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…
I have always loved teaching a Leonardo da Vinci unit study. It quickly covers almost every academic subject, from the Renaissance to various science topics like inventions, simple machines, and the human body. History, science, and art combine with research-based learning and good books for a fabulous learning adventure! Leonardo da Vinci Unit Study Taking…
World geography projects are a fantastic way to make learning meaningful, hands-on, and engaging for homeschool students. Instead of simply memorizing maps and facts, children deeply understand different countries’ cultures, histories, and geography, making personal connections along the way. When students research, write, and present their findings, they develop critical thinking, communication, and creativity—all while…