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 to tell you that circle time should begin with a quick nature walk. Nope. While that's certainly a great way to start your day, in this article I'm actually going to share ideas for nature study without going outside! And, since we're talking circle time and I know you're probably including more than one activity each day, all these ideas are meant to last no more ... Read More
7 Tips for Starting a Nature Club
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! 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 topics together. (I prefer a small club of five or six families since larger groups tend to get off track easier.) How often does a nature club meet? It can meet as often as your group wishes. Some clubs meet monthly all year long; some meet monthly during the school year; some meet monthly during the “nice” months of the year; while others meet weekly, but only during a ... Read More
Worth Rereading: 10 Creative Homeschooling Posts
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 creative homeschooling ideas with a heavy focus on the Charlotte Mason style. I certainly hope that shines through in my posts! So without further ado, here are the posts I chose as the top 10 of 2014. Do you agree? Creative Homeschooling 2014 With the lessons I highlighted in this post, plus the lessons linked by other bloggers, there are WAY more than 100 living math activities! I seriously use this post all the ... Read More
Charlotte Mason Was Right About Nature Study
(This post contains affiliate links and links to my business website.) Charlotte Mason was a very wise teacher. I've been pondering her thoughts about 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 about? Oh, so many things. I've taken some time to pull together several of her thoughts about nature study that have rung true in our home. 16 ways Charlotte Mason was right about nature study | Eli wanted to know everything about this exoskeleton | 1. Nature study is important. "Nature knowledge is most important for young children. It ... Read More
Why Nature Journals Are Important
(This post contains affiliate links and links to my business website.) 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. Today I'm focusing specifically on the nature journal and how it enhances learning through all subjects. There is no need to take a nature journal on every single nature walk, but make time for it frequently and see for yourself the wonderful learning that ... Read More
7 Things My Son Wants You To Know About Insect Study
(This post contains affiliate links and links to my business website.) Insect Study 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 - and it's fun (and healthy!) Inquiry-based learning makes smart kids Nature study naturally lends itself to inquiry-based learning. To inquire means to question, so inquiry-based learning means you pose questions (or problems) to your children and let them find ways to ... Read More
10 FREE NaturExplorers Lessons
(This post contains links to my books.) What exactly is NaturExplorers? NaturExplorers studies are your go-to resource for both creative nature walks and science-based unit studies. More than 20 nature topics are available that help you get outdoors for some serious (and seriously fun) learning in all seasons. Written with the 1st-8th grader in mind, it's easy to include older and younger students with just a little tweaking of your expectations. There are even a few specific lesson ideas just for preschool and high school students. In each study, you find: Background information about the particular nature topic 25-40 creative nature walk ideas Hands-on activities ... Read More
The Tale of Three Trees: Nature Walk (Free Printable)
(This post contains affiliate links and links to my products.) 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 picture books out there! This book tells the story of three trees who each had a dream for their future. The first two trees believe their dreams are about to be fulfilled when the woodcutters come to harvest them. The third tree, on the other hand, believes its dreams are dashed when the woodcutters come because it only wanted to stand straight and tall and point to its Creator forever. In the end, none of the three trees get exactly what they wished ... Read More
Spring Nature Study for Preschool and Kindergarten is Here!
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 and keen eyes for finding things unique and often hidden. I have watched my own little ones become some of my best nature buddies because they are always ready for the adventure and excitement. That’s why I’ve created this series of nature studies for you. I know your preschooler or kindergartener is up for the adventure, too, and is ... Read More
Gearing Up for Nature Study!
Spring! Spring is almost here! In Kentucky, we've had an unusually long, hard winter - like many of you. I know we're all ready to burst outdoors for nature study as soon as the weather permits. Boy, do I have some good news for you! I've just released a brand new book of more than 100 (yes, one-hundred) nature study ideas! Once the weather breaks, you could take learning outside for the next 100+ days if you wanted to. :) Introducing... 63 pages, e-book $8.95 Each of the 100+ nature walk ideas is accompanied by several extension ideas, too. So I guess I could really say there are 300 or 400+ nature walk ideas included! The suggestions are easy to implement, fun for your ... Read More