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!
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…
There are definitely stereotypes about gifted kids. For instance, people might picture an awkward child with glasses who plays chess and cello and snorts when laughing. Parts of that may be true for some gifted kids, but they’re often not at all like people expect. Some have glasses, and some play instruments. Others are more…
I love using living books to help children “see” math. These math operations picture books specifically focus on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to help build understanding and connect math to the real world. Books are powerful in helping children relate to abstract mathematical concepts! They can be used as pre-reading before introducing something new…
Studying the Middle Ages is so much fun! Our Middle Ages unit was packed with excitement, from knights and castles to medieval feasts and daily life. My children stayed engaged the entire time! I carefully selected the best hands-on activities from the two reference books below to keep our study to six weeks. With the…
Have you ever been outside on a breezy day and heard the wind whistle through the trees or howl around a building? This week’s wind nature study podcast episode explores why wind makes different sounds, such as whistling, howling, roaring, and even humming. Through simple explanations and scientific terms like turbulence and the Aeolian effect, children will…
Incorporating math practice into your regular schedule doesn’t have to be complicated with these independent math explorations. We all know that practice makes perfect, and that’s especially true when it comes to mathematics. These games will give your children the concrete tools they need to understand math concepts. They’re also great for exploration and practice…
Tackling a Civil War unit study with kids can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to discover one of the most pivotal times in American history. When my children and I explored the Civil War and the complex topic of slavery, I wanted more than just dates and battles. I wanted them to…