Nature study has been one of the most rewarding subjects in our homeschool through the years. It reaches deeply into every single realm of science. It gets us outdoors for fresh air, sunshine and exercise. It creatively includes other subjects like language arts, math, geography, and even history. But most importantly, God has revealed so much about Himself to us through the study of nature.
Nature study works easily with all homeschooling styles. It makes a huge difference with children who need to be active. It can meet all kinds of learning styles, and offers those with learning disabilities a fresh perspective on learning to give them success. Best of all, nature study works really, really well when teaching multiple ages. I know you’ll enjoy some amazing learning using the lessons you’ll find below. Have fun!
In October, we were blessed to take a *free* pontoon tour of the KY River in Frankfort with my parents. The city offers this tour weekly late spring through early fall as a unique historical guided tour of Kentucky’s capital city. Boats, dams, bridges, flood walls, historical sties, historical stories and more made for fascinating…
While we love simple nature walks around our home, we also love taking the time once a month (sometimes more often) to go somewhere interesting for nature study. This post highlights our autumn walk through the wetland trails of Cove Springs in Frankfort, KY. What a beautiful afternoon! We were blessed to have my parents…
(This post contains affiliate links.) Notebooking with kindergarteners?? Isn’t that asking too much? No way…especially when it comes from authentic, meaningful experiences! We own a modest microscope and some simple prepared slides that made for a wonderful science notebooking lesson last week. Just having these things sitting out was enough to spark an interest that…
It’s autumn and time to have a little leaf fun with your preschoolers and kindergarteners! The Colors of Autumn in Play Dough After observing the changing colored leaves on trees, let your little ones create their own autumn trees from play dough or clay. You might even use some autumn scented play dough. Perimeter with…
Early Fall Nature Studies are FUN! Early autumn is such a wonderful time of the year for nature studies! The crispness in the air keeps walks comfortable, while the scenery abounds with exciting treasures to find. Believe it or not, the photos in all of the collages were taken during only one short woodland walk! …
(This post contains links to my business website, Shining Dawn Books.) August Nature Study Anytime is the perfect time for nature study, but late summer is especially wonderful! All the photos above were taken during nature walks over the last two weeks. So, just what topics do I recommend studying right about now? Animal…
As an eclectic Charlotte Mason homeschooler, nature study is near and dear to my heart – and the hearts of my children. We have learned SO much about our Creator and the sciences through our weekly nature walks, all while touching on bits and pieces of almost every other subject under the sun, too. You…
While school supply shopping at Walmart the other day, I ran across some clipboard storage boxes in several fun colors. I remembered Maureen from Spell Out Loud mentioning using these nature walk clipboards with her family, so I put three in my cart. Wow – they have been a wonderful addition to our nature walks!…
This fun, hands-on activity pairs perfectly with any study of early American history. Enjoy living math and mapping with Lewis and Clark. This post contains affiliate links. Lewis and Clark: A Quick Bio In 1803, President Jefferson wanted to find out if the Missouri or Columbia Rivers made for easy traveling (and potential trading)…
Art and Literature Connection Have You Seen Birds? by Barbara Reid is a fantastic book from which to pull an art lesson. Full of lovely clay collage illustrations created by Joanne Oppenheim, children can dabble in an art medium (and style) often neglected – clay collage. The illustrations in the book are detailed,…
Welcome to my 10 Days Series on the topic of nature study! Each of the ten days brings you a creative nature walk idea and a fun follow-up activity to spark your enthusiasm for nature study today! Why study nature? The answer is more serious than you might think. Today’s nature study: Erosion This post…
Welcome to my 10 Days Series on the topic of nature study! Each of the ten days brings you a creative nature walk idea and a fun follow-up activity to spark your enthusiasm for nature study today! Why study nature? The answer is more serious than you might think. Today’s nature study: Creeks This post…