characteristics, and the more you know, the more you share, and the better the child remembers.

But the greatest learning lesson to be found on the Island, is not necessarily the specifics of any particular non human resident, it is the Island philosophy.  Simply summed up, the take away is that animals are to be treated with compassion and respect.  All the signs on the Island point to this lesson.

We ask that cars slow down, that live shells be left on the beaches, that animals and birds not be fed and we have mandated a no-street light restriction so that baby turtles can find their way to the water and not get distracted.

Our signs are in several languages so that everyone , no matter where they are from, gets the same message. And the message is slow down, take care, love our wildlife but leave it alone.

If adults and children understand that the beauty of nature is a treasure we should all cherish, our lesson is one well delivered and well received.