Charlotte Mason homeschooling encompasses everything that is wonderful about homeschooling. Gentle lessons in a literature-rich environment, short lessons that focus on real-life with plenty of opportunity to explore the world indoors and out. And, these are just a few of the reasons I love this style of homeschooling! In these articles, my goal is to share the wonder, joy and creativity of the Charlotte Mason style, while giving you plenty of ideas and practical advice for implementing it in your own home. Enjoy!
Why does a watermelon have a thick rind while a grape has only a thin skin? In this watermelon nature study podcast episode, kids will discover why fruits have different kinds of coverings and how those coverings help them survive as they grow. We’ll explore how watermelons protect their watery interiors, how orange peels help…
Have you ever watched a dragonfly dart across a pond and wondered how anything so small can move so quickly? In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, we investigate insect speed by comparing some of the fastest bugs on Earth, including tiger beetles, horseflies, and dragonflies. Along the way, you’ll pick up…
This hands-on, literature-based math activity will help your younger students gain a concrete understanding of the concept of standard measurement. Target Age Range: K-2 Skills Covered: non-standard measurement, standard measurement, making comparisons, fine motor skills, reading Understanding measurement doesn’t have to be hard for little ones. In fact, teaching it early with concrete materials builds an…
Many mommas come upon the Charlotte Mason method at a pivotal time in their children’s growing-up – the time when “school” begins. “We’ll need textbooks. Maybe little chairs and desks.” They start to feel pulled in different directions, trying to teach all the different subjects, while school and life quickly feel fragmented. It isn’t long…
Ben Franklin nature study is such a fun way to help children connect history, science, and curiosity. In this episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast, children learn how Benjamin Franklin’s observations and experiments helped scientists understand lightning and electricity. They also discover why asking thoughtful questions is such an important part of science…
Whether you currently enjoy nature study time with your children or not, being part of a nature club is a great motivator and offers hours of fun learning! 1. What is a nature study club? Quite simply, it’s a small or large group of homeschoolers who meet to study nature topics together. (I prefer a…
Why do some animals seem almost armored? In this informative podcast episode, children learn how turtles, beetles, armadillos, and hedgehogs protect themselves from danger in the wild. They’ll hear about shells, armored plates, exoskeletons, and sharp spines while learning how animal adaptations help creatures survive. The episode also introduces scientific vocabulary, such as exoskeleton and…
The glorious days of summer are here! We’ve all worked so hard homeschooling for so many months, and now it’s time to rest, relax, and enjoy a few months off from work… right? Maybe if we weren’t homeschool parents. The truth is that while we do get a break from the quizzes, textbooks, and dirty…
Have you ever noticed how bright a full moon can feel, especially when you’re outside at night? In this full moon nature study, we’re taking a closer look at how the changing light of the moon might affect the living things around us. From shifting shadows to brighter nighttime skies, the full moon gives us…
Plants don’t stop growing when no one is watching, which raises an interesting question for any garden nature study. What is actually helping them? In this episode, kids begin to think beyond hands-on care and consider the natural systems already at work. Sunlight, water, soil, and air all play a role in supporting plant life…
Spring is on the way, and nature is coming back to life. It’s such a wonderful time of the year for exuberant nature walks. Enjoy this free spring nature study printable packet designed to help children make detailed observations of flowers, life cycles, and the sometimes wild weather. The six activities in this free packet…
If you’ve been around here long, you know I love living math! One part of living math that makes so much sense for kids is connecting math concepts with literature. If you’ve never tried it, you’ll be amazed by the understanding gleaned from a simple book that teaches the topic in a fresh way. This post contains…