Category: nature table

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How to Use a Book Basket with Nature Study


The humble book basket is a simple idea that provides powerful opportunities for learning in your homeschool life. Gathering seasonal or themed nature study books into a basket takes a few minutes of preparation but it can provide hours of enjoyment for your family.

Using a book basket with nature study is a simple idea that provides powerful opportunities for learning in your homeschool life.


How To Use a Book Basket with Nature Study: Three Ways a Book Basket Facilitates Learning

Just how can a simple book basket spur on homeschool learning? A book basket:

A Book Basket introduces and allows familiarity to nature study topics

Make sure to read or page through any picture books in the basket at the beginning of the month. Demonstrate how to use field guides (or learn how to use them together with your children).

Reference: If you choose books that fit into your monthly nature study themes, you can refer to the books in the
basket as needed to support or go more in-depth as you work through your weekly topics.

Using a book basket with nature study is a simple idea that provides powerful opportunities for learning in your homeschool life.

A Nature Book Basket Allows for Independent Learning

Leaving the basket out at a level accessible to your children will allow them to study
the books on their own during their free time.

Suggestions for Getting Started with a Nature Book Basket

Use the ideas included in the Outdoor Hour Challenges to spark topics for your basket each month (current topics). There are suggestions for a bird, mammal, flower, and tree to focus your study on each month.

There is usually a link to a list of books and other materials to use during your circle time or to have on your nature shelf or in your Book Basket.

Tips for a Successful Book Basket

  • The trick to making a successful and interesting Book Basket is to rotate the books periodically, keeping it fresh for your children.
  • Don’t overload your basket since it can lead to a large mess! Keep the number of books appropriate to the ages of your children and train them to put the books back when they are finished.
  • Even if you don’t keep your books in a basket, featured books gathered each month and kept on a prominent shelf or placed on a coffee table might entice your children to take a look at some point during the month.
  • For older students, putting the books on a shelf may work better.
Using a book basket with nature study is a simple idea that provides powerful opportunities for learning in your homeschool life.


Extended Nature Study Activity: Narration or Nature Journaling

Ask your child to narrate back a main point after reading any book from your Book Basket. Use that point as a written narration in your nature journal and have your child illustrate the point.

More Learning Inspired by Nature Books

From book lists to nature study references, we have a variety of resources to inspire your learning:

How To Create Simple Nature Displays for Fun Homeschool Learning – Many of our nature treasures were found in our own back yard or neighborhood.

A Homeschool Mom’s Best Tips for Organizing Your Nature Library – Using good nature study reference books and literature will be a huge help in nudging along the seeds of a love nature in your child. To help you find what you need when you need it, these are our best tips for organizing your nature library. As the seasons and years pass, they will dig deep into your nature library and become familiar with so many things.

The Ultimate List of Preschool Nature Study Books – While nothing beats experiencing nature first-hand, preschool nature study books are a vital component of our preschool nature studies. We have used both fiction and non-fiction books to introduce a topic, supplement a topic and study a topic in-depth.

The Best Winter Nature Books for Cozy Homeschooling – These are the best winter nature books for cozy homeschooling days. Includes winter nature study suggestions you can do through your window – or for a quick and refreshing outdoor time.

Using a book basket with nature study is a simple idea that provides powerful opportunities for learning in your homeschool life.

A Summer Nature Themed Book List for Easy Learning – Over the years, our family has built a nature themed library of our favorite and most useful resources. There are picture books featuring the natural world, fiction with a nature theme, and non-fiction reference and activity filled books. Even now with my children all grown and on their own, I use this nature library for my own benefit and enjoyment.

Fall Homeschool Nature Books List – With the changing leaves and beautiful weather upon us, this ultimate list of nature themed books for fall homeschooling is your go-to for the season!

Learn More About Outdoor Hour Challenges with The Handbook of Nature Study

Our Homeschool Nature Study members have access to endless year round nature studies, Handbook of Nature Study references, follow up nature journaling activities, notebook pages and resources to inspire and guide you.

Find Out More About Homeschool Nature STudy Membership with Access to ALL Studies!

Be inspired. Be encouraged. Get outdoors!

by Barb McCoy, founder of The Outdoor Hour Challenges

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Simple Preschool Nature Table Ideas for Relaxed Learning

Here we have included some relaxed preschool nature study using a nature table. Find simple ideas and images to follow up your outdoor time.

