How We Do Nature Study
Nature study in our home is mother-planned, student-directed.
Here's what I mean by that;
First, Mom creates an Environment of Discovery:
LOCATION:
I have a small table set up in our school room (dining room). It is actually an antique wash stand I have owned for years and moved with us all over America. It has had many uses; wash stand, display table, toy storage, book shelf. Currently, the inside holds my watercolor supply and the top serves as our nature table.
SET UP:
The table always has binoculars, magnifying glass, labels, pen, tape measure, & small dishes or jars to hold specimens.
Changing monthly, according to the theme; field guides, charts, reference books, photos & specimens.
REGULARITY:
Nature study is scheduled every day of the week for younger children and four times a week for my middle and high schooler.
I have learned that if I do not devote a concentrated time to the table it is sadly neglected. So I make it a point to "assign" the table once a week to each child for their nature study. The other days are devoted to outdoor study/walks & nature reading (more about that below).
NATURE TABLE PROCEDURE:
Here's what I mean by that;
First, Mom creates an Environment of Discovery:
Our Nature Table ~ September 2011 |
LOCATION:
I have a small table set up in our school room (dining room). It is actually an antique wash stand I have owned for years and moved with us all over America. It has had many uses; wash stand, display table, toy storage, book shelf. Currently, the inside holds my watercolor supply and the top serves as our nature table.
SET UP:
The table always has binoculars, magnifying glass, labels, pen, tape measure, & small dishes or jars to hold specimens.
Changing monthly, according to the theme; field guides, charts, reference books, photos & specimens.
REGULARITY:
Nature study is scheduled every day of the week for younger children and four times a week for my middle and high schooler.
I have learned that if I do not devote a concentrated time to the table it is sadly neglected. So I make it a point to "assign" the table once a week to each child for their nature study. The other days are devoted to outdoor study/walks & nature reading (more about that below).
NATURE TABLE PROCEDURE:
- Choose 1 specimen to study from the table.
- Draw the specimen from at least two different angels (ie, front and back, top and bottom, etc.) in personal nature journal. Coloring is encouraged.
- Locate the specimen in one of the field guides.
- Record two facts about that specimen in your field guide. Record which book and what page your facts came from.
- Create a label with common and scientific name of specimen. Place next to specimen on the nature table.
- Before credit is given for the work (sticker for younger, credit points for older) the student must explain their entry to Mom (narration).
8 year old |
15 year old |
10 year old |
NATURE READING:
Two days a week are devoted to "nature reading". Over the years, we have amassed quite a collection of nature books. Some favorites are:
~Thornton Burgess books; Adventures of Johnny Chuck, Blacky the Crow, The Burgess Bird Book, etc.
~Among the Pond People, Among the Meadow People, etc. | Clara D. Pierson
~ Christian Liberty Nature Readers 1-5
Among the Forest People | Clara D. Pierson |
- The student will read one of the stories (usually 8-10 pages), with or without Mom, depending on the reading ability.
- Younger students will narrate orally to Mom, then copy a sentence or two from the reading and draw a companion illustration on a page like this.
- Older students use Publisher to make a nature page about the reading's main subject (dragonfly, duck, clam, rose, etc.). Must include the following:
- Title of the subject
- one or more images
- brief summary of the reading
- section containing 3-4 facts about the subject.
8 year old..lots of help from Mom as he is just learning to use Publisher Narration was dictated, Mom typed and helped with some structure |
10 year old ~ Done on his own |
NATURE WALKS/OUTDOOR STUDY:
Two days per week are devoted to nature walks &/or outdoor study. Here are some examples:
- Take a walk in neighborhood, collecting specimens, taking photos, or field sketching. Journal entry must include a sketch, date, time/temp, weather, & related poem verse or scripture.
- Find a specimen (one or a grouping) to draw in the yard or area directly around the house. Journal entry requirements same as above.
- Take a nature field trip away from home and proceed as you would for a neighborhood walk and journal entry.
10 year old |
13 year old |
15 year old |
EXAMPLE SCHEDULE (for 10 year old):
Monday ~ Burgess Bird Book p. 44-49, "Longbill and Teeter"; Nature Page on The Sandpiper
Tuesday ~ Nature Table; Journal Entry
Wednesday ~ Burgess Bird Book p.57-61, "Drummers and Carpenters"; Nature Page on Woodpeckers
Thursday ~ Outdoor Nature; Journal Entry
Friday ~ Nature Walk with Mom & brother; Journal Entry
I understand that this is not pure Charlotte Mason. This method works for us. Hopefully, you are inspired to do some nature study...any amount is beneficial!
~Allison
Good ideas here - thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the nature table, do you have any suggestions on how and what to fill your table with? Also, how often do you change it out?
ReplyDelete