I have always been a nature lover. Some of my earliest memories take me back to hauling my stuffed bear 5 feet up in a tree feeling like my five year-old self had conquered great heights. Or a little later, when I was eight, we lived so far out in the country in eastern Washington, that we had an hour bus ride to school. Our trailer backed up to a creek and a mountain. There was a huge wheat field in front and mountains in the distance. It was wonderful! I had my own little island in the creek, and was freely allowed to explore for hours on end. Oh how I wish my sons had that kind of life, but, as of yet, it is not so. But that doesn't stop us. We hike, camp and geocache as a family often during which the teacher in me just can't help but pull in some observation and learning.
Charlotte Mason speaks so well to my nature-loving mama self:
“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; and, in the second place, to infuse into them, or rather, to cherish in them, the love of investigation...Let them once get in touch with nature and a habit is formed which will be a source of delight and habit through life..." (Volume 6)
"...when children are old enough to understand that science itself is in a sense sacred, and demands some sacrifice, all the common information they have been gathering until then, and the habits of observation they have acquired, will form an excellent ground work for a scientific education. In the meantime let them consider the lilies of the field and fowls of the air." (PNEU article, Dowton)
Do you also find it challenging to keep up nature studies during harsh winter weather? I found this excellent post at Simply Charlotte Mason that will help us both along: Nature Studies Ideas for Winter.
Now let's get out and brave the weather for sake of our littles.
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