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Easy Nature Study

July 27, 2018

Do you neglect nature study because it is something you don't feel comfortable teaching your children?

Maybe you didn't grow up with a knowledge of our natural world, or maybe the thought of identifying all of those outdoor things is overwhelming to you.

Never fear! Nature Study is enjoyable and rewarding, and it can be SO easy! Summer is the perfect time to start this with your children, but if you're stumbling on this post and it's not summer - you can start nature study ANY TIME!

“If possible, it is good for the teacher (or parent) to keep a nature notebook, too; it is a life we live together”

— (For the Children’s Sake, Susan Schaeffer Macaulay, p. 135).

While we're using our summer break to master elements of our child's character in order to make our school year easier, it fits perfectly that mom will work on her own little flaws, too. (you're welcome)

In our Laid Back Summer Planner, we set out to lay down the rails of perseverance, observation, and truthfulness. I've never read a more accurate description of a mom's duties towards her family than these!

Nature Study as Revealer

"..when children are old enough to understand that science itself is in a sense sacred, and demands some sacrifice, all the common information they have been gathering until then, and the habits of observation they have acquired, will form an excellent ground work for a scientific education. In the meantime let them consider the lilies of the field and fowls of the air." PNEU article, Dowton

Nature is God's textbook. We only need to look around to begin our study, and what a rich study it is. With each season, we are given new elements to consider and ponder. Even the passing of the seasons is a lesson to us. The observation of the world around us, especially in our tech soaked world, is a gift. It reveals to us God's power, might, care, concern, and Providence.

Consider this simple "weed" - Queen Anne's Lace (dacus carota) - it's so delicate and can inspire so much learning, wonder, and creativity.

Rail: Observation.

Nature Study as Relational

“It is infinitely well worth the mother’s while to take some pains every day to secure, in the first place, that her children spend hours daily amongst rural and natural objects; and, in the second place, to infuse into them, or rather, to cherish in them, the love of investigation..." Charlotte Mason

I'm sure Ms. Mason in her use of the word "pain" had in mind the tendency we have to stay indoors. I don't know about you, but sometimes my children have to be prodded outside.

The wisdom in this rail is twofold. First, we're establishing a habit of "first things" for our family. First, we finish our lessons, then we spend time outside. And we first tend to lessons, then we tend to "play."

Getting our children out-of-doors and into nature affords the opportunity to observe and persevere. Habits take perseverance.

As homeschool moms, we have the rare opportunity as teacher-mom to study alongside our children in nature. And we get to observe their observations, experiencing the joys they experience. Creating these memories lays down the rail of relationship. We create relationship with the things we study and with one another. Further, creating this relational habit is a character rail that serves both us and our children for the school year and all of life.

Rail: Perseverance

Side note: Some of our favorite nature studies are the No Sweat Nature Studies -- have you seen them?

Nature Study as Relative

"The child who learns his science from a text-book, though he go to Nature for illustrations, and he who gets his information from object lessons, has no chance of forming relations with things as they are, because his kindly obtrusive teacher makes him believe that to know about things is the same as knowing them personally..." Charlotte Mason

I'm going to give you the rail right away for this one.

Rail: Truthfulness

Webster's 1828 defines relative as, "Not absolute or existing by itself; considered as belonging to or respecting something else" and "That which has relation to something else."

Nature Study is a study in truthfulness relative to the information we gather. It isn't truth to teach theory alone. Children long for the experience of forming relations with the things they study. To make them their own.

God's Truths aren't relative, the way we define them in philosophy. But, they are something we learn to know as they are revealed to us through our own living. We learn to walk in certain shoes to give us insight and empathy.

Nature is the same way, and why it's such a wonderful textbook.

It's one thing to be taught the life-cycle. It's another to see it for yourself and "form relations with things as they are."

Alongside our children, we can internalize truths we've only read about as we witness them for ourselves. That's powerful!

How to Do Nature Study

Charlotte Mason has provided a help for out-of-doors here.

But, you can keep it super simple.

Gather your notebooks and supplies.
Buy or visit the library to obtain a nature guide.
Get outside or visit a nature preserve.
Keep it informal. Let the children explore.
Look for opportunities to record your observations.

Additional resources:

Nature Study for Wimps - if you're not sure about the concept, this is an easy introduction.

Laying down rails with Nature Study is perfect for summer learning (or any other time).

Let me know how you use the opportunity to build those rails to make your upcoming school year an easier one.

