Build a Connection with Nature in Your Homeschool

August 15, 2016141

Nature study has always been a major focus in our homeschool. In fact, throughout their primary and early elementary years, nature study was primarily the only science we covered.

While easily accessible, nature study incorporates so much more than just the study of plants and animals in our backyard. It can include the study of weather and climate patterns, even ocean currents and tides.

To help you kick off the new school year with gusto, I am giving away a basket load of wonderful nature study goodies that I know you and your kids will absolutely love.

How We Approach Nature Study

I try to incorporate a nature lesson each week. This begins with spending quality time outdoors. With a tween and teen, this basically means we go for hikes or evening walks as a family. When they were younger, however, it meant playing in the creek near the lake, building imaginary worlds in the backyard, and even climbing trees.

Foraging for Mushrooms: A Wild Edibles Nature Study @EvaVarga.net

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Your purchase at these retailers helps to support my family.

Read my post Keeping a Nature Journal to learn how to get started in just 5 simple exercises. I’ve written more extensively about How We Approach Nature Study but how it is done is less important than just getting outside and exploring the world. Here are a few of our lessons from the past:

Here are some Summer Nature Activities to get you started before school begins next month.

nature journaling

If you would like to take it a little further or if you have an older child, consider learning about a master naturalist like Anna Botsford Comstock, Jane Goodall, or Carolus Linneaus.

For classroom or home educators, I also teach an extensive class on Nature Journaling in the Classroom if you’d like more guidance or are interested in earning course credit.

Nature BasketNature Study Giveaway

As promised, this basket of goodies is sure to delight you and your kids. I have included several of our favorite field identification books, a practical guide to discovering the natural world, and an outdoor workbook for families and classrooms. The contents of the basket are worth over $90!   

The Nature Connection by Claire Walker Leslie ($15.95)

The Practical Naturalist from DK Publishing ($22.95)

National Audubon Society Pocket Guide: Familiar Birds of Sea and Shore ($9.00)

National Audubon Society Pocket Guide: Familiar Birds of Lakes and Rivers ($9.00)

Tree Finder: A Manual for Identification of Trees by Their Leaves by May Theilgaard Watts ($5.95)

Rocky Mountain Tree Finder by Tom Watts ($5.95)

Millie & Cyndi’s Pocket Nature Guides:

Painted Ladies of North America ($7.95)
Hummers: Hummingbirds of North America($7.95)
Talons: North American Birds of Prey($7.95)

 

Bonus: NaturExplorers Incredible Creeks eBook ($8.95) … to be sent separately

Enter to Win This Bundle

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Back to Homeschool Gift Baskets

But Wait! That is not all ~ 52 homeschool bloggers have joined together to provide one massive back-to-homeschool basket giveaway! Take a peek around these 52 sites and enter to win as many baskets as you like.

Gift Baskets 2016 CollageEach blogger is conducting her own giveaway, so you never know. You may end up winning more than one! All giveaways will be live on Monday, August 15.


141 comments

  • Monique B.

    August 15, 2016 at 4:28 am

    What a wonderful give-away. It will certainly help to get outside and notice nature!

    • Robyn

      August 21, 2016 at 11:44 am

      Yes I agree. This looks like great resources. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

  • Stacey Baquera

    August 15, 2016 at 4:47 am

    We have really enjoyed Nature journaling. We hike or take a walk through the greenway trails once or twice a week. More often when the weather cools off 🙂

  • Lindsey Woolard

    August 15, 2016 at 5:11 am

    Almost daily! We’ve learned so much by just training ourselves to be aware when we’re outside.

  • WENDI S

    August 15, 2016 at 6:16 am

    we don’t explore together as often as we used to when my kiddos were younger…but I’d like to try for at least once a week this year.

    • Eva Varga

      August 17, 2016 at 9:21 am

      Same here. Once a week is our goal as well. 🙂

  • Cynthia Zalewsky

    August 15, 2016 at 6:33 am

    We get out to explore nature daily! We live on 45 acres and on a lake so there are plenty of opportunities to see nature up close! We are so thankful to have this!