Here we have included some relaxed preschool nature study using a nature table. Find simple ideas and images to follow up your outdoor time.

Ideas with The Outdoor Hour Challenges Preschool Curriculum

To make it easy for you, homeschool mom, we gather what you need for each month. Our preschool curriculum includes simple ideas to use with your youngest children, introducing them to one bird, one animal, one flower, and one tree each month.

The accompanying grid will give you ideas to use along with your nature table. Placing items on the table along with the printable photo cards will heighten interest as you work through the month.

Here we have included some relaxed preschool nature study using a nature table. Find simple ideas and images to follow up your outdoor time.
Photo by Amy Law

Relaxed Preschool Nature Table Ideas and Instructions

Here are some ideas to get you started!

  • You can place all the items on your preschool nature table at the beginning of the month or add one new item each week.
  • Print the images included in the Preschool Curriculum in color, cut them apart, and laminate if you wish.
  • Use the ideas in the grid to enhance your study of each item. Keep it simple and fun.
  • Visit your local library to find books about the month’s topics. Make sure to display the books on your nature table. For more inspiration, check out our Ultimate List of Preschool Nature Study books.
  • Create time to talk with your preschooler about the items throughout the month.
  • Use the items for free play.
  • Some of the activities suggest activities that you can do with your child for more active
    learning like singing, drawing, or tasting.

Just remember you are cultivating curiosity with nature study!

What is a Nature Table? More Inspiration

The Habit of Gathering Things for Your Homeschool Nature Table – Unsure of what a nature table is exactly? Here is a simple definition with some ideas and tips. These will help you begin the habit of gathering things for your homeschool nature table during your Outdoor Hour Challenge time.

How to Create Simple Nature Displays for Fun Homeschool Learning (Maureen shares!) – It took me awhile to be ok with bringing nature inside. I mean, I was a little concerned about little critter hitch-hikers finding their way into my home. But after figuring out how to address that problem, I was all on board for creating a nature display for our nature treasures. And now we keep adding more around our home. Here’s a few things to think about when planning our nature display.

Preschool Nature Study with Homeschool Nature Study Membership!

Enjoy ALL of our preschool nature studies plus access to the Outdoor Hour Challenges curriculum for the whole family in Homeschool Nature Study Membership.

Find out more about our Delightful Preschool Nature Study Plans for Your Homeschool.

Find Out More About Homeschool Nature Study Membership HERE!

Be inspired. Be encouraged. Get Outdoors!

by Barb McCoy, founder of The Outdoor Hour Challenges

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Leaf Art Nature Walk Activity

This is a super fun leaf art nature walk activity that you can do today! After a nature walk, create these fun shapes with the treasures you find.

Here is an example of leaf art the children created with Nana a few years back. It’s time to do it again!

Here is a super fun leaf art nature walk activity that you can do today! After a nature walk, create these fun shapes with the treasures you find.

Leaf Art Nature Walk Activity

Start by enjoying a simple nature walk in your yard on a beautiful fall day, encouraging the children to collect a variety of leaves, seeds and nature items.

Bring your discoveries inside and spread them out on the table. Or keep it all outdoors if you prefer – on a patio, back deck or blanket spread out in a shady spot.

Allow the children to create pictures with their items. You might encourage them by starting some artwork yourself, giving them an example.

Leaf Art Supplies Needed

You’ll need:

  • construction paper or printer paper
  • glue
  • markers or crayons
  • your nature items

With markers, crayons, or whatever you have on hand, let the children complete their pictures, then glue down their nature items. Making whatever they would like to make.

There’s no right or wrong way to make leaf art. Just have fun!

More Fall Leaf Activities for Your Homeschool

Keep going with these ideas!

Nature Study Crafts for Kids: Easy Activities for Learning and Fun! isn’t that leaf mask fun?

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Leaf Activities – Fall is the perfect time to take advantage of seasonal learning and to make memories together!

Fall Leaf Activities for Kids – These fall leaf activities for kids are a perfect way to study nature throughout the season. Easy to implement and enjoyable for the entire family, this study has options for all ages.

This is a super fun leaf art nature walk activity that you can do today! After a nature walk, create these fun shapes with the treasures you find.

More Fall Homeschool Nature Study Fun!

