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…
If you’ve been around here much, you know the importance I place on nature study. The real-life science lessons that offer a consistent “lab” experience are unmatched compared to simply studying the same topics from a textbook. But, just as important, nature study reaches so naturally into other academic areas that it’s priceless for gently integrated learning….
Science and creativity seem mutually exclusive, don’t they? It makes sense that the two fields are so opposite of one another that they can’t possibly compliment one another, right? I mean, the idea of a creative and scientific study for children does sound almost comical when you consider the limitless range of creativity and the…
Morning Time. Morning Basket Time. Circle Time. In our home, we call it Brain Training Time. Whatever you might call it, I have some great ideas to help you include nature study during the time you gather for family learning before jumping into the rest of your homeschool day. I bet you think I’m going…
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 together for the purpose of studying nature…
As I began making plans for 2015 here at Our Journey Westward, I naturally took a look back at 2014. I jotted down my personal favorite top 10 posts in an effort to see if it’s clear where my heart is in this little cyber space. Most of you know my heart is to share…
I come across cutesy ideas for insect study all the time. While the activities are cute and have some value in teaching about insects, I find that getting children outside to learn about insects right alongside the real creatures makes for the best learning. Teaching in a “nature lab” is hands-on, real-life learning that sticks…
These free nature study lessons will keep your children joyfully busy and allow you to get a glimpse into the wonderful learning that you can find in the NaturExplorers curriculum series! Nature study is a wonderful way to learn science! It’s hands-on, experience-based learning which makes it the perfect science lab for homeschool students! What…
These Tale of Three Trees activities combines an amazing book with a meaningful nature walks! This post contains affiliate links. The Book Tale of Three Trees is one of my very favorite picture books ever. I know, I know – I have a lot of favorites. In my defense, there are some REALLY great…
It’s finally here! You’ve been asking for this resource for quite some time, but you don’t have to wait any more! Nature by the Season: Spring for Preschool and Kindergarten is ready! 47 pages, ebook $5.95 Why Early Nature Study? Preschoolers and kindergarteners are naturally inclined to love nature because of their inquisitiveness, active bodies…
Since I’m known as “the nature lady,” I’ve written about nature study plenty of times. I’ve decided to round up all the vital nature learning posts in one handy spot. It’s all here! Nature Study: Start Here This post thoroughly explains the why’s and how’s of studying nature – whether you’re a Charlotte Mason homeschooler or not….
This post contains affiliate links and links to my business website, Shining Dawn Books. Are you thinking about back-to-homeschool yet? How would you like to win a Shining Dawn Books creative learning e-book bundle with a bonus $5.00 gift certificate to CurrClick? Here’s your chance to win! The Shining Dawn Books back-to-school toolkit includes: Incredible…