Nature Study for the Busy Mom
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If you want to study nature in your home but have no idea how to start or where to find TIME to begin…We will get YOU on the right path today.
Years ago, when I started homeschooling, I didn’t grasp the depth of what nature study would “do” for my children. It sounds silly, but I often tell people, “books and nature have taught my children”.
The truth is, nature study and creating an outdoor life with your children will pay you back far more then you gave in.
I tells moms/friends, “Create an outdoor life for you and your children”.
How? How do you create an outdoor life when you are already so busy.
As a busy mom myself, these tips and advice will help you commit to nature study and allow your children to soak in all that nature is ready to teach them.
Nature study and outdoor life is for all landscapes. We have lived in the city on a very small plot of land for many years, now we live on a rural setting with acreage. Both locations offered areas of study.
If you have NO place at your home to study nature:
(botanicals, animals, insects) I suggest finding a public location and make that “your” spot. This spot is a place you and your children will become familiar with. The children notice when there are changes in your “spot”.
TIPS FOR NATURE STUDY AND BUSY MOM LIFE:
Commit to Nature Study
The first commitment you must make is: a time commitment. In my course, Daily Rhythms of Home, I teach moms to have productive afternoons and one day per week dedicated to nature study. This course has helped so many moms re-focus their lives.
(We are adding a lecture to Daily Rhythms of Home on Afternoon Nature Study)
When I first started homeschooling, I never could “get to” nature study. I always knew I wanted to do it, but I didn’t make the time. The key really is in your scheduling. Keeping homeschool lessons short and focused is one way to have more free afternoons.
One Day per Week Dedication
In our home, Friday is a nature study day. Our homeschool seat workdays are Monday-Thursday. Friday is for: nature study, home skills, errands, and home management.
Friday is still a very dedicated school day, the focus is in those areas.
I have found…through trial and error…so many things! 😊
We do have daily interactions with nature in the afternoons, however, Friday is a nature journaling day and is a more formal study.
Animal Husbandry
Before you laugh at me and think I am crazy, let me explain myself. When I read, “The Handbook of Nature Study”, I noticed many teachers (from the 18-1900s) kept classroom pets to care for and observe.
Also, Beatrix Potter (the famous illustrator and Author) kept animals close by to care for and illustrate.
I am not suggesting you acquire animals you cannot care for, I am suggesting to “think” about an animal you and your children could reasonably care for and observe.
I believe pets teach children so much more then we realize. I have found, homeschooled children in particular have more time to care for a pet and learn responsibility.
Use the “Handbook of Nature Study”
I waited too long to utilize this book. The Handbook of Nature Study is invaluable in teaching nature study at home. Anna Comstock is the author. The layout of the book is specially for teachers. Each “lesson” has detail on how to teach the lesson, what the objective is, and some lessons have stories to read aloud.
I, personally, take time on my own to study the Handbook. I encourage moms in my small groups to continue their own education at home as they are teachers.
(this is an affiliate link to Amazon)
For further help with nature study, I have written, “Our Outdoor Hour” as a guide to go along with the Handbook. You can see that here.
USE CODE AUTUMN to get $3 off your order-This is the lowest price Our Outdoor Hour has ever sold at. It includes nature poetry to read before each study. (Ends October 31st)
Adopt a Tree
Ask each child in your home to adopt a tree. Mom, you may do this , too! Throughout the year, observe your tree and draw/paint the changes you see in that tree.
In the years that were hard for us in homeschooling (Miscarriage, moving, sickness) We have “only” adopted trees for nature study and found it very fulfilling and have learned so much. 🌳
Bring Nature Inside
Gather rocks, weeds, leaves, anything you can bring inside safely and study those items through the week at the table.
Collect rocks in the warm summer to study inside when it gets too cold to go outside. Teach your children the different types of rock.
Read living Nature Stories
Read living nature stories to your children. This TIP will help children “see” the world through the eyes of a plant or animal. I recommend the books from Thornton Burgess animal books to start.
Beautiful Wonder seasonal collection features a monthly living nature story. This month is about earthworms. A lovely story from 1903 that is sure to leave an impression on your child’s heart.
I hope some of these tips help you enjoy nature and finally have hours outdoor! 🥰