Keep the apple and pumpkin nature study fun going with these resources for all ages:

Join Us in Homeschool Nature Study Membership for a Library Full of Nature Crafts and Outdoor Hour Challenges!

Tricia and her family fell in love with the Handbook of Nature Study and the accompanying Outdoor Hour Challenges early in their homeschooling. The simplicity and ease of the weekly outdoor hour challenges brought joy to their homeschool and opened their eyes to the world right out their own back door! She shares the art and heart of homeschooling at You ARE an ARTiST and Your Best Homeschool plus her favorite curricula at The Curriculum Choice.

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How To Create Simple Nature Displays for Fun Homeschool Learning

It took me awhile to be ok with bringing nature inside. I mean, I was a little concerned about little critter hitch-hikers finding their way into my home. But after figuring out how to address that problem, I was all on board for creating a nature display for our nature treasures. And now we keep adding more around our home. Here’s a few things to think about when planning our nature display.

Creating simple nature displays is a wonderful way to expose your family to the beauty of the world around us. Nature study made easy!

Types of Nature Display Containers

First you need to decide what kind of nature display container you would like to use. I’ve seen:

  • baskets
  • shadow boxes
  • old printer press drawers
  • miniature display case
  • trays

Find Treasures on a Nature Hike

Next, go find some nature treasures! Go on a nature hike! Many of our nature treasures were found in our own back yard or neighborhood. Things to remember:

  • Know the rules for keeping nature objects. If you’re at a state park, national forest or nature preserve, you can only look– not take anything you find.
  • If you reside in the U.S., there are some rules regarding collecting bird feathers. Because of this, we don’t pick up bird feathers.  We did purchase some feathers at Hobby Lobby (which is where we got the peacock feathers.) See Is it Illegal to Pick up Bird Feathers
  • For objects such as pine cones, nuts and bark– you can put them on a cookie sheet and place in a 200 degree oven for about 20-30 min. Watch items carefully so they don’t burn. This will make sure you don’t have any unwanted critters.
  • For things like seashells, soak them in cold water. Change the water daily for a week. I did use a plant-base cleaner on the last day (adding a very small amount to the soaking water) but that isn’t necessary– especially if you are picking up empty shells.
Creating simple nature displays is a wonderful way to expose your family to the beauty of the world around us. Nature study made easy!

How to Create a Nature Study Wall Display

We decided to create a wall display first. I found our display box at Hobby Lobby, but when I went back to get more, I couldn’t find them there. They might have been a seasonal item.

For bigger items, we placed them directly in the space. But I found that clean, glass spice bottles are awesome for holding smaller items. We have a bottle of sand, shark teeth, tiny shells, crab pinches, and tiny rocks.

How to Create a Simple Nature Table

We quickly ran out of room in our wall display, so we added a small display on top of the bookcase. I love that my kids can pick up and observe objects and have a space to proudly place items they find. (The book on the stand is Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World (Julia Rothman) )

Do you have a nature display or nature box? What tips would you add?

More on Nature Tables and Displays for Your Homeschool

Unsure of what a nature table is exactly? Here is simple definition with some ideas and tips. These will help you begin the habit of gathering things for your homeschool nature table during your Outdoor Hour Challenge time.

Nature Table Pinterest Board filled with ideas!

Moss on Our Nature Table and Up Close

The Outdoor Hour Challenges Bring The Handbook of Nature Study to Life in Your Homeschool!

For even more homeschool nature study ideas for all seasons, join us in Homeschool Nature Study membership! You’ll receive new ideas each and every week that require little or no prep – all bringing the Handbook of Nature Study to life in your homeschool!

Explore Homeschool Nature Study Membership Today!

Be inspired. Be encouraged. Get outdoors!

By Maureen Spell, a long-time contributor to the Outdoor Hour Challenges. Maureen helps Christian mompreneurs operate their business from a place of joy, purpose, and excellence because they are clear on how their business is serving their family and others. As a homeschool mom, she believes success at home AND business without the mom-guilt, stress and burn-out is possible! Outside of work, she loves having good conversations over a hot chai or GT Gingerberry kombucha and spending time with her husband and seven children. Visit her at MaureenSpell.com

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Delightful Preschool Nature Study Plans for Your Homeschool

Enjoy relaxed preschool nature study plans for your homeschool with nature table suggestions, simple nature study activities, field trip ideas, images to print, coloring pages, and so much more. What a privilege to introduce children to the glorious world God created!