JAMFLY Picnic Outdoor Camping Beach Blanket Mat with Water-Resistant Backing 78 Handbook of Nature Study The Nature Connection: An Outdoor Workbook for Kids, Families, and Classrooms Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World (Julia Rothman)Nature Walk Journal Play The Forest School Way: Woodland Games and Crafts for Adventurous Kids Nature Study & Outdoor Science Journal: The Thinking Tree Presents: A Creative Book of Observation, Drawing, Coloring, Writing & Discovery Through Nature - Fun-Schooling for All Ages Keeping a Nature Journal: Discover a Whole New Way of Seeing the World Around You First Lessons in Nature Study (Yesterday's Classics)A Nature Study Guide (Yesterday's Classics)Nature Journal: A Kids Nature Study Journal Tree Finder: A Manual for Identification of Trees by their Leaves (Eastern US) (Nature Study Guides)Pocketful of Pinecones: Nature Study With the Gentle Art of Learning(TM) : A Story for Mother Culture ®The Burgess Bird Book for Children (Dover Children's Classics)Fun With Nature: Take Along Guide (Take Along Guides)A Magical Homeschool: Nature Studies: 52 Wonderful Ways to Use Nature Studies in Every Season to Teach Science, Math, Art and More Wildflowers, Blooms & Blossoms (Take Along Guides)My Nature Journal: Prompted Nature Journal Notebook for Nature Observations, Nature Study Journal for Kids, Children's Nature Journal Blank and Prompted Pages Nature Journal for Girls: Prompted Nature Journal Notebook for Nature Observations, Nature Study Journal for Girls BEST WINDOW BIRD FEEDER with Strong Suction Cups & Seed Tray, Outdoor Birdfeeders for Wild Birds, Finch, Cardinal, Bluebird, Large Outside Hanging Birdhouse Kits, Drain Holes + 3 Extra Suction Cups Nature Journal and Sketchbook for Boys: Prompted Nature Journal Notebook for Nature Observations, Nature Study Journal for Boys, Nature Journal Blank and Prompted Pages Single Learning Resources Jumbo Magnifying Glass for Kids (One Magnifying Glass of Random Color Per Order)Learning Resources Jumbo Magnifiers, Set of 6 Cobiz 10x25 Compact Binoculars for Kids and Adults, Folding Spotting Telescope for Bird Watching,Outdoor Camping and Sports Games,Best Gift for Boys,Girls

You might also like:

Nature Study Tips & Tricks

Why Watch the Birds?

A No-Twaddle Bird Study with Living Books and Living Music

March 17, 2018

Your first steps into the concept of nature study begin with your first walk outdoors. Why?

Because nature study is about observing. At its core, nature study is meant to incite delight and joy in your children as they begin to take in the beauty of God's Creation. They get to know it on a "first-name basis," as it were.

In our previous bird talk, we introduced a gentle way to jump-start your study, along with some tools. This little jumping off point required direct interaction with our feathered friends.

While this is perfect for your hands-on learner, what about the student who wants a more ethereal approach to the study of birds? What if you need to deepen your study of the birds?

I want to equip you with the tools your children need to discover the beautiful world of birds. I love Charlotte Mason's words - these particular ones always inspire me:

Living Books

A living book, one of the cornerstones of the Charlotte Mason method, is defined as, "... usually written by one person who has a passion for the subject and writes in conversational or narrative style. The books pull you into the subject and involve your emotions, so it's easy to remember the events and facts. Living books make the subject “come alive.” - Sonya Schaffer.

If you have any students like my own daughter, you can relate to my use of a living book to pique her interest in anything out of doors. Since I needed to find a creative way to introduce her to science or nature subjects, I counted on living books to do this.

Living books draw us back to the original reason we looked at the study of birds.

Why are we studying birds? Because God told us to. And why did God tell us to? I believe He wanted to reveal to us those greater lessons of life. The ones that can form the character. Those little lessons, line-upon-line, that increase our trust in the Father.

Recommendations:

"The Bird's Nest," by Christopher Von Schmid | This living book for ages 6-11, teaches the principle of trusting in God even when telling the truth could get you in trouble with man. Just as God cares for every detail about our bird friends, the Lord cares for us. Makes a great read-aloud. Available from Lamplighters, Grace and Truth Books, and Amazon.

"The Burgess Bird Book for Children" | Moving beyond strict memory-work, the Burgess Bird Book introduces birdie facts in story form. Children are introduced to relatable characters. These characters have a subtle story-line woven through the interview of the characters. Be sure and get the book with the illustrations. You (or your older children) can trace these illustrations from the books for color pages, too.

"The Boy Who Drew Birds" | A personal favorite in which a simple question and passionate curiosity led a young John James Audobon to a lifetime pursuit of the study of birds. He wanted to know if the birds that frequented his family farm would return the following spring.

"John Muir, Friend of Nature" | The biography the nineteenth-century naturalist, explorer, and writer, who was influential in establishing our national park system.

Living Music

While I'm not sure living music is a term, we can certainly apply the definition of a living book to that of music. Music as a form already lends itself to the concept of "living" vs. "dry." However, with music, it's more difficult to remove the subject quality.

All music does indeed tell a story.

It's just that not all stories told with music lend themselves to the good and the beautiful since they don't all call us towards an awe of nature or the Creator. For that, we turn instead to the masters in classical music, the music nature provides, and perhaps historical music.

