Having gone to public school, I would say that Nature Study was probably the most foreign subject for me to incorporate into our learning life.
I’ve always wanted to know the names of all the trees and all the birds, but I didn’t know how to go about acquiring this knowledge. I’ll even admit to saying that “all tree bark looks the same” before I knew better!
Don’t get me wrong, my college days were plenty outdoorsy: it’s where I first rode a horse, went hiking in snowshoes, and took a class in whitewater kayaking. But while merely being outdoors is amazing, it isn’t really the same as having that knowledge that “Nature Study” brings.
Here are 5 easy ways to build knowledge for Nature Study
Nature Study at Home
Nature study can absolutely be accomplished at a park or playground, front or back yard, and even in your house. It takes careful observation and this habit becomes the foundation of scientific inquiry in later years.
“Consider, too, what an unequalled mental training the child-naturalist is getting for any study or calling under the sun—the powers of attention, of discrimination, of patient pursuit, growing with his growth, what will they not fit him for?”
-Charlotte Mason, Home Education
It can look like:
- Hanging a birdfeeder and watching through the window.
- Planting seeds in a pot on the windowsill.
- Ordering a chrysalis and waiting for a butterfly to emerge.
Be encouraged: You can make this as scientific as you’d like, or not at all! The important things are for your child to pay attention and be curious.
Nature Walks
Weekly nature walks are the preferred mode of nature study. This is consistent with the importance Charlotte Mason placed upon spending as much time outdoors as possible. While on the walk, allow your child ample time to stop and make observations about nature–that’s the difference between being outdoors and studying nature.
It can feel daunting to research trails and drive to new places. But you don’t have to! Let’s say you have younger kids and you’ve found a trail that your stroller can navigate. Absolutely return to that one!
It’s good to return to the same favorite places. It’s very interesting to compare the same places throughout the year, in different seasons, different weather, and different times of day. After we moved to a new state, it became comforting to return to the same trails and we soon developed that sense of place.
Be encouraged: Nature never looks the same way twice anyway. Don’t feel like you always have to find some place new!
Use Living Books for Nature Study
I pick a subject and find as many living picture books I can at the library. I’m sure we’ve all experienced this: you learn something new and the increased awareness makes it seem suddenly everywhere! (I looked it up: this is called Baader-Meinhof phenomenon)
Be encouraged: If you need ideas, AmblesideOnline has a rotation of Nature Study subjects. Use it as a guide and change the topic when you’re ready. You can take more or less than 12 weeks.
Learn from an Expert alongside your Kids
We adults do not have to know everything about nature, and thank goodness for that! We just need to model curiosity, observation, and the ability to find information. And we can also find people excited about the subject to learn from.
Keep an eye on the programming at local and state parks. We have attended sessions on peepers, birds, fish, and butterflies: classroom time followed by hand-on experiences with all the equipment provided! A particular bird walk stands out in my mind because the expert could identify birds by their call or from afar.
Be encouraged: The enthusiasm of expert naturalists will encourage you and your child. Park rangers are an amazing resource, and some are happy to assist homeschool groups if you ask!
Keep a Record of your Nature Study with a Nature Journal
You do not have to bring your nature journal with you on the nature walk. Your child can bring home fallen leaves or black walnuts and make a journal entry at home. The journal entry can be a mix of art and words about the nature study. Leave it open-ended for the child to share whatever they remember. Sounds like narration, doesn’t it?
One perk of nature journaling at home is that you can answer any questions by pulling up additional information in guide books or online.
Be encouraged: Let each child bring a mesh bag to collect the random nature. Or be prepared to find rocks in your purse (ask me how I know 😅)
How it’s going for us
So, can I identify all the trees and birds yet? I’m getting MUCH better with the help of the picture books, park rangers and being in nature with my favorite nature apps and tools. It’s especially delightful when my kids teach me because they remembered something from before!