Outdoor Nature Study Activities in the Early Years
In Home Education, Charlotte Mason shares:
“It is infinitely well worth the mother’s while to take some pains every day to secure, in the first place, that her children spend hours daily amongst rural and natural objects.”
This is not going to look the same in every home, but we know it is of great importance, so here you will find suggestions on how to implement time amongst natural objects.
The list and ideas below are well suited for families with young children (birth to 8 years of age). For indoor nature study activity ideas click here.
Ideas for outside nature time
Daily nature walk (literally in your own neighborhood).
Adopt a tree in your yard. It is best to designate a deciduous tree. The purpose of this is to observe the tree and notice changes. You can have your child sit near the tree and draw it quarterly to note seasonal differences. You can work with your child(ren) to identify the tree, sketch a leaf, a winter twig, bud, etc.
Leaf rubbings
Choose some leaves and place them under a piece of paper. Rub a crayon across the leaves and observe the veins, midrib, petiole, etc. As an extension, the kids can label the leaf anatomy.
Toy wash! This one is extra fun. Bring a tub of water, some sponges, and some soap outside. Let your kiddos play with their toys in the mud, dirt, and sand. Then they can wash and dry their toys.
Eat outdoors (Try making our favorite cornbread recipe for a picnic).
Garden together.
Hopscotch
Chalk on the pavement.
Jump rope while spelling sigh words, their name, etc.
Gather and use sticks and twigs to write their name or sight words.
Create a fairy or gnome home together.
Go puddle jumping on a rainy day.
Collect rocks, sticks, acorns, etc. and have a nature drum circle.
Bug Hunt! Count how many bugs you see as you walk.
Make a boat from nature items and see if it floats in a creek or stream.
Bird count. Take a walk and count birds you see.
Bring a nature journal and draw something you see while outside.
Plant a butterfly garden. Milkweed, butterfly bushes, and more will bring butterflies to your yard.
As you can see, studying nature can be as in depth or as low key as needed based on your children’s age and ability levels. There truly isn’t any reason not to enjoy nature study, and there are so many reasons why it is delightful and beneficial. Happy exploring!
If you enjoyed these outdoor educational activities for kids, you’ll appreciate our printable homeschool Nature Guides. Your child will learn phonics, counting skills, fine & large motor skills, and more! Explore all the guides and bundles here.
