The book Henry Builds A Cabin is a child’s story about the adventures Henry David Thoreau had while building his cabin in the woods. After reading the book to my elementary school class, I asked how many of them enjoy spending time in nature:
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“Do you like to eat dinner outside by the garden like Henry?”
“Do you like to read books outdoors like Henry?”
“Wouldn’t it be so fun to dance down by the pond like Henry?”
Heads began to nod and hands flew into the air as the children began recounting the fun memories they’d had spending time in the great outdoors: eating, reading, and playing.
That weekend, reflecting on the conversation my students and I had had about spending as much time as possible outdoors, I made the spontaneous decision to eat my lunch in the backyard by the garden, and to read a book out on the grass, with the sun shining down on me. I even did a few twirls on the lawn in celebration of the beautiful weather.
Henry Builds A Cabin reminded me of Thoreau’s inspiring experiences with nature and, after a weekend of my own spent in the great outdoors, I’m grateful for that.
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Art Credit:
Home in the Woods
Thomas Cole
Salt Leaven and Light 
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