Nature Study Encouragement for the “Indoorsy”
From Desiree Salcido, Support Specialist
For anyone who prefers the comforts of home, the idea of nature study may feel challenging. But Charlotte Mason’s philosophy offers many ways to cultivate a love for nature—even if you're more “indoorsy” or if you struggle with the concept of nature study in general. Here are a few simple ways to bring nature study into your weekly rhythm if getting outside doesn’t come easy to you:
- Bring nature inside: Gather small treasures like rocks, leaves, or flowers and set up a “nature display” at home. Observing nature close-up can be both easy and enriching.
- Observe through your window: Set up a bird feeder outside your window, keep binoculars handy, and let your students observe birds or changing skies from inside.
- Read Nature Lore: Dive into nature-inspired books like the awesome ones recommended in our Community Read Alouds list (located in the Grades 1-4 Literature/Grades 5+ Citizenship lesson plans).
- Journal indoors: Nature journaling can be done indoors! After a quick walk, use collected leaves or flowers as subjects to sketch indoors. Or look up an animal or insect you are learning about online for pictures to draw inspiration from.
- Virtual learning: Explore webcams and documentaries to experience nature digitally. Try live webcams in national parks or the Planet Earth series for inspiration.
- Quick walks: A short walk outside to look at a flower, cloud, or even the sunset can build an appreciation for nature. It can be simple and sweet but still have a great impact.
- Learn on your own: If you aren’t naturally an expert naturalist, take the time to learn about plants and animals in your area bit by bit. When you do go for a nature walk, however short, you will feel more confident in pointing things out, answering questions, and encouraging wonder in your students.
Even a brief, simple nature study routine can inspire a lifelong love for the outdoors! Hopefully, these simple steps will lead to a love for nature and encourage you to spend even more time outside. Don’t forget about the amazing Outdoor Work resource, which has amazing tips and ideas for nature study throughout the year. (It’s located in the Quick Links of your science lessons). We hope these resources and tips are helpful!
Notes
- French Lesson Plan Writer: We are looking for curriculum assistance with upper-level French lessons. If you are fluent in French language and grammar, please contact Melissa Ferguson at melissa@cminst.org.
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- Alveary Books: As we dive deeper into the 2024-25 school year, we’d love to hear about the books your students are enjoying! What have been their favorites so far? Share here.
- CMI Advent Guide: The 2024 Advent Guide is here. The weekly format is rich enough to be used year after year and flexible enough for a busy family to supplement with other resources. Download here.
- Alveary Ambassador: Find inspiration and resources for sharing Alveary with friends in our Alveary Ambassador Kit. Inside, you’ll find valuable resources and an encouraging video from Dr. Whiteside in the "In-Person Event" section that you won’t want to miss.
- Internet Archive Alternatives: With Internet Archive recovering from cyberattacks, here are a few alternate links you might need in the meantime!
- Child’s Introduction to the Orchestra (Grade 1)
- Stories from Chaucer (Grades 7-8)
- Student Curriculum Survey: We’re excited to partner with you for the Alveary Curriculum Research Project to explore the benefits of a relational education. Please set up a time for your Alveary students aged 10 and up to complete the Student Survey. As a thank you, we’ll be giving away three curated collections of books to randomly selected students. The last day to enter the drawing is November 1!
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