Printable nature notebooking pages are time savers for sure. We can set off on a nature walk knowing there's at least something to do other than wandering aimlessly. We can slap those babies into a three-ring binder and have proof that the afternoon spent in the sunshine actually did count for school. But...are your nature notebooking pages really moving the dial in learning? Real learning that's more than simply drawing a picture and moving on with your day? Don't get me wrong, detailed observations and drawings in nature ARE real learning when taken seriously. I'm a huge advocate for nature journaling, in fact! If many of us are honest, though, we don't really take nature journaling ... 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
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
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
Nature Study: It’s All Here
Since I'm kind of known as "the nature lady", I've written about nature study more times than I can keep up with. If I can't keep up with it, how could I possibly expect you to do so? So…I've decided to round up all the important 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. Next Stop: Nature Study Ideas Warning: This post is HUGE and can overwhelm even the veteran NaturExplorer! If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed, you might be better off to start with a NaturExplorers ... Read More
Ultimate Guide to Nature Study
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 don't have to be a Charlotte Mason homeschooler to enjoy the benefits of nature study, though. Heck, you don't even have to be a homeschooler! In an effort to help you get started (or keep going) with nature study, I've pulled together a post of THE most wonderful resources I've found over the course of the last few years. I hope this Ultimate Guide to Nature Study proves to be your ... Read More