“In this time of extraordinary pressure, educational and social, perhaps a mother’s first duty to her children is to secure for them a quiet growing time, a full six years of passive receptive life, the waking part of it spent for the most part out in the fresh air” (Vol. 1, p. 43).
Even back in the day, a hundred years ago, mothers were feeling the pressure to push their preschool children towards academics and social activities. But Charlotte Mason (one of our favorite educators) advocated an opposite approach that still holds benefits for you today. One of my favorite bits of advice from hers is this: “Give your children a quiet growing time, most of it spent outdoors.”
Her object is to show that the chief function of the child-his business in the world during the first six to seven years of his life-is to find out all he can, about whatever comes under his notice, by means of his five senses; and that the goal of his parents should be to put him in the way of making acquaintance freely with Nature and natural objects.
“Intimate acquaintance with every natural object within his reach is the first and, possibly, the best part of a child’s education.” (Vol.2, p. 261)
One of the greatest things about nature study is that you don’t have to go farther than your own backyard! No matter what the size, your yard holds plenty of opportunities to study nature, physics, chemistry, art and much more! Use this list to help guide you on the amazing journey of discovering God’s world of nature!
Attracting Birds To The Backyard
more tips on bringing birds to your backyard
Tell the temperature with crickets
Using Clouds To Predict The Weather
Use the sun’s energy to heat water
Butterflies And Moths Of North America
S’COOL – Students Cloud Observations Online
Nature's Workshop! 
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