Enjoy Nature Studies this Summer for Family Learning Fun!
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I’m excited to share this guest post with you from Christine at This Bit of Life. Christine has embraced the relaxed atmosphere that has developed as she has learned to let go of the small things, enjoy her children, and help them create a love of learning. She enjoys encouraging other families in their homeschool journeys, both through her blog and her local homeschool community.
Summer is among us! This means