    • Eva Varga

      August 17, 2016 at 9:21 am

      What a special place that must be! 🙂

  • Renee Caruso

    August 15, 2016 at 7:30 am

    We get out and explore nature as often as we can, depending on the weather. We are lucky to have a county park with hiking and biking trails right behind our house!

  • Ellen

    August 15, 2016 at 8:24 am

    We don’t get out into nature nearly as often as I’d like! But we do try at least once a week, sometimes much more.

  • Anna L.

    August 15, 2016 at 8:25 am

    When the kids were younger, we’d try to go out into nature weekly. Now that they’re older with lot of activities outside of the house, it’s harder to find time. Perhaps the items in this gift basket will encourage us to go out more. Thanks for offering this giveaway.

    • Eva Varga

      August 17, 2016 at 9:22 am

      I hear you! We aim for once a week, too.

  • Sharon Schoepe

    August 15, 2016 at 8:28 am

    As the kids get older we are able to get out more. They love it

  • Barbara

    August 15, 2016 at 8:30 am

    Your giveaway would help our learning in so many new ways. Thank you for all your wonderful ideas to get us outside

  • Elizabeth

    August 15, 2016 at 8:40 am

    We have been exploring nature often! I love this time of year, it also helps that its fruit picking time. =)

    • Eva Varga

      August 17, 2016 at 9:23 am

      I used to go fruit picking every August when I was little. I so want to resume this tradition with my own kiddos.

  • Charlene

    August 15, 2016 at 9:22 am

    We try to get out in nature at least once a week. I find that it helps our days go smoother when we get a bit of time in nature!

    • Kryste Herring

      August 15, 2016 at 10:06 am

      I am finding nature journaling to be useful for learning with my 5 year-old son. This basket would be a wonderful help (and treat) for us! He has learned his letters, numbers, colors through our walks and is learning how to put words with pictures to describe what he sees, hears, smells, can touch, and how it makes him feel. I have been taking pictures of things we see and then searching online to discover what the names are of some, the guides would be great to have 🙂

      • Eva Varga

        August 17, 2016 at 9:25 am

        Keep at it and you’ll be amazed at his art skills when he’s older. 🙂

  • Lindsay

    August 15, 2016 at 10:16 am

    Almost daily, we go outside in our yard, and they spend most of the time exploring nature. They love catching grasshoppers and studying/playing with rocks!

  • Rebekah

    August 15, 2016 at 10:40 am

    I don’t have any children of my own yet, but my nephew likes to spend time outside with us almost every day when he visits.

  • Judith Martinez

    August 15, 2016 at 10:59 am

    I don’t get out into nature with my kids very often. I really should do it more. I encourage them to spend a lot of time outdoors but I’m normally not out there with them.

    • Jess McCarthy

      August 15, 2016 at 11:56 am

      Not often enough! Spring is our favorite time to explore.

  • Tammy Williams

    August 15, 2016 at 11:42 am

    We have a small woods out behind our house, we like to walk around and see what we can find.

  • Sarah Nichols

    August 15, 2016 at 11:42 am

    Starting with this school year, I am determined to get out into nature with my kids at least once a week. I’ve not done nature study with them yet but I think we would really love it!!

  • Maria B

    August 15, 2016 at 12:55 pm

    Wow, what a unique homeschool giveaway – love it!! We don’t get out and explore often enough, although we are surrounded by it I think we take advantage of it sometimes instead of soaking it in!

  • Shauna Pernsteiner

    August 15, 2016 at 12:57 pm

    We used to do a consistent weekly nature study hour . . . and now we get out about once a month. We are outside frequently in the summer, either up in the mountains hiking or out in the garden.

  • Kathleen P.

    August 15, 2016 at 12:58 pm

    Not very often, but I will be including it this year.