Squilt, Classical Music Inspired by Birds | Nature has inspired some of the world's greatest composers. Whether you share these pieces just for their intrinsic musical value or incorporate them into a study of birds in your home, school, or co-op, we think they're a charming addition to any child's music appreciation repertoire!

"Birding by Ear" | This isn't music in the traditional sense, but the music the birds provide. A fun way to help train the ear to recognize birds, sight unseen.

Hymns That Mention Birds | From Lee's Bird Watching page, "We have many Christian Hymn Writers who have written fantastic songs. The hymns below are the ones that I have found that mention birds or fowls in some way or another." This fun little resource includes the link to the hymn in public domain along with identifying the keywords or phrase relating to birds.

Key Persons

Knowing the key persons and their role in any subject creates friends for us in our learning. Consequently, we can begin to feel that we know key persons in a study by spending time on the very things they were passionate about. What did they like? What drove their passion? Where are they from? What was their family like? How did their faith play a role in their life? What is their legacy?

John Muir | A brief online biography can accompany a picture study or living book read, such as, "John Muir, Friend of Nature."

James Harriott | Not strictly a birder, James Harriott was a veterinarian whose love of animals finds him included in our list of key persons for study. If you find your students enjoy studying animals, I recommend his series and the biography of the vet.

John James Audobon | Also known as, the American Woodsman, his passion for the study of birds has created a national treasure of art.

Alexander Wilson | The first individual who attempted to paint and describe all the birds of North America.

Picture Study

To begin a picture study habit with your children, start with introducing the artist. First of all, provide them with a biography of the artist and resources to living books. In our own home, we also chose one or two pictures from a single artist. I then created enough biography and artist information in my teacher preparation, including the type of art produced, to springboard their own study through observation and living books. Picture study was another avenue towards deeper learning.

You can play a game (though I'm not sure Ms. Mason would call it a game), where the children study the picture silently for about five minutes. Next, turn the image over and try to recall as many details as possible. Students who aren't keen to share verbally can attempt to sketch out what they recall about the picture.

In addition, the entire Audobon collection can be found here. You can also do a search for images of birds found in the Bible.

Mr. Wilson's bird plates can be found here.

Word Study

While you read through your living books, make a note of words you'd like to know more about. A word study involves not just noting the actual definition, but defining the keywords in the definition. Also, if you want to take it a step further, you can study how the word is used in Scripture. This helps you gain God's mind about the word.

Here are a few to get you started:

ornithology
study
call (relate to a bird call)
nest
observe
park

Putting it All Together

When I began this study of birds, I was surprised by just how much information there was about birds, how to study them, and ways to study them. If you'd like to make a cohesive unit study out of the information in the three posts, Why Watch the Birds, Classical Music Inspired by Birds, and this one, here are some suggestions.

Don't worry about a right way to do it. Just dig in. Let your children lead the way. Birds are an easy delight-directed study. Just observing the birds can be fun, so pack a picnic and have a birding day.
Begin with the Word Study elements of the articles. This lays a strong foundation for understanding and results in a God-perspective on the study. Finally, move into the autobiography and picture study, weaving living books throughout, and then sprinkle in the music.
Start with the music. Study the pieces, the bird sounds, and the hymns. As a result, you will have a well-rounded music appreciation course.

Regardless of how you choose to study the birds, you can be sure that God will reveal little truths along the way.

The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon (Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12)Audubon's Birds of America Coloring Book Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling, The The Camping Trip that Changed America: Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, and Our National Parks John Muir, Friend of Nature. (Discovery Book)Audubon: Painter of Birds in the Wild Frontier Audubon: Painter of Birds in the Wild Frontier Every Living Thing: The Warm and Joyful Memoirs of the World's Most Beloved Animal Doctor (All Creatures Great and Small)Handbook of Nature Study The Burgess Bird Book for Children by Thornton W. Burgess (April 23 2003)Fifty Favorite Birds Coloring Book (Dover Nature Coloring Book)Channel Craft Audubon Bird Call and Bird Identification Cards Bundle Birding by Ear: Eastern and Central North America (Peterson Field Guides(R)) [Audio CD]The Bird's Nest (Rare Collector's Series)Audubon's Birds of North America: The Complete 500 Paintings by John James and Sheila Buff [ntroduction]. Audobon (1990-05-03)Twelve Audubon Bookmarks (Dover Bookmarks)John James Audubon: The Making of an American American Dictionary of the English Language (1828 Facsimile Edition)Alexander Wilson: The Scot Who Founded American Ornithology Bird Life Stories Latin for Bird Lovers: Over 3,000 Bird Names Explored and Explained Colore Watercolor Pencils - Water Soluble Colored Pencils For Art Students & Professionals - Assorted Colors for Sketch Coloring Pages For Kids & Adults - Vibrant Colors For Drawing Books - Set of 72 Artist's Choice Sketch Pad ,75 sheets, Pack of 2 Keeping a Nature Journal: Discover a Whole New Way of Seeing the World Around You