One of the main goals I set early on in our homeschool was to give my children a love of learning. Creative homeschooling is the mode I’ve used to successfully do that. Don’t think that you can never put your child in front of a textbook or computer screen to homeschool creatively! Instead, think of it as offering your children curriculum and styles to meet their needs. Sometimes that will be a textbook or computer class. Other times, it may be a unit study, living literature, field trips, games, project-based learning, co-op classes, or interest-based studies. These articles show you how. Be inspired!
Let’s wrap up homeschooling for the year! I promise it doesn’t have to be stressful. No matter your homeschool style, I bet you’re staring down piles of workbooks, notebooks, lapbooks, projects, worksheets, and folders. The end of the school year comes with wonderful examples of your family’s hard work! I’ve been asked before if I…
Have you ever wondered why bird eggs come in so many colors? From bright blue to speckled brown, the variety is not only beautiful—it’s also full of scientific meaning! In this No Sweat Nature Study Podcast episode, children will explore colorful bird eggs while building excitement for an upcoming egg-laying animals nature study video class….
Teaching simple machines through hands-on, experimental lessons is a hit for children. While gathering materials takes just a bit of time, the engagement factor makes this quick and straightforward unit study worthwhile. This post includes affiliate links. Simple Machines Unit Study Before reading the first book about simple machines, set up some little centers for self-discovery….
Your elementary homeschool children will love these spring nature study play dough mats. Playing with dough is more meaningful than you might think! Sculpting with play dough sounds like a preschool activity, but older children can benefit, too. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can practice important science and artistic skills through a motivating…
Looking for a meaningful way to combine math and art in your homeschool? Positive negative symmetry art is the perfect project! This hands-on activity introduces important concepts like symmetry, spatial awareness, and the artistic principles of positive and negative space—all in one simple lesson. It’s a fantastic example of how living math can bring abstract…
Research and anecdotal evidence have repeatedly proven that creativity is as vital a trait as resilience or wit. Creativity can often be considered a skill, but it’s such a broad concept that it’s difficult to explain just how to practice it. This list of art and handicraft gifts will help! Creativity can be applied to…
Rainbows are one of nature’s most breathtaking displays—a perfect topic for a rainbow nature study! Whether you’ve spotted one stretching across the sky after a rainstorm or only seen them in books, these colorful arcs spark curiosity and wonder in learners of all ages. In the latest No Sweat Nature Study Podcast episode, I answer,…
Whether you currently enjoy nature study time with your children or not, being part of a nature club is a great motivator and provides hours of fun learning time! 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…
Charlotte Mason was a very wise teacher. I’ve been pondering her thoughts on nature study lately and have to say…she was right! My children are living proof – as are so many children of families who make nature study a priority. Just what exactly was she right? Oh, so many things. I’ve taken some time to pull together several…
Over the years, Our Journey Westward has expanded its selection of homeschool nature study curriculum. With so many options, you might wonder how to decide which is the best fit for your family. Thankfully, this resource will help you sort it out! Seven Homeschool Nature Study Curriculum Options Nature study IS science. So, all of…
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…
Have you ever heard the phrase “crocodile tears” and wondered what it means? This week’s crocodile nature study podcast episode reveals the truth behind this curious saying! Do crocodiles actually shed tears? If so, why do they “cry” mostly when eating? This short and engaging episode is packed with fun facts and scientific explanations. Your…