  • Teri Knight

    August 15, 2016 at 1:28 pm

    I take the kids out often and explore nature. I think it’s one of our best teachers. These resources would be fabulous to use with that. Although we go out often, we haven’t had many supplements to go with it…just walking, exploring and talking about it. Thanks for the opportunity.

  • fivehazelnuts

    August 15, 2016 at 1:30 pm

    We get out almost daily to walk through our neighborhood…lakes and ponds to explore!

  • Tanya

    August 15, 2016 at 1:43 pm

    We are exploring nature almost daily. In the winter, it’s less often with the harsh weather.

  • Susan Lattin

    August 15, 2016 at 2:06 pm

    We live on 120 acres and are a mile from the road…we explore nature every time we walk the mile or do chores…it’s always amazing, even when wet, cold and miserable 🙂

    • Eva Varga

      August 17, 2016 at 9:27 am

      Wonderful! I would love to live on acreage. 🙂

  • Angela Klenke

    August 15, 2016 at 2:26 pm

    We have not done it much lately because of the heat, but we want to start getting out at least weekly for a nature study.

  • Dineen Ford

    August 15, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    We live on the edge of Chattahoochee National Forest and nature finds its way indoors. My daughter (or the cat) brings in wildlife she finds (toads, skinks, snakes, moles, fledgling birds) at least once a week. However with recent heat we haven’t been out up close so much as observing through the windows of our home and car. The grazing herds of deer and their friends the crow that haunt our yard. During car rides we observe the changes in the trees as well as the growing webs of caterpillars taking over trees.

    • Eva Varga

      August 17, 2016 at 9:28 am

      It amazes me what one can notice as we drive. We’ve learned to identify many birds of prey this way. 🙂

  • Jennifer

    August 15, 2016 at 3:12 pm

    We live on Salado creek in Texas and my youngest just loves collecting rocks and chasing creatures. We go almost everyday down the hill to gather new pocket fulls! We have some of the most amazing birds and turtles to watch. We are blessed with a gorgeous natural science classroom.

    • Eva Varga

      August 17, 2016 at 9:29 am

      Little boy pockets and treasures! Love!

  • Jacquelyn

    August 15, 2016 at 3:18 pm

    I don’t get out much I am a 100% NSC Vet and am in a wheelchair and we live in the country that does not facilitate using it outside but I love watching my son as he is checking things outside to bring in to me. I have a rose bush and he is always finding the prettiest boom to bring in to me.

    • Eva Varga

      August 17, 2016 at 9:30 am

      Thank you so much for your service. 🙂

  • Kate Johnston Tucker

    August 15, 2016 at 3:36 pm

    We try to get out in nature every day, rain, shine, or snow. Even a bit of backyard time, or a local stroll.

    • Claudia

      August 15, 2016 at 9:33 pm

      Every day.

  • Tammi Jarvis

    August 15, 2016 at 3:53 pm

    We go out almost daily. I like being outside more than in. It’s more interesting out there.?

  • Rachel R

    August 15, 2016 at 4:27 pm

    We love hiking once the weather cools off!

  • Amber Green

    August 15, 2016 at 4:45 pm

    I want to get out and explore daily, but right now we only do about 1-2 times a week.

  • tablelifeblog

    August 15, 2016 at 5:23 pm

    We get out and explore nature nearly every day in fall, winter, and spring. As for summer, rarely… It’s so stinking hot where we live!

  • Kimberly R

    August 15, 2016 at 5:54 pm

    We get out just about everyday. We just recently moved from the city to the country and just love it! All the wildlife and wildflowers, its so peaceful!

  • Sally D

    August 15, 2016 at 6:20 pm

    We don’t get out very often…I want to change that this year.

  • angie klein

    August 15, 2016 at 6:51 pm

    Everyday. My kids are a joy to watch as they marvel at nature. Really helps me to marvel as well.

