Guide children through their adventures in learning with Nature Study for Kids.
Nature study and the study of nature can lay a strong foundation for higher learning at home and in the classroom. When children surround themselves with nature, they can’t help but apply the scientific method. They begin to ask questions, observe, experiment, and learn – naturally. You might also enjoy this list of outdoor learning and nature activities for kids.
What is Nature Study?
Nature study is the study of nature and everything that exists in the natural world through direct observation and exploration. As such, nature study includes observing each of the animals, plants, insects, etc., found outside in the great outdoors. According to Wikipedia:
The nature study movement (alternatively, Nature Study or nature-study) was a popular education movement in America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Nature study attempted to reconcile scientific investigation with spiritual, personal experiences gained from interaction with the natural world. Led by progressive educators and naturalists such as Anna Botsford Comstock, Liberty Hyde Bailey, Louis Agassiz and Wilbur S. Jackman, nature study changed the way science was taught in schools by emphasizing learning from tangible objects, something that was embodied by the movement’s mantra “study nature, not books.”
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Charlotte Mason Method of Nature Study
Charlotte Mason, a modern outdoor educator, put together a well-known method of homeschool education for homeschool families that strongly emphasizes nature study. As such, she encourages parents to allow children to spend a minimum of four to six hours per day in nature every single day.
Nature study lays the foundation for science lessons. It’s simple! Go outside with the whole family at least once each week. Give every family member a nature notebook in which to record their observations. Their entries could include pencil sketches, descriptions, watercolor paintings, or chalk drawings. Instruct children to draw what they see, not what they think something should look like. Be sure they label each entry with its name, location, and date observed. Use field guides to help identify children’s findings.
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Charlotte Mason believed that every child has an innate interest in nature. The parent’s responsibility is to encourage and invite children to follow their interests in the great outdoors. Otherwise, they can lose the natural desire to study nature as the child matures into adulthood.
A book titled “Hours in the Out-of-Doors” Is an excellent resource for anyone looking for a nature study homeschool curriculum. In addition, it is a beautiful resource for educating children with an emphasis on nature study using Charlotte’s Methods.
The Study of Nature in Education Today
Like Charlotte Mason and the early founders of Nature study, Rudolf Steiner (founder of Waldorf Education) and Dr. Maria Montessori (founder of Montessori Education) also believe that time in nature, nature study, and the study of nature should play a significant role in the education of the whole child.
They also believed that children should spend plenty of unstructured playtime in nature exploring and doing whatever calls their attention without the interference of an adult or teacher.
These ideas caused many outdoor education programs to erupt in the late 19th century and early 20th century, known as nature preschools, and forest kindergartens.
Related: Forest School: Outdoor Learning and Nature Activities for Kids
Best Nature Study Books and Resources for Parents and Educators
- Handbook of Nature Study
- Home Education
- Hours in the Out-of-Doors
- The Outdoor Life of Children
- Charlotte Mason Companion
- A Pocket Full of Pinecones
- Liberty Hyde Bailey: Essential Agrarian and Environmental Writings
- Last Child in the Woods
- I Love Dirt
- How to Raise a Wild Child
- Play the Forest School Way
- Nature Preschools and Forest Kindergartens
- Balanced and Barefoot
Related: Barefoot Benefits: 10 Reasons Walking Barefoot is Good for You!
Fun Nature Study Ideas for Kids
Try any of these nature study ideas for kids. Studying nature is an excellent way for children to learn about the world we live in–naturally! Click on any of the links below to learn more about nature study for kids and find fun learning ideas you can try in the natural world!
- Best Nature Study Supplies for Kids
- How to Make and Keep a Nature Journal or Notebook
- Forest School Outdoor Learning and Nature Activities
Nature Table Ideas
Creating a nature table in the home is a beautiful way to study nature and the passing seasons. Click on any of the post titles below to learn more about nature tables and how to make one.
- Spring Nature Table Ideas
- Summer Nature Table Ideas
- Fall Nature Table Ideas
- Winter Nature Table Ideas
Joe Cho says
Hello Nell,
My name is Joe and I’m an Acquisitions Editor at Rockridge Press, a fast-growing, innovative publisher of nonfiction books. My job is to pair subject matter experts like yourself with our in-house editorial team to create books that will enrich the lives of our customers.
I recently came across the “Nature Study for Kids” article posted on The Rhythms of Play website and was impressed with your versatile background as a children’s educator and therapist encouraging children outdoor learning and play, providing fun and original activities and ideas for kids like the DIY acorn marble necklace.
I thought it would be great for us to talk about another book that we have in development now called Camping Anatomy Activity Book for Kids. This book will break down the anatomy of camping for young readers (ages 8-12) with educational and age-appropriate activities that will help them to build their outdoor skills with fun, hands-on learning. We think you’d be a fantastic author for this book, and I’d love to connect and learn more about your interests and see if this project would be a good fit for you!
If you’re interested, let’s talk!
Typically, prospective authors hire literary agents and pursue editors in the hope of eventually publishing a book. At Rockridge Press, an imprint of Callisto Media, we operate on a different business model: we start with the potential reader and — after careful research — build content to meet their needs, which includes finding experts to write each of our books. Our editorial and marketing teams provide our authors with guidance and support on each step of the process. I’m happy to explain our model in more detail when we talk.
Thanks for your time and I look forward to connecting soon!
Best wishes,
Joe
Nell Regan M.A. says
Hi Joe! This sounds like a wonderful opportunity and I would like to hear more. Please email nell @ rhythmsofplay.com to tell me a bit more about your project and what you are looking for.
Thanks for thinking of me,
Nell