Have children eager to be outside? You can think of the earliest years outdoors with your children as the way to grow a love and curiosity about the natural world. This habit develops gradually over their childhood. The earlier you start building a habit of nature study in your family, the easier it will be to encourage children to be engaged in nature study.

Don’t miss the free sample of preschool curriculum, below!

Delightful Preschool Nature Study Plans for Your Homeschool

Delightful Preschool Nature Study Plans for Your Homeschool

Preschool nature ideas for each month of the year include:

  • an animal, bird, flower and tree of the month – that is four nature studies each month!
  • nature table suggestions and items for free play
  • image cards
  • monthly activities
  • library books suggestions
  • casual monthly nature study
  • preschool hands on activities for active learning: singing drawing, tasting

“..the mother must not miss this opportunity of being outdoors to train the children to have seeing eyes, hearing ears and seeds of truth deposited into their minds to grow and blossom on their own in the secret chambers of their imaginations.”

Charlotte Mason, Volume 1, page 45

These Outdoor Nature Study Plans Can Be Used Family Style

Most of these nature study plans point to existing Outdoor Hour Challenges in our membership. The new Preschool course includes nature studies plus the plans refer to spring, summer, autumn and winter topics.

These are studies the whole family can explore! So these preschool plans are a great place for the whole family to start with.

48 Outdoor Hour Challenges!

But what if there is a rainy day and you can’t get outdoors? The activities in our Preschool Nature Study Plans will give you new ideas for fun learning.

Sample a Month of Nature Study Plans For Preschool

Try a free sample of the preschool nature study plans included in Homeschool Nature Study Membership. This sample includes a month of nature study plans! Get your copy in the form, below:

Get Your Preschool Nature Study Curriculum Sample!

Subscribe to get your free Preschool Nature Study Curriculum Sample for Homeschool.

    We won’t send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

    Preschool Nature Study Curriculum Included in Homeschool Nature Study Membership

    Our Preschool Nature Study Curriculum is the newest addition to the Homeschool Nature Study membership. There are even more resources coming to members in the coming months!

    There are 25+ continuing courses with matching Outdoor Hour curriculum that will bring the Handbook of Nature Study to life in your homeschool! In addition, there is an interactive monthly calendar with daily nature study prompt – all at your fingertips!

    Find Out More About Homeschool Nature Study Membership Today!

    Join us for even more homeschool nature studies for all the seasons! With a new nature study each week, you will have joyful learning leading all the way through the homeschool year for all your ages!

    You might also like:

    This Nature Study curriculum written by founder, Barbara McCoy. Additional resources by Tricia. Tricia and her family fell in love with the Handbook of Nature Study and the accompanying Outdoor Hour Challenges early in their homeschooling. The simplicity and ease of the weekly outdoor hour challenges brought joy to their homeschool and opened their eyes to the world right out their own back door! She shares the art and heart of homeschooling at You ARE an ARTiST and Your Best Homeschool plus her favorite curricula at The Curriculum Choice.

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    Nature Study Crafts For Kids: Easy Activities For Learning And Fun!

    Nature study crafts for kids are a hands on way to learn. What beautiful and easy activities for learning and FUN! Let us show you how.

    Nature study crafts for kids are a hands on way to learn. What beautiful and easy activities for learning and FUN! Let us show you how.

    Nature Study For Kids

    There is such value in adding nature study! Getting outside for a walk may be one of the most refreshing activities you could do with your children. Not only will you be learning about the beautiful creation in your very own backyard but you will be building lasting memories together.

    And, gathering supplies from your yard makes doing a nature craft together even more fun! Spend a little bit of time outdoors then come inside and create. You could even stay outdoors and be crafty on a nice day.

    Nature study crafts for kids are a hands on way to learn. What beautiful and easy activities for learning and FUN! Let us show you how.

    Nature Study Craft Activities For Learning and Fun

    Using our nature craft activities makes nature study easy on mom because our craft artist, Victoria, leads you and your students, step by step. Victoria grew up participating in the Outdoor Hour Challenges with her family. Nature has always inspired her work, right from when she was young. She, along with her sister, would go on weekly nature walks following lessons from the Handbook of Nature Study to learn about the beauty of our natural world. She has found through years of nature study that the slow and simple process of painting and being surrounded by nature has become her form of escapism from such a fast paced and material world.

