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!
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What could we possibly find during one simple walk around a small pond? Enough to keep us busy for over an hour! My big kids were busy with other commitments not too long ago, so hubby and I set off on a nature walk with our 6 year old, Eli. I love taking nature walks…
Project-based learning goes with any subject at just about any time. Really. Since nature study is so near and dear to my heart, I’ll take a little time today to show you how to take a regular ol’ walk and turn it into project-based learning. Note: Charlotte Mason homeschoolers, turning a nature walk into PBL…
(While I was provided free admission into the Creation Museum this trip, I believe so strongly in their mission that my family held a five-year membership until recently.)We’ve been to the Creation Museum more times than I remember. It’s fresh, uplifting and full of learning every. single. time. If you haven’t been and have the…
This post contains links to my NaturExplorers curriculum. It’s Spring! I’m so excited to be back outdoors on a regular basis with my children! Are you ready to jump back into nature study, too? Fresh air. The world slowing coming back to life. Warm air one day, cool air the next. Sunshine, rain, even snow. …
It’s been a long winter in Kentucky. Considering we had snow yesterday (March 6th), you could say I’m just a little more than ready for spring. Just before the weather turned chilly, I took an autumn walk down the long gravel road to the mailbox. I thought I’d share a few nature scenes that blessed…
(This post contains links to my business website, Shining Dawn Books.) Winter Nature Study We took advantage of an unusually nice winter afternoon to catch up on some winter nature walking. You won’t believe how many wonderful nature treasures you can find in the winter! At our local cemetery we found tons… Leftover bird nests…
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! …