  • heidinawrocki

    August 15, 2016 at 6:53 pm

    We live on a 53 acre small farm, so we try to get out each day. I want to make nature study a bigger part of our school this fall, though!

  • Becky

    August 15, 2016 at 7:07 pm

    My daughter is nature obsessed. Our science program this a nature study. This would be an awesome addition to our year.

  • Erin

    August 15, 2016 at 7:08 pm

    We have many nature trails around us, a small backyard and grandparents that live on one of the great lakes. There is great variety and we try to get out somewhere or other everyday.

  • Launa R

    August 15, 2016 at 9:08 pm

    We explore our half acre daily. Parks more like weekly. Yesterday we found 2 alligator lizards on our door mat! Caught one and he was our dinner centerpiece as we showed our 3 yo how to identify it. Let him go after supper of course. Thanks for the giveaway!

    • Eva Varga

      August 17, 2016 at 9:31 am

      We’ve had many an alligator lizard and western fence lizard in our home as guests too. 🙂

  • Kelly Lamhauge

    August 15, 2016 at 9:30 pm

    We go to our large local park a few times a week or more. We are very lucky it is very close and has a wonderful boardwalk out to a river. We are collecting materials to begin regular nature study this autumn. We are going to be branching out and also looking for hiking opportunities.

  • Amy Marshall

    August 15, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    Not often enough>>> would love to win these!

  • Deanna Sallee

    August 15, 2016 at 9:40 pm

    We do not get out nearly enough! However, we just got a dog and have been going out more and more and more! Thank you for the opportunity to win!

  • smallyetforever

    August 15, 2016 at 9:52 pm

    We are a homeschooling family that loves getting out into nature daily and are currently engaged in bird study. Thank you for sharing some great resources and this opportunity to win them as well!

  • Aimee

    August 15, 2016 at 9:55 pm

    I have to admit–not very often. But we are doing a science program this year that requires us to go outside and journal, so I should do better this year.

  • Adrienne f

    August 16, 2016 at 4:05 am

    Daily in our rural location. Just a part of our daily living, we raise sheep, chickens and ducks. We have dogs, cats and Guinea pigs. There are Hawks, egrets, and blue heron that visit our property often. Binoculars sit by our front windows of that in any indication.lol. Love this basket and would out it to good use. Thanks

  • Stephanie

    August 16, 2016 at 4:45 am

    We’re lucky enough to have a wooded backyard, so we get to explore and experience nature pretty often. Sometimes it is just watching the flock of turkeys on the front yard or the big groundhog that lives in the rock pile out back, and sometimes it is hiking and seeing what we can observe.

  • Amy Maze

    August 16, 2016 at 4:57 am

    In the summer it is at least a weekly activity. I have yet to conquer nature study in the winter =)

  • Autumn

    August 16, 2016 at 5:38 am

    As the kids get older it seems as if we don’t get out enough. This would be great inspiration!

  • Sarah M.

    August 16, 2016 at 7:07 am

    I don’t go out with my kids nearly enough. I’m inspired to do so more, though!

  • Tracey M.

    August 16, 2016 at 7:48 am

    A couple times a week, but we would LOVE more ideas on how to increase the number of times we explore the outdoor world.

  • Kristina U

    August 16, 2016 at 8:42 am

    We do nature study once a week, but my boys are always out finding new treasures!

  • Jessica Justice

    August 16, 2016 at 8:45 am

    We try to enjoy nature as much as possible. Due to the heat we’ve only been out every few days or so. Looking forward to somewhat cooler days so we can out an explore some more.

  • Jennifer Mathesz

    August 16, 2016 at 9:23 am

    definitely not as much as I’d like.

  • April Sutkay

    August 16, 2016 at 11:16 am

    We are out in nature quite often. We are members of a local nature center, take hikes in a local state park and in general get outside as often as we can. I have very fond memories of growing up playing in the forest and it is important to me to have my children receive the same.

  • Robin E.