    Each craft activity is seasonal and matches what you are already studying in your homeschool. Plus, nature crafts are just so much fun!

    Here are a few examples of the nature study craft activities you can enjoy in Homeschool Nature Study membership!

    Nature study crafts for kids are a hands on way to learn. What beautiful and easy activities for learning and FUN! Let us show you how.

    Ice Nature Art

    Ice art incorporating foraged berries, leaves, cones or whatever else you find in nature makes for a beautiful garden decoration…even of it only lasts a few hours.

    How to Make Forage Fairies

    This homeschool nature craft makes it so much fun to get outdoors and forage for your supplies.

    How to Make a Leaf Mask

    You will love making a nature craft with leaves! We will be making these gorgeous leaf masks with only a handful of supplies. Let your creativity go wild with these masks!

    Other nature study crafts include:

    • Last Days of Summer Wreath
    • Flower Hammered Note Cards
    • How to Make a Pouch for Your Nature Journal
    • Pressed Flower Vase

    With new nature study crafts for Homeschool Nature Study members each month!

    Nature study crafts for kids are a hands on way to learn. What beautiful and easy activities for learning and FUN! Let us show you how.

    More Resources For Nature Study In Your Homeschool

    We love the nature crafts Victoria shares! And, did you know that Victoria’s mother, Shirley Vels, is your Outdoor Hour Challenge hostess? Not only does Shirley share your new, weekly Outdoor Hour Challenge, she also encourages fellow homeschool moms with her monthly Outdoor Mom lessons in membership as well!

    Find out more about the Outdoor Mom encouragement and prompts in The Joy of Nature Study in Your Homeschool Year.

    If you are not a Homeschool Nature Study membership yet, please consider joining to gain the benefit of having a nature study library at your fingertips. There are numerous resources available for you to help create the habit of nature study within your family.

    nature membership for your homeschool

    Members also enjoy access to:

    • NEW, weekly Outdoor Hour Challenges to bring the Handbook of Nature Study to life in your homeschool!
    • the annual nature study plans
    • matching courses with materials and journaling pages
    • interactive calendar with daily nature study prompts
    • Nature Journaling course
    • and MUCH more!

    Members of Homeschool Nature Study enjoy access to both the Nature Crafts course AND Outdoor Mom plus more exclusive courses and content.

    Find Out More About Homeschool Nature Study Membership Today!

    Be inspired. Be encouraged. Get outdoors!

    Tricia and her family fell in love with the Handbook of Nature Study and the accompanying Outdoor Hour Challenges early in their homeschooling. The simplicity and ease of the weekly outdoor hour challenges brought joy to their homeschool and opened their eyes to the world right out their own back door! She shares the art and heart of homeschooling at You ARE an ARTiST and Your Best Homeschool plus her favorite curricula at The Curriculum Choice.

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    The Habit of Gathering Things for Your Homeschool Nature Table

    Unsure of what a nature table is exactly? Here is simple definition with some ideas and tips. These will help you begin the habit of gathering things for your homeschool nature table during your Outdoor Hour Challenge time.

    The Habit of Gathering Things for Your Homeschool Nature Table

    Unsure of what a nature table is exactly? Here is simple definition with some ideas and tips. These will help you begin the habit of gathering things for your homeschool nature table during your Outdoor Hour Challenge time.

    What is a Nature Table?

    A Nature Table Is…

    1. A table, shelf, box, or tray where teachers and families can gather and collect natural items for exploration and discovery.

    2. A collection of natural objects gathered by the teacher or student for closer observation.

    3. A place for the child to touch and interact with the natural items.

    4. A place that changes with the seasons and interests of the student.

    5. A collection of inanimate, living, and once living objects.

    6. A place to encourage the outdoors to come indoors.

    7. An aid to looking more closely at nature from your own backyard.

    8. A part of a nature center, hopefully near a window for firsthand observation of things in your own yard or neighborhood.

    9. A place to gather tools and ideas for further investigation.

    Unsure of what a nature table is exactly? Here are some tips to help you begin the habit of gathering things for your homeschool nature table.

