Nature study is a wonderful way to spark curiosity and wonder in elementary-aged children. At this stage, kids are naturally inquisitive and eager to explore the world around them. Incorporating nature study into your homeschool or educational routine can build observation skills, foster a connection with the environment, and support learning across multiple subjects—including science, art, and language arts.
The Value of Nature Study
Children between the ages of 5 and 11 benefit from meaningful, hands-on experiences that allow them to slow down and notice the details in their surroundings. Nature study teaches children to observe, describe, question, and reflect. It encourages them to build an ongoing relationship with the natural world while developing patience, mindfulness, and responsibility.
How to Begin
Nature study doesn’t require a formal curriculum or expensive materials. Start simply by going outside. Whether it’s a backyard, park, walking trail, or even a neighborhood sidewalk, any outdoor space offers opportunities for discovery. Encourage children to take note of what they see, hear, and feel. Ask open-ended questions like, “What’s changed since last week?” or “Why do you think this plant grows here?”
Keeping a Nature Journal
One of the core tools of nature study is a nature journal. This can be as basic as a blank notebook where children draw pictures, record their observations, and reflect on their experiences. Encourage them to label drawings, include the date and location, and write down any interesting findings or questions. Over time, this journal becomes a record of their learning and growth.
Weekly Themes and Seasonal Learning
Focusing on weekly or seasonal themes can give structure to your nature study routine. One week might be dedicated to birds, the next to trees, insects, clouds, or rocks. As the seasons change, children can track the appearance of new plants, observe migration patterns, or monitor the temperature. These observations help them understand the cycles of nature in a concrete way.
Integrating Books and Art
Enhance your nature studies with age-appropriate books and stories. Titles like The Burgess Bird Book for Children, The Tree Book for Kids and Their Grown-Ups, or James Herriot’s Treasury for Children provide engaging content that connects nature with literature. Encourage drawing, painting, or crafts inspired by what children observe outdoors. Pressed leaves, flower rubbings, and bird feeders are all fun and educational activities.
Creating a Routine
A simple weekly routine can help make nature study a regular and enjoyable part of your homeschool:
- Monday: Go on a nature walk and choose something to observe closely.
- Tuesday: Read a book or research something you found.
- Wednesday: Do a hands-on activity, experiment, or art project.
- Thursday: Add to your nature journal or create a related drawing.
- Friday: Review the week’s findings and share discoveries with others.
Encouraging Lifelong Curiosity
The goal of nature study is not to memorize facts but to nurture a lifelong love of learning and a respectful relationship with the natural world. Allow children to follow their interests, even if it means going off schedule. Celebrate their discoveries, no matter how small, and model your own curiosity by asking questions alongside them.
Nature study is a flexible, joyful way to learn that meets children where they are and grows with them over time. Whether you explore daily or just once a week, each outdoor experience offers something new to discover.