    August 16, 2016 at 11:19 am

    We used to explore nature more often, but general busyness as my children are getting older makes getting out to explore happen less and less. This may be just the motivation I need to make it a priority again!

    • Gale Langley

      August 16, 2016 at 6:02 pm

      I don’t get out to expore nature enough with my kiddos, especially in summer when it’s so dang hot here in Texas (nature isn’t that fun when it’s 100+ degrees). In the spring and fall we get out more though.

    • Eva Varga

      August 17, 2016 at 9:34 am

      We are experiencing the same – activities pull us away from things we love. Hard to find that balance.

    • Eva Varga

      August 17, 2016 at 9:35 am

      100+ degrees … I recall those temperatures not so fondly when we lived in Redding. It was hard to get out mid-day. Early mornings were our best bet.

  • Jeni G

    August 16, 2016 at 12:03 pm

    We get out to explore weekly, but I’d like to do it more often!

  • Kelly

    August 16, 2016 at 3:49 pm

    Pretty much every day! We live in the country and looooove to explore the nature around us!

  • neighborhoodhomeschool

    August 16, 2016 at 4:10 pm

    We try to get outside every day, but definitely once a week for a bigger adventure in nature.

  • Nancy Stegner

    August 16, 2016 at 4:11 pm

    We’re out in nature more now that we have a house a few miles out of town. What a change from suburbia!

  • Terri Holbrook

    August 16, 2016 at 6:13 pm

    We try to get outside daily for at least 15 minutes rain or shine. My children love to be outdoors and do much better with their school work when they can go out and play periodically throughout the day!

    • Eva Varga

      August 17, 2016 at 9:37 am

      Rain or shine .. yes!! Nature can be enjoyed in all weather conditions. 🙂

  • Darlene Hicks

    August 16, 2016 at 6:32 pm

    My son loves to draw animals and my daughter loves to photograph them. Together they make incredible artwork.

    • Darlene Hicks

      August 16, 2016 at 6:35 pm

      We spend hours at the zoo twice a month.

    • Eva Varga

      August 17, 2016 at 9:37 am

      That’s wonderful! 🙂

  • Brigitte Brorman

    August 16, 2016 at 7:24 pm

    Unfortunately, we live in the desert right now. It’s not very conducive to exploring. When we go on any trips we spend lots of time outdoors.

    • Eva Varga

      August 17, 2016 at 9:38 am

      Are you familiar with the author Bryd Baylor? She has many wonderful titles celebrating her love of the desert. Perhaps her work may inspire you? 🙂

      • Brigitte Brorman

        August 17, 2016 at 10:05 am

        I’m not, but I’ll check out her work. Thanks!

  • Kelly Barnett

    August 16, 2016 at 8:05 pm

    A wonderful give away. We love field guides. Some of these books I’ve never seen before.

  • LeAnn H

    August 16, 2016 at 9:29 pm

    We explore every chance we get, at least a couple times a week.

  • andrea

    August 16, 2016 at 10:22 pm

    Not often enough.

  • rekindle reading

    August 16, 2016 at 11:27 pm

    We are outside daily, but have a more focused “nature study” day once a week.

  • Diana Cote

    August 17, 2016 at 8:18 am

    During the summer time we dont go out much at all, the heat is just unbearable. once the temperatures cool down, we get out a lot more. we do make an effort to visit the duck park/ playground at least once a week

  • losgrovers

    August 17, 2016 at 8:54 am

    Love all these goodies!

  • LaRee Brown

    August 17, 2016 at 10:35 am

    I get outside with my kids a few times a month, I need to be more intentional about it.

  • Angel

    August 17, 2016 at 10:47 am

    We check our backyard daily. Oh how I hope to win this!

  • April

    August 17, 2016 at 12:59 pm

    This is such a fantastic giveaway!!
    We get outside every chance we can. The kids are always finding some sort of bug or leaf or cloud pattern. They’re always so excited to discover something new and “google” more about it.
    Thanks for the opportunity to enter this giveaway!