    How A Nature Table Can Work in Your Homeschool

    The habit of collecting nature items for a homeschool nature table helps us transition from season to season. At the start of each season, we would evaluate which things on the table we would keep and which things could be taken back outside. Leaves get crunchy and flowers wilt over time, so they were easy to recycle. The other items like rocks and shells can live on the nature table or be stored in a box for future observations or display. I’m sure you’ll come up with a system of rotating items for your family that makes sense to you.

    During our family nature walks, my boys would gather things to bring home for our nature collection. They were always asking me to carry things for them and soon my pockets would be stuffed with rocks, acorns, and other interesting natural items. If they had too many items, I would make them choose a few favorites.

    Handbook of Nature Study quote on nature collection

    Often, we would draw the items once we were home but many times these treasures went straight to our homeschool nature table. This habit of gathering items while outside together was one that connected our time in nature with our indoor life and learning.

    Inevitably, the table would be covered with lots of things, and I decided we needed a system of displaying the items. I gathered a few baskets and plates and boxes for holding the bits they brought home from our outdoor excursions. (See the post linked below on how this worked with our rock collection.)

    items for your nature table

    Practical Suggestions For Creating Your Nature Table

    • Please use common sense when adding things to the nature table. Please be cautioned about potentially hazardous items like glass jars, sharp objects, and/or possibly poisonous items like berries, mushrooms, and leaves.
    • The nature table can be a part of a larger nature observation center in your classroom or home. Positioning the table near a window for outdoor observation is a great way to use the nature table as a place to gather nature study tools like magnifying glasses, binoculars, a nature journal, and field guides.
    • Consider changing items from year to year to freshen up your seasonal nature table.
    • Do not look at the items collected as something to necessarily save from one year to the next.
    • Allow a place for new objects and for areas of interest.
    • Let your children gather and collect items for the table if possible.

     

    Here are some ideas from the past to inspire

    If you’re not a member here on the Handbook of Nature Study yet, please consider joining to gain the benefit of having a nature study library at your fingertips.

    Unsure of what a nature table is exactly? Here is simple definition with some ideas and tips. These will help you begin the habit of gathering things for your homeschool nature table during your Outdoor Hour Challenge time.

    More Resources For Homeschool Nature Study

    For even more homeschool nature study ideas, join us in Homeschool Nature Study membership! You’ll receive new ideas each and every week that require little or no prep – all bringing the Handbook of Nature Study to life in your homeschool! There are endless resources available for you to help create the habit of nature study within your family.

    Find Out More About Homeschool Nature Study Membership HERE

    Be inspired. Be encouraged. Get Outdoors!

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    5 Ways to Use Your Magnifying Lens in Homeschool Nature Study

    Looking for ways to encourage your child to explore things in nature? Using a magnifying lens in homeschool nature study is not only fun for children but it helps them see more clearly the wonderful world of objects we have all around us. Try one of the ideas below to help your child get started making careful observations of natural items.

    Looking for ways to encourage your child to explore things in nature? Using a magnifying lens in homeschool nature study is not only fun for children but it helps them see more clearly the wonderful world of objects we have all around us. Try one of the ideas below to help your child get started making careful observations of natural items.
    photo by Amy Law

    5 Ways to Use Your Magnifying Lens in Homeschool Nature Study

    “Adults should realize the the most valuable thing children can learn is what they discover themselves about the world they live in. Once they experience first-hand the wonder of nature, they will want to make nature observation a life-long habit.”

    Charlotte Mason, Volume 1, page 61

    #1 – Nature Station With a Magnifying Lens


    Create a magnifying glass station with natural items either indoors or outdoors. Collect a few things to have on hand to start but them encourage your child to find a few of their own while outdoors playing or during a nature walk.

    Looking for ways to encourage your child to explore things in nature? Using a magnifying lens in homeschool nature study is not only fun for children but it helps them see more clearly the wonderful world of objects we have all around us. Try one of the ideas below to help your child get started making careful observations of natural items.

    #2 – Square Foot Nature Study


    Use your magnifying lens in homeschool for a square foot study. There are plenty of ideas here on my blog to help you get started. You can follow-up with this entry: Small Square Study-Living vs. Non-Living.

