OBJECTIVE: To learn how to nurture a child's natural love of nature and how to give them eyes to 'see'.
The purpose of Nature Study is to help a child feel at home in Nature. Nature Study is emotional -- Science is intellectual. They're two completely different approaches. In time, heart and mind will work together, but heart work comes first. Unfortunately, in our excitement over science, we've left the study of nature behind. Children are taught the scientific method in kindergarten, but they have little awareness of the miracles of nature that surround them. The job of the mother is to open a child's eyes and especially his heart so he can 'feel' all the lessons Mother Nature teaches. NATURE IS GOD'S UNIVERSITY.
The purpose of Nature Study is to help a child feel at home in Nature. Nature Study is emotional -- Science is intellectual. They're two completely different approaches. In time, heart and mind will work together, but heart work comes first. Unfortunately, in our excitement over science, we've left the study of nature behind. Children are taught the scientific method in kindergarten, but they have little awareness of the miracles of nature that surround them. The job of the mother is to open a child's eyes and especially his heart so he can 'feel' all the lessons Mother Nature teaches. NATURE IS GOD'S UNIVERSITY.
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INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES:
Pierre Curie, Marie Curie's husband and fellow scientist, wrote about spending time along in nature: "Oh! What a good time that was, in grateful solitude, far from the thousand irritating little things which tortured me in Paris ... I went off in the evening, up the valley, and came back with dozens of ideas in my head."
Speak to the Children, Little Book,
And bring to them happy hours; Teach them to find in every verse God's message in the flowers. His loving care of beast and bird, His wonders in the deep, His patience in His perfect work, His care o'er all who sleep; And learn from all His teachings true How much a little child can do. -Mary Lovejoy |
"If the trees and flowers, the clouds and the wind, all tell wonderful stories to the child, he has sources of happiness of which no power can deprive him." --Flora Cooke
"Another contributing factor to happiness is to be able to enjoy the gifts of nature. The poorest man living can enjoy these because God gives all his blessings free." --David O. McKay 
Picking Blossoms by Emile Claus
"Why do we wish to learn to draw? ... In order to develop in us those nobler faculties which God has given for the appreciation of His works in nature...
"Drawing produces an exactness of thought." --John Ruskin |
"The value of Nature Study should not be measured by the acquisition of knowledge, but rather by the love and the profound reverence for the design and protecting care revealed in the works and sky by an all-wise Creator." --Anna McGovern
WATCH:
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LISTEN:
READ:
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RESEARCH/ARTICLES:
Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
In this inimitable classic, Anne Morrow Lindbergh shares her meditations on youth and age, love and marriage, peace, solitude, and contentment during a brief vacation by the sea. 
The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling
Laws provides clear, practical advice for every step of the process for artists at every level, from the basics of choosing supplies to advanced techniques. While the book's advice will improve the skills of already accomplished artists, the emphasis on seeing, learning, and feeling will make this book valuable even revelatory to anyone interested in the natural world, no matter how rudimentary their artistic abilities. You may want to join his Facebook group for more inspiration--The Nature Journal Club 
The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden
Pure inspiration for what is possible. Edith sketched around the seasons in the British countryside. DELPHIAN READING: VII: 393-494 Nature Study |
Mother's Learning Library: Nature Study
Includes How Nature Should be Taught and ideas for combining nature, literature and art for the younger grades, arranged by season. 
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
When orphaned Mary Lennox comes to live at her uncle's great house on the Yorkshire Moors, she finds it full of secrets. Mary discovers a secret garden and becomes determined to bring the garden back to life. The Nature Series from The Forgotten Classics Children Library has a lot of great stories to awaken an interest in nature. The Series is broken down by subject: Stars, Ocean, Rocks, Plants/Trees, Gardening, Insects/Bugs, Birds and Animals. Access the whole series on the Categories page. 
Two Little Savages by Ernest Thompson Seton
This is one of the great classics of nature and boyhood by one of America's foremost nature experts. It presents a vast range of woodlore in the most palatable of forms, a genuinely delightful story. It will provide many hours of good reading for any child who likes the out-of-doors, and will teach him or her many interesting facts of nature, as well as a number of practical skills. It will be sure to awaken an interest in the outdoor world in any youngster who has not yet discovered the fascination of nature. The story concerns two farm boys who build a teepee in the woods and persuade the grownups to let them live in it for a month. |
TOOLS:
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John Muir Laws now has a special course specifically for young people. Perfect for homeschooling families. It's free--but do consider making a donation to support his work. Fantastic source for you!
johnmuirlaws.com/the-nature-journal-connection/ Johnmuirlaws.com Hands down---the best website for being inspired and instructed in nature journaling and falling in love with nature. He has tons of free instructional videos, instructions for forming a nature journal club and so much more! "We live in a world of beauty and wonder. Train your mind to see deeply and with intentional curiosity, and the world will open before you. Keeping a journal of your observations, questions, and reflections will enrich your experiences and develop gratitude, reverence, and the skills of a naturalist. The goal of nature journaling is not to create a portfolio of pretty pictures but to develop a tool to help you see, wonder, and remember your experiences. You can learn to do this. You do not need to be an artist or a naturalist. These are skills you will develop as you go. The time to begin is now." |
Recommended tools for Nature Journaling:
Bare Books for budget option
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Gray artist journal
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Watercolor pencils for beginners
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Pentel large fine point water brush
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Archival black ink pen
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Sakura Koi Watercolor Field Sketch with Water brush
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Sketching Pencils |
Nature Library at Libraries of Hope
You will find books to read, classical music to listen to, fine art, crafts, and stories of nature lovers sorted by topic: Stars, Ocean, Rocks, Plants/Trees, Gardening, Bugs/Insects, Birds and Animals. Access them through Categories or through the Rotation Schedule at librariesofhope.com.
You will find books to read, classical music to listen to, fine art, crafts, and stories of nature lovers sorted by topic: Stars, Ocean, Rocks, Plants/Trees, Gardening, Bugs/Insects, Birds and Animals. Access them through Categories or through the Rotation Schedule at librariesofhope.com.
DO:
1. Start nature journaling.
2. Start nature collections.
3. Plant a flower garden. "You can learn to love from flowers."
4. Allow free play in all kinds of weather!
5. Take early morning walks with your kids.
2. Start nature collections.
3. Plant a flower garden. "You can learn to love from flowers."
4. Allow free play in all kinds of weather!
5. Take early morning walks with your kids.