Our school year begins during the last days of summer here in northern hemisphere, in the Mid-Atlantic state of Maryland. We are tucked in the city, but still close enough to feel the big weather influences of the ocean and mountain regions. As an outdoor teacher, I find myself reading all the versions of the Farmer's Almanac and looking to curled, dried leaves of our urban tree canopy for hints, clues, and outright shouts.

I, personally, rely on those trees to tell me the story of our day. The heat that will envelope us, the breeze that will cool us, and most importantly the light that will point out where we will go and what we can capture.

Since the light has been so lovely, we had to bring out anything that would bend and change the light! Yes, of course! The whole world is our light table.

Next, we see the early falling leaves and seeds to collect and carry. Leaves ARE baskets. Leaves ARE jewelry. Leaves ARE blankets for babies. These leaves are still pliable, their colors have not come in. We can see those high up are curled and stressed. They will tell us something different when they fall. For now, because we are in the now, we do what we can.

I can’t help myself though. This, our fourth year outdoors, has me looking forward to the next season. What will it bring?

I don’t really know — but here it comes!