Newsletter Archives

Posted on February 20, 2019 by Barb — 2 Comments

Using Printables from the Handbook of Nature Study Newsletters

Using Nature Study Grids

One of the most common stumbling blocks to creating a nature journal page is the curse of the blank page. I have felt it myself. As you open your nature journal and gather your art supplies, suddenly you face the blank page and your mind also goes blank. You can’t think of what to do or where to get started.

This is the perfect time to use a tool from the Handbook of Nature Study newsletter!

Many issues of the newsletter have a printable nature study grid that can help get you over the hump of starting with a blank page. Print the grid and cut it out, then adhere it right on the page. Choose one or more of the prompts to do while you’re outside and then come back in to record your results.

You can check the boxes off.

Make notes about what you accomplished.

Sketch something that was inspired during your outdoor time.

Use the grid in a way that makes sense to you and your family!

Additional Idea

Cut Your Grid Apart: You can use the Weather Study Big Grid in the December 2012 newsletter for this project by printing it out and then cutting the desired squares to adhere into your nature journal. This will allow you to create a completely customized nature journal page that fits your local weather and your child’s interests.

Add photos, doodles, lettering, and captions to complete your page.

Download a sample copy of the January 2014 Newsletter:

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter – Nature Table (with the Winter Nature Grid printable).

Download the Newsletter Index – includes lists of articles and printables

Did you know that the complete archive of 76 newsletters is available for immediate download in ALL LEVELS of membership here on the Handbook of Nature Study?

That means that for just $20 you can download, save, and use as many times as you want each of the newsletters in the archive!

Here is the Amazon affiliate link to the sketchbook I use for my nature journal.

Posted on September 4, 2017 by Barb — 1 Comment

Where is the Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter?

Change is good! I know many of you are disappointed with my decision to stop creating a monthly newsletter. Please read the rest of this entry to understand a bit more about my decision to make some changes here with the Outdoor Hour Challenge and memberships at the Handbook of Nature Study. (You can read my previous entry here: Plans for October 2017 to August 2018.)

New Beginnings

Here we are at the beginning of a new month and a new school year. My fellow nature-lovers have long enjoyed the monthly newsletters here at the Handbook of Nature Study but now the time has come to make a change. With 76 issues in the archives, I’ve helped to create quite a library of ideas and encouragement along with my amazing contributors.

Over the last year I became increasingly aware that the newsletter has had a good run but it was time to go in a different direction. So, instead of creating a newsletter each month to encourage nature study, I will be back to writing encouraging blog entries on a regular basis that subscribers will receive in their email inbox.

I Will Still Be Creating New Resources for Nature Study

In addition to those blog entries, there will be new things like printables and ebooks shared via the Member’s Library. (Remember Ultimate and Journey level members get all the new printables and ebooks for the year of their subscription.)

How to Get More Out of the Newsletter Archives

All 76 of the past newsletters are included in every paid membership level here at the Handbook of Nature Study (Ultimate, Journey, and Discovery levels).

To help you see what is actually available with your membership, which includes the 76 newsletters, I am going to do two things: give everyone access to several complete newsletters as samples and create a printable list of the topics and contents of each issue.

Would you like a sample newsletter?

October 2014 – Fall Trees Newsletter

April 2015 – Nature Journal Fun Newsletter

Download the two newsletter and you will get a really good idea of what is included in each issue.

Would you like to print a list of newsletter topics and contents?

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter Index

The newsletter index will be helpful in making the decision to purchase a membership. It will also be a quick guide for all members here on the Handbook of Nature Study to find resources to supplement your nature study.

Remember, every level of membership here on the Handbook of Nature Study includes the 76 archived newsletters!

It’s the beginning of a new chapter here on the Handbook of Nature Study and I hope you will stick around to see all of the amazing things I have planned this year.

If you haven’t subscribed to my blog yet, I encourage you to give it a try and see if it encourages you and your family to get outside and learn together, to explore together, and to get to know the amazing things right outside your door! Subscribe here: Email subscription to the Handbook of Nature Study blog.

Be encouraged! Be inspired! Get outdoors!

Posted on August 1, 2017 by Barb — Leave a comment

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter – August 2017 Zoo Animals

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter

August 2017 – Mammals at the Zoo

Please read the following explanation outlining how to get this month’s newsletter.

The newsletter link is not in this email but will come separately. Members should have received their link already.

If you don’t receive the separate email with the download link, you probably aren’t subscribed to the blog yet. This will take less than a minute to do if you follow the steps below.

If you are a subscriber and you haven’t received your newsletter email yet, check your SPAM inbox. Some subscribers have found the email buried in SPAM inbox.

If you need to subscribe:

You will need to go to the Handbook of Nature Study, look to the top right corner for the box to type in your preferred email address, and then confirm the email that comes to your email inbox.
Once you subscribe, you will receive a thank you email from me with the download link for the current month’s newsletter.

This month’s newsletter link will be available only during the month of August so be sure to download it before 8/31/17.

Remember! All of the archived and current newsletters are available as part of the Ultimate Naturalist Library…every level!

Contents of this edition of the newsletter include:

This month we are going to think about zoos and zoo animals. I wrote two articles for you to enjoy, including one with lots of tips and suggestions to make your zoo visit more enjoyable.
Printables this month: August nature study planner page for mom and a mammal nature journal ideas printable.

Please note that Ultimate Naturalist and Journey level members have access to members only printables each month in addition to the newsletter printables. You will need to log into your account and then go to the “Other Releases” section.

New printables are now posted in the Member’s library!

Zoo Visit Notebook Page: Use this page to record some of your zoo observations.
Mammal Tail Study: This activity will help you compare mammal tails.

Print a complete list of printables available to Members for easy reference: Printables for Members

Posted on July 1, 2017 by Barb — Leave a comment

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter July 2017 – Bird Tails and Bird Song

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter

July 2017 – Bird Tails and Songs

Please read the following explanation outlining how to get this month’s newsletter.

The newsletter link is not in this email but will come separately. Members should have received their link already.

If you don’t receive the separate email with the download link, you probably aren’t subscribed to the blog yet. This will take less than a minute to do if you follow the steps below.

If you are a subscriber and you haven’t received your newsletter email yet, check your SPAM inbox. Some subscribers have found the email buried in SPAM inbox.

If you need to subscribe:

You will need to go to the Handbook of Nature Study, look to the top right corner for the box to type in your preferred email address, and then confirm the email that comes to your email inbox.
Once you subscribe, you will receive a thank you email from me with the download link for the current month’s newsletter.

This month’s newsletter link will be available only during the month of July so be sure to download it before 7/31/17.

Remember! All of the archived and current newsletters are available as part of the Ultimate Naturalist Library…every level!

Contents of this edition of the newsletter include:

My article: Learning Birds by Song- We are going to be learning about birds this month! One of my favorite activities is to listen to birds sing so this month in the newsletter I am encouraging you all to give it a try!
There are several printables in the newsletter this month: planning page with lots of simple nature study suggestions, nature journal toppers, nature study bookmark, and a bird life list.
Shirley Vels of Under an English Sky has written a very helpful article about beginning a bird study.

New printables are now posted in the Member’s library!

1. Bird Tail Comparison: Use this notebook page to learn more about the shape of bird’s tails by making some comparisons.

2. Learning About the Shape of a Bird’s Tail: Do some research on bird’s tails and then do sketches of each kind of tail.

If you are looking for a fantastic set of bird notebooking pages that includes all of the birds in the Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford-Comstock, this is THE product to have on hand. I have used these pages with my children and in my own nature journal over the years. Please note that I am an affiliate for NotebookingPages.com and will receive a small commission if you purchase any of their products. I highly recommend this set for your bird nature study.

Posted on May 1, 2017 by Barb — Leave a comment

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter – May 2017 Beach and Fish

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter

May 2017 Beach and Fish

Please read the following explanation outlining how to get this month’s newsletter.

The newsletter link is not in this email but will come separately. Members should have received their link already.

If you don’t receive the separate email with the download link, you probably aren’t subscribed to the blog yet. This will take less than a minute to do if you follow the steps below.

If you are a subscriber and you haven’t received your newsletter email yet, check your SPAM inbox. Some subscribers have found the email buried in SPAM inbox.

If you need to subscribe:

You will need to go to the Handbook of Nature Study, look to the top right corner for the box to type in your preferred email address, and then confirm the email that comes to your email inbox.
Once you subscribe, you will receive a thank you email from me with the download link for the current month’s newsletter.

This month’s newsletter link will be available only during the month of May so be sure to download it before 5/31/17.

Remember! All of the archived and current newsletters are available as part of the Ultimate Naturalist Library…every level!

Contents of this edition of the newsletter include:

This month the theme of the newsletter goes along with the Ambleside Online theme of fish. I expanded on that theme to include beach nature study ideas.
There is a Nature Study Planning Page for May with lots of great ideas related to the monthly theme.
Don’t miss reading this article by contributor Jamie Worley from See Jamie Blog
Printable: Fish Grid Study

This new ebook is found in the Ultimate Naturalist and Journey level memberships.

As a special promo, you can use the discount code WILDFLOWER5 for $5 off the Ultimate Naturalist Membership.

Handbook of Nature Study Ultimate Naturalist Membership

Posted on April 1, 2017 by Barb — Leave a comment

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter – April 2017 Wildflowers

Note to my loyal readers:

My apologies for sending this at such a late date but it has been absolute chaos here for the past few weeks. We sold our house after it was on the market for only a few days and then we needed to scramble to find another house for us to call home. This we did after extensive research, driving 450 miles, and a whirlwind day of house viewing. It will be so very worth the effort but in the meantime I am much distracted and am struggling to keep to my routines.

Note:

Subscribers should have received their newsletter links already. If you aren’t a subscriber yet, you can still get a copy by following the steps below for a new subscription.

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter

April 2017 Wildflowers

Please read the following explanation outlining how to get this month’s newsletter.

The newsletter link is not in this email but will come separately. Members should have received their link already.

If you don’t receive the separate email with the download link, you probably aren’t subscribed to the blog yet. This will take less than a minute to do if you follow the steps below.

If you are a subscriber and you haven’t received your newsletter email yet, check your SPAM inbox. Some subscribers have found the email buried in SPAM inbox.

If you need to subscribe:

You will need to go to the Handbook of Nature Study, look to the top right corner for the box to type in your preferred email address, and then confirm the email that comes to your email inbox.
Once you subscribe, you will receive a thank you email from me with the download link for the current month’s newsletter.

This month’s newsletter link will be available only during the month of April so be sure to download it before 4/30/17.

Remember! All of the archived and current newsletters are available as part of the Ultimate Naturalist Library…every level!

Contents of this edition of the newsletter include:

The April newsletter theme is wildflowers. In honor of the new ebook, I am featuring some interesting articles and ideas for a wildflower study.
There are two contributing articles by loyal Outdoor Hour Challenge participants: Shirley Vels from Under an English Sky and Angie from Pebblekeeper.
Printable: Trillium coloring page.

This new ebook is found in the Ultimate Naturalist and Journey level memberships.

As a special promo, you can use the discount code WILDFLOWER5 for $5 off the Ultimate Naturalist Membership.

Handbook of Nature Study Ultimate Naturalist Membership

Join us in April for this interesting series of nature study challenges!

Posted on February 1, 2017 by Barb — 2 Comments

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter – February 2017 Tree Bark

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter

February 2017 Trees and Tree Bark

Please read the following explanation outlining how to get this month’s newsletter.

The newsletter link is not in this email but will come separately. There may be a delay in your receiving the email so please don’t email me until the second day of the month if you haven’t received the link on the first. For some reason, some email providers take longer to receive the newsletter email.

If you don’t receive the separate email with the download link, you probably aren’t subscribed to the blog yet. This will take less than a minute to do if you follow the steps below.

If you are a subscriber and you haven’t received your newsletter email yet, check your SPAM inbox. Some subscribers have found the email buried in SPAM inbox.

If you need to subscribe:

You will need to go to the Handbook of Nature Study, look to the top right corner for the box to type in your preferred email address, and then confirm the email that comes to your email inbox.
Once you subscribe, you will receive a thank you email from me with the download link for the current month’s newsletter.

This month’s newsletter link will be available only during the month of December so be sure to download it before 2/28/17.

Remember! All of the archived and current newsletters are available as part of the Ultimate Naturalist Library…every level!

Contents of this edition of the newsletter include:

February will be a month to focus on trees and tree bark using the ideas from the newsletter. I have written two articles for your inspiration and encouragement.
February Planning Page for Mom – Much more than just a planner page, this is full of nature journal ideas, a short challenge for parents, links to the up-coming challenges, and ideas for using the archives.
Printables: I pulled a printable from the archives that will help you keep track of your neighborhood trees.

We will be using the More Nature Study – Winter ebook starting on January 13, 2017. You can find it in the Ultimate Naturalist Library.

Posted on January 1, 2017 by Barb — 4 Comments

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter – January 2017 Backyard Nature Ideas

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter

January 2017 – Backyard Nature Ideas

Please read the following explanation outlining how to get this month’s newsletter.

If you don’t receive the separate email with the download link, you probably aren’t subscribed to the blog yet. This will take less than a minute to do if you follow the steps below.

If you are a subscriber and you haven’t received your newsletter email yet, check your SPAM inbox. Some subscribers have found the email buried in SPAM inbox.

If you need to subscribe:

You will need to go to the Handbook of Nature Study, look to the top right corner for the box to type in your preferred email address, and then confirm the email that comes to your email inbox.
Once you subscribe, you will receive a thank you email from me with the download link for the current month’s newsletter.

This month’s newsletter link will be available only during the month of December so be sure to download it before 1/31/17.

Remember! All of the archived and current newsletters are available as part of the Ultimate Naturalist Library…every level!

Contents of this edition of the newsletter include:

This month we are focusing on finding something in our own backyard for nature study. I have written an article sharing subjects that might be right outside your back door and then a plan for following up with some of the Outdoor Hour Challenges available on the website archives.
There is a new article from Shirley Vels (from Under an English Sky) that tells how she uses her kitchen window as a way to view the natural world.
From the archives: There are two articles I wrote that explain how we created a “wild side” in our yard as a nature “laboratory” and another article that talks about creating sensory experiences in your own backyard.
January Planning Page for Mom – Much more than just a planner page, this is full of nature journal ideas, a short challenge for parents, links to the up-coming challenges, and ideas for using the archives.
Printables: This month I have mined the archives to find a nature study grid and bookmark for you to print and use. Plus, there is a brand new nature journal topper just perfect for this month’s nature study topic..winter backyard study.

We will be using the More Nature Study – Winter ebook starting on January 13, 2017. You can find it in the Ultimate Naturalist Library.

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Barb — Leave a comment

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter – December 2016 Nature Walks

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter

December 2016 – Nature Walks

Please read the following explanation outlining how to get this month’s newsletter. The newsletter link is not in this email but will come separately. There may be a delay in your receiving the email so please don’t email me until the second day of the month if you haven’t received the link on the first. For some reason, some email providers take longer to receive the newsletter email. If you don’t receive the separate email with the download link, you probably aren’t subscribed to the blog yet. This will take less than a minute to do if you follow the steps below. If you are a subscriber and you haven’t received your newsletter email yet, check your SPAM inbox. Some subscribers have found the email buried in SPAM inbox.

If you need to subscribe:

You will need to go to the Handbook of Nature Study, look to the top right corner for the box to type in your preferred email address, and then confirm the email that comes to your email inbox.
Once you subscribe, you will receive a thank you email from me with the download link for the current month’s newsletter.

This month’s newsletter link will be available only during the month of December so be sure to download it before 12/31/16. Remember! All of the archived and current newsletters are available as part of the Ultimate Naturalist Library…every level!

Contents of this edition of the newsletter include:

My special article this month shares a new idea for a nature walk, the 3 Questions Walk. This fresh idea can be done on any walk you take and will help your child personalize their nature learning.
December Planning Page for Mom – Much more than just a planner page, this is full of nature journal ideas, tips for nature walks, links to the up-coming challenges, and ideas for using the archives.
Printables: Silent Nature Walk notebook page and four nature walk ideas activity page from the archives.
Show and Tell and my favorite links for the month.

Resources for your Nature Library: I have started to build a nature library store on Amazon that will feature by category my favorite nature study books and resources. Take a look and see if there is anything you would like to put on your wish list for your family’s nature study library: Handbook of Nature Study Nature Library Suggestions on Amazon.com. Note this is my affiliate store to items I personally recommend and have read or seen in person. Please note that Ultimate Naturalist and Journey level members have access to members only printables each month in addition to the newsletter printables. You will need to log into your account and then go to the “Other Releases” section.

We will be using the More Nature Study – Winter ebook starting in January 2017. You can find it in the Ultimate Naturalist Library.

Download a sample copy of the January 2014 Newsletter:

That means that for just $20 you can download, save, and use as many times as you want each of the newsletters in the archive!

Be encouraged! Be inspired! Get outdoors!

August 2017 – Mammals at the Zoo

<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-18128" alt="HNS Newsletter July 2017 cover" src="https://naturestudyhomeschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/HNS-Newsletter-July-2017-cover-791x1024.jpg" width="350" height="454" />Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter

July 2017 – Bird Tails and Songs

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter

May 2017 Beach and Fish

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter

April 2017 Wildflowers

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter

February 2017 Trees and Tree Bark

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter

January 2017 – Backyard Nature Ideas

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter

December 2016 – Nature Walks

Outdoor Hour Challenges for families since 2008!

Handbook of Nature Study Newsletter