Ohlone, Abalone, and Noiseless Jumping

For Riley's unit in school, they are studying the Native Americans in this area; they recently went on a field trip to the Santa Lucia Preserve. I love that whatever the boys are learning, we also learn because they come home, chattering excitedly about different things.

Abalone Shell Closeup. Photo by Riley.

On our hike through Point Lobos this weekend, Riley found pieces of abalone shell in a midden. I never knew that 'ohlone' means abalone. Makes sense since that was their main source of food.

Then he demonstrated - and made us all try - to jump loudly and jump noiselessly. Landing with two feet at the same time = loud jumping. Landing with your feet staggered = noiseless jumping. Again, that makes sense; when you are hunting, you don't want to alert your prey.

It's been a long time since I was in 4th grade, but I love learning, or relearning, this stuff with my kids.