Brumation: God’s Naturally Amazing Design
by Katy Bosch, ZCS Nature-Rich Teacher
Nature-based learning is:
- Learning in nature
- Learning about nature
- Learning with nature
This week, we had an opportunity to learn with nature when we discovered one of our toads on the playscape in the early, cooler morning. Students were marveling at their toad friend, wondering:
"Is it alive?"
"Is it breathing?"
"I wonder if it's okay!"
"His eyes look closed, like he's sleeping."
"Maybe it is sleeping."
Their curiosity was sparked and it led to our discovery of brumation.
Brumation is a natural, hibernation-like state that many reptiles and amphibians enter during winter. Their heart rate and breathing slow down, their metabolism changes, and they show signs of decreased activity. We read a book together called, Do Frogs Drink Hot Chocolate? How Animals Keep Warm describes frogs turning into "frogsicles"!
What a wonderful opportunity to observe the toad in its frozen-like state of brumation in the morning, to discover it warming up in the afternoon sun! We saw firsthand God's care and intentionality in the way that He designed our toad friend! We witnessed His faithfulness from the cool morning to the afternoon sun! Wow, God!
The more that I observe and study nature, the more convinced I am that creation often obeys God better than we do. Scripture tells us that God values rest and has created rest for our provision. I often struggle to relate to God's pattern of rest or appreciate it as a gift. In Genesis, God shows us that He enjoys taking time to stop and delight in all He has made. Praising Him for the gift of His creation and child-led learning. Faith like a child.
Discover Zeeland Christian School
At Zeeland Christian School, we believe every child is created in the image of God and called to Burn Bright His light in the world. Serving children from three years old through 8th grade, ZCS is a vibrant community where faith and learning come alive through innovative programs and deep relationships.
We offer three dynamic educational tracks—our English program, the only 100% Christian Mandarin Immersion program in the Midwest (4s–8th grade), and Michigan’s largest and most established Christian Spanish Immersion program (3s–8th grade).
Our community is beautifully diverse, with faculty representing 12 countries, and our Inclusion program—one of the oldest in North America— ensures that every child, regardless of ability, is valued, celebrated, and loved as a child of God.
Come experience what makes ZCS extraordinary. Schedule a tour and see how Relentles Curiosity, Deep Joy, and Faithfully All-In intersect every day at Zeeland Christian School.
Schedule a Visit: Contact Natalia McGowen at nmcgowen@zcs.org or visit www.zcs.org/explore.