Here are some simple and practical tips to frame your homeschool days with nature study. The results are so rewarding for such a little time investment!
Small spurts of outdoor time frame our days. It’s simple and works for us.
- “I just need to go outside and swing for a few minutes before I start my math.”
- “I finished my math, can I go outside for a few minutes?”
How to Frame Your Homeschool Days with Nature Study
If we notice something, we pause to take a look…
- “Oh, there’s a slug at the bottom of the back door!”
- “Mama, there’s a lizard!”
- “Look! I found an acorn!”
Pauses In Your Homeschool Day
A spider web in the door frame you can’t help but study. Plus a ground web you almost step in outside and a wolf spider you almost step on in the house.
Do a subject, run outside. Just one more thing after lunch, then go play. Build something.
Resources for Homeschool Nature Study
Print out a nature grid, place it smack in the center of the kitchen table. They will notice. Homeschool Nature Study has a course all about trees. Four parts of a tree nature prompt by Middle Girl. There’s even a printable tree study grid.
Sit still and notice. The window framing your view.
Team up with a brother or sister and go on a scavenger hunt. See what you can see.
The whole earth is full of His glory! ~ Isaiah 6:3
Naturally Build Nature Study Into Your Homeschool Routine
And, of course, take an evening walk and enjoy the sunset.
Enjoy!!
More homeschool nature study inspiration:
You are invited to join us for the Outdoor Hour Challenges! Bring the Handbook of Nature Study to Life in Your Homeschool! Share your photos of your nature study and tag @outdoorhourchallenge on Instagram.
- Cultivating Curiosity with Nature Study
- How to Enjoy the Season and Homeschool
- All of our nature studies
How are you enjoying nature study? Click to leave a comment.
first published October 2012 and updated January 2022.
I so often wish that I could have had a teacher like you when I was growing up…your children are SO lucky!
Forever,
N.
Love you Nana!! And we are blessed with YOU!
I’m giggling over “Nana’s” comment – I think you are all very blessed!!! Still finding our groove here….your pots help me find our way…thank you!
Thank you Rebecca – I sure enjoy your nature studies!
Once again, thorougly enjoyed your blog entry. Your timing is impeccable as well. Now that our weather is cooled off and our trees are just turning, my daughter and I were just talking about starting our outdoor Nature Studies and where to begin. You have given us a great jumping off point. We haven’t ever done Nature Studies before, but you have given a great place to start. Thanks again for sharing.
God Bless,
Kimmie H. <3
Kim – what a sweet comment! Nature study really need not be complicated. I’ve learned that from Barb at Handbook of Nature Study. Just the simple stepping outside and noticing. So much to appreciate and enjoy in this beautiful world God created. Thanks again!
Just popped over from the CM blog carnival. Great ideas here. Thanks for sharing!
What a sweet picture of your little guy! Enjoyed hearing how nature study is such a natural part of your days!
I love how you use the grid. I have to say that this is one area that I am still trying to figure out. Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m going to give it a try this month.