    Examine Insects with a Magnifying Lens

    #3 – Examine Insects With a Magnifying Lens

    Collect a few insects to examine close up with your magnifying lens. Look for dead insects in window sills, in the garden, or in spider webs. If you can capture a live insect and put it in a clear container, use the magnifying lens to get a closer look. Have your child observe closely the wings, the legs, the antennae, or the eyes of insects using a magnifying lens. Another tip is to place the insect on a mirror and then you can see the underside easily.

    Looking for ways to encourage your child to explore things in nature? Using a magnifying lens in homeschool nature study is not only fun for children but it helps them see more clearly the wonderful world of objects we have all around us. Try one of the ideas below to help your child get started making careful observations of natural items.

    #4 – Create a New Level of Tree Homeschool Nature Study

    As part of a tree study, use your magnifying lens to examine the bark, the leaves, and the cones or acorns of a tree in your yard or neighborhood. You can also use the magnifying lens to compare two trees with careful observations.

    For more ideas to use with your magnifying lens and my recommendations for products, you can see my Squidoo Lens: Best Magnifying Lens Plans and Activities.

    Outdoor Hour Challenge Homeschool Nature Study Lens Activity

    #5 – Use the Outdoor Hour Challenge Homeschool Nature Study Magnifying Lens Activity

    Discover the wonder of ordinary objects using this magnifying lens in homeschool nature study activity. Use the suggestions on the page to spark some ideas for objects to collect and observe. There is a place to record a few sketches and some follow-up thoughts if your child is interested in keeping a record of their magnifying lens activity.

    Homeschool Nature Study Activities

    Find this activity in Challenge 8 Getting Started in Homeschool Nature Study Guide available in membership and HERE.

    A magnifying lens in homeschool nature study is fun and helps children see more clearly the wonderful world of objects we have all around us.
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    Weed Bouquets and Autumn Time

    My Autumn Weed Bouquet

    IMG_2137

     

    Our neighborhood is mostly evergreens with a few deciduous trees mixed in. The view from my back window is over a slope leading down to the river and it has very few trees and lots of shrubs and grasses. The grasses are what most people would call “weeds” and in between those grasses there are a few wildflowers like yarrow and asters. The river is lined with willows, the shrubby kind and not the trees. For what it’s worth, I find the view from any of my windows beautiful and refreshing.

    IMG_2161

     

    As the winter snows have already started, I’m seeing fewer and fewer short plants as they get buried and mashed down by the snow and ice. There are still a few plants surviving so I took the opportunity a week or so ago to cut some of the autumn weeds for a bouquet to have indoors. It was pretty late for gathering much but I still managed to create a bouquet that makes me happy. Once again, it is a matter of perspective in determining whether a plant is a weed or something amazing to look at as part of an autumn bundle in a vase.

    Weed bouquet
    My winter weed bouquet from years past.

    My husband and I debate about the definition of a weed, an on-going discussion in our family. I say a weed is something growing where you don’t want it to grow, like in a flower or vegetable garden or in the middle of your manicured lawn. But, if the plant is growing, like most of those in our yard, in a natural landscape, I try to leave it as part of the habitat.

    In my eyes, my autumn weed bouquet is as pretty as any flower shop bunch of roses.

    Invite your children to gather some of your autumn weeds to be indoors as part of your nature display.

    Other Entries of Interest and Inspiration

    Poetry in Your Nature Journal

    Winter Weed Gallery – from my archives, showing lots of winter weeds

     

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    Outdoor Hour Challenge – Winter Birds

    Outdoor Hour Challenge:
    This week take some time to observe your neighborhood birds and document in your nature journal a bird you have noticed during the winter at your birdfeeder or in your yard. This is such an enjoyable nature study topic for the whole family. View from your window if you need to and use some of the ideas in the following challenges:

    Winter Bird Study from Winter Wednesday – see this post for ideas to use without the Discover Nature in Winter book.
    Winter Bird Challenge-focus some of your time on learning about bird migration using a field guide with migration maps
    Bird Nature Journal Ideas – use some of these ideas to record your birds in your nature journal
     

    Bird Themed Nature Table Ideas:
    Use some of the ideas in this printable to find items for your children to have access to on your family’s nature table. 

    Bird Themed Nature Table Printable

    Getting Started Suggestion:
    If you already own the Getting Started ebook, complete Outdoor Hour Challenge #5. Use the ideas in this challenge to start or continue your family’s list of birds observed. If you have the ebook, there is a printable notebook page in the back to keep track of your Running List.