  • Kyra Cook

    August 17, 2016 at 7:04 pm

    We don’t go out as a family to learn nearly enough, the book on tree identification sounds so cool! Thanks for the chance!

  • Valerie

    August 17, 2016 at 7:29 pm

    We do not get out much in the summer heat but in fall and spring at least half our day is outside

  • Amanda

    August 17, 2016 at 7:57 pm

    We try to incorporate nature every week, whether with a hike or just spending some unstructured time outside.

  • Natalie Kenny

    August 17, 2016 at 9:27 pm

    We get out everyday even for just a bit. We just got “one small square: backyard” and I am ready to put it to good use!

  • Christy

    August 17, 2016 at 10:48 pm

    We have not been very consistent, but I’d like to be better this school year!

  • mommy2darlings

    August 18, 2016 at 2:14 am

    We go out and explore nature almost daily during the warmer months.

  • Maria Leeker

    August 18, 2016 at 7:36 am

    We dont really go out and conect with nature, we probably should. It would be helpful for me to know more to be able to teach my kids about it.

  • Wanda

    August 18, 2016 at 7:38 am

    I love these books:)

  • julie

    August 18, 2016 at 10:20 am

    We go outside DAILY! We love all things outdoors.

  • freetobeachild

    August 18, 2016 at 11:04 am

    What a great collection of resources! We spend our mornings outside, and our Monday mornings in the woods. Thanks for the chance to win!

  • Tyler

    August 18, 2016 at 11:31 am

    We go out several times a week to our family’s farms. I’m always looking for something new and inspiring reason to go out! This basket looks amazing! Thank you for the chance!!

  • Andrea

    August 18, 2016 at 12:55 pm

    Not enough 🙁

  • Erin

    August 18, 2016 at 3:48 pm

    We go out everyday, weather permitting. Even when it’s raining we try to make it out for a bit. The only days we avoid are the – days in winter, and living in Maine we get a bunch of those.

  • Jenn Khurshid

    August 18, 2016 at 8:18 pm

    I try to make sure the kids get out everyday, at least for a few minutes. But, I need to join them more often (my husband usually takes them out).

  • Julie P

    August 18, 2016 at 8:34 pm

    We try to go out every day, if weather allows.

  • Intisar Khanani (@BooksByIntisar)

    August 18, 2016 at 8:35 pm

    We try to get out at least weekly, but this summer has actually been much tougher than the spring was. Hoping to get our groove back and start getting more green in the next week or two!

  • Deana

    August 19, 2016 at 6:05 am

    We just moved to an area with a little creek on the property. Lots of new things to explore.

  • Jessica c

    August 19, 2016 at 9:47 am

    Every weekend we go out to explore. We have a metal detector.

  • Kiel

    August 19, 2016 at 10:48 am

    Oh, these would be some awesome nature study resources to get for our homeschool shelves!

  • Elizabeth B

    August 19, 2016 at 11:38 am

    I try to talk about nature around us whenever we’re outside. Maybe looking at a new flower blooming, or see a spider on its web. But mine are still little, so we don’t have too much structure yet. So I want to start getting ideas for nature journaling and such before they are bigger.

  • Thorn

    August 19, 2016 at 11:49 am

    not nearly often enough…

  • Emily

    August 19, 2016 at 12:53 pm

    We try to get out daily when the weather is nice enough. Unfortunately, the summer time is a bit too hot to go outside for more than 30 minutes or so.

  • Gina

    August 19, 2016 at 2:51 pm

    Not as often as I would like.

  • Betsy

    August 19, 2016 at 2:53 pm

    I try and make it a point to get out at least once a day, but there are seasons of our lives when that doesn’t happen as often and in those times I strive for at least once a week.

  • Rebecca

    August 19, 2016 at 7:06 pm

    One of our first things we did a journal entry on was a Luna Moth. Taking the time to draw it really increased our observations skills!

  • Heidi Kaldenberg

    August 19, 2016 at 9:57 pm

    Happy to have found your site! We get outside at least once a week in the spring summer and fall . I love studying nature with my five kiddos… especially birds, wildflowers, stars, animals…etc!

  • Maureen

    August 20, 2016 at 11:48 am

    Our family lives to spend time outdoors in nature. We do a weekly nature study and take every possible opportunity to get outside together.

    • Lisa Teodoro

      August 20, 2016 at 3:16 pm

      Our backyard is woods, so basically anytime they go outside is an opportunity!

  • travelinglacey@gmail.com

    August 20, 2016 at 1:33 pm

    Not enough.

  • Deirdre Fisher

    August 20, 2016 at 4:15 pm

    My goal is once a week but with the baby & a toddler our nature walks are down to once a month.

  • rebecca m

    August 20, 2016 at 6:55 pm

    We have recently moved. We are now in a neighborhood and I’m still figuring out how to “get out in nature” here. It’s a bit more difficult. But the kids do explore close to home!

  • 3gigglygirlsathome

    August 20, 2016 at 8:46 pm

    We certainly don’t get out much during the hot summers but we do try to get out weekly during the spring and fall.

  • Dia

    August 20, 2016 at 10:36 pm

    Live on a large property in sunny California, our kiddos spend hours outside daily. But concentrated, directed time we don’t get as often. Looking forward to building nature studies into our year!

  • Chelsea

    August 21, 2016 at 5:36 am

    We try to go outside everyday and discuss something they see/find….most weeks though ive noticed we make it out about 3 out of 5 days but they still point out and examine clouds/bugs/birds from the window on the other days.

  • Rachel

    August 21, 2016 at 12:17 pm

    It’s my goal to go outside everyday when the weather is nice, it doesn’t always happen. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Lynne B

    August 21, 2016 at 12:24 pm

    They get out a few times a week but in our yard and local neighborhood. I need to work on getting them to the botanical garden and a few other gems in this area.

  • lorih824

    August 21, 2016 at 2:26 pm

    We don’t get out enough however we live near a state park and we enjoy going hiking whenever we can ?

  • Connie Johnson

    August 21, 2016 at 3:03 pm

    We do stargaze quite a bit but I’d like for us to add other forms of nature study into our schooling!

    • Eva Varga

      August 22, 2016 at 10:00 pm

      I would love to do more stargazing. My daughter is fascinated by astronomy. 🙂

  • Cathy Hall

    August 21, 2016 at 3:09 pm

    We enjoy getting out in nature at every opportunity. We enjoy walks, collecting rocks, sticks, dead bugs, etc. as well as identifying live insects, bugs and birds. Even though our student is soon to be 4 years old, she has already learned how to identify an insect from a bug and different kinds of birds and rocks. This summer we were able to introduce her to different land forms during a cross country drive and to a spring that is enclosed to form a swimming pool that has live fish to swim with; it was at a National Park. We would love to spend an entire school year traveling the US and teaching as we go and hope that might be a goal we can reach before she is out of grade school.

    • Eva Varga

      August 22, 2016 at 10:00 pm

      A cross country drive .. what a fabulous experience!

  • Phyllis Brooks

    August 21, 2016 at 3:42 pm

    My 5 years old loves outdoors and bringing it indoors. We currently have a rhinocerus beetle in a jar we are watching. We read a tree is nice this past week and took pictures of trees and then collected leaves and if it had nuts or cones we collected that. We go out every day.

  • Llora

    August 21, 2016 at 8:08 pm

    We dont’ get out nearly as much as we’d like to, but we aim for 2-3 times a week. We love going hiking when we can.

  • Mindy H

    August 21, 2016 at 8:09 pm

    We get out to “explore” almost every day. We do have to go out everyday to at least care for the animals!

  • nicolem67

    August 21, 2016 at 11:53 pm

    Once a week, but we really wanna kick it up a notch with our nature studies…and get outside more!

Comments are closed.


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