5 Tips for Nature Study: Charlotte Mason-Inspired Secular Homeschool
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in September 2021. It has been updated in AUGUST 2022 for comprehensiveness and accuracy.
What is nature study anyway?
For beginners, the concept of nature study for kids can seem confusing and intimidating, especially if your family isn't very outdoorsy. However, at its core, nature study is simply open-ended exploration and observation of nature.
Nature can be a powerful tool for learning. But studying nature shouldn't be complicated. The goal is to help children notice the world around them and follow their natural curiosity. So, how do you get started with nature study in the charlotte mason-inspired secular homeschool? Read on for my top 5 beginner’s tips for nature study. PSST - Scroll down for an awesome nature journal, free printable PDF!
“Consider what an unequaled mental training the child-naturalist is getting for any study or calling under the sun– the powers of attention, of discrimination, of patient pursuit… what will they not fit him for?”
Do you need to use a nature study curriculum?
First, a few important questions - Do you need a nature study curriculum? How formal does nature study need to be? It’s tricky to find a good nature study curriculum as a secular homeschooling family because many existing resources come from a religious worldview. Thankfully, you don’t NEED a nature study curriculum. All you need is to get out into nature with a local field guidebook and a keen eye. Nature study can be as formal or not as you desire. If you allow the observations you and your child make about the natural world to guide your studies, you will automatically be in touch with the seasons which can greatly reduce the need for planning your nature study.
Some families enjoy using a nature study handbook for ideas and information about natural phenomena, plants, and animals. Anna Comstock’s Handbook of Nature Study, is a classic and very popular resource, but it’s from the early 1900s so it can be a bit difficult to read. For a more modern resource, Julia Rothman’s Nature Anatomy provides excellent prompts for different topics of study, and the illustrations are gorgeous. Also, you don’t need to go far into the woods to study nature - even the earth beneath your feet is something worth studying! If your children enjoy playing in the mud, our Dirt: Soil Science Unit Studies are a great resource to learn more about soil.
1) Keep Nature Study Simple
Don't overwhelm the children with learning activities. Fostering enjoyment of the natural world is easy when the pressure of achieving a specific learning outcome is gone. Slow down, step back and let children lead.
2) Focus on the Senses
Use time in nature to practice mindfulness. Model this for your child by noticing what you see, hear, and smell, then ask your child what they notice with their senses too. Engaging the senses in this way is so helpful for emotional regulation. It also teaches observation skills that are key to many fields of study, including science and art. Describing these observations out loud or in a journal helps with literacy skills too.
3) Pack Snacks and Water
Thirsty kids with hungry bellies have trouble having fun and enjoying nature. Do what you can to keep kids happy and comfortable. A few favorites in my household are protein bars, jerky sticks, cheese sticks, fruit sauce pouches (especially those with veggies in them), yogurt pouches, mandarin oranges, and apples. Although I aim to reduce packaging waste in our home and generally eat fresh foods, I keep these packaged snacks on hand. It is easier to head out the door quickly, nothing requires a heavy cooler pack, and these foods are mess-free and low risk of dirty hands touching food. I also keep hand sanitizer in the snack pack.
4) Dress for the Weather
There's a Swedish saying, "there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!" If you want to spend more time in nature, dressing right will help a lot. I live in the rainy Pacific Northwest, where all-season nature play is possible with good waterproof pants and jacket, warm under layers, and warm waterproof boots. In the summer, a hat helps a lot. Closed-toed shoes are best for rough terrain. Water shoes are helpful if a creek or stream might be a part of the trip. Prepare for messy clothes, a little dirt won’t hurt, but the benefits of sensory play are well worth it.
5) Pack Nature Study Supplies
My kids and I like to bring a nature journal, a small set of art supplies such as watercolor or colored pencils, and some pocket field guides. Journaling is such a great way to lend depth to nature study. A nature journal is a place to log exciting finds and draw or write down observations. It is nice to have a few simple art supplies like some colored pencils for adding detail to drawings.
Grab your Nature Journal Free PDF!
I LOVE the FREE pocket nature journal that we have in our store. It is small, easy to use, and full of simple prompts to get kids started on their adventures. I find it so helpful not to have a bulky journal to carry along because I like keeping our bodies free and loose for natural movement play - navigating rocks and roots, climbing trees, and splashing in creeks.
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