Nature Study: We did it!

N. and I went for a nature walk today. Honestly speaking, I wasn't planning on it but, I have made the mistake comment to N. yesterday. Sure enough, today he reminded me. I didn't have an excuse. So armed with binoculars, magnifying glass, baggies, and a camera, we went for a walk around the block. We took samples of leaves, put them in baggies and brought them home to identify. It was a fun experience. N. was all into it. It kind of make me feel a tad guilty that I haven't taken him on more outings.



To identify the leaves we used this Virginia website as well as some field guides we have at home. We learned ( and I really mean we, not a figure of speech) about the parts of leaves, and what to look at when trying to identify them.

We also did some leaf rubbings. Even A. got involved. It was fun experimenting with different leaves and colors, different coloring media (pastel, crayons and coloring pencils) and different patterns.

Nature Study

I am a nature student wannabe. I drool over sites like this. For years, since G. was little, I have read Charlotte Mason books, and Charlotte Mason inspired moms that seem to have the perfect homeschool. They take the kids outside backpacks in tow, ready for a nature walk. Nature walk, just the name excites me. Doesn't it sound dreamy? It evokes times outside, under the trees, with picnic lunches and sketchbooks. Then I wake up and I remember that 1) I don't like bugs, 2) I am scared of running into wild animals, 3) I don't know how to sketch.

Once more is Spring. Spring seems to beckon me outside. Really? well, not really. It is the same thing again. I want to, really want to go outside but, there are so many things to do inside- books to read, blogs to check and did I mention school, cooking, cleaning?

I am determined this year. I think. I am going to go outside. I am going to take the kids, at least N. for a walk in the neighborhood. We are going to do something simple: collect leaves, identify them and tally the trees in our neighborhood (more like our block). Maybe do some drawing. No, wait, don't get ahead of yourself. Try the most simple thing and see how it goes.

I found this book at our library. I think I am going to follow it and see how it goes. But because I am how I am I couldn't resist doing some poking around on the internet and found these helpful-tuck away somewhere in the back of your mind-blog them so you can remember- links:

http://www.squidoo.com/cmnaturestudy

http://mrshappyhousewife.com/homeschooling/science/nature-study-thirty-six-weeks.html


Tomorrow I'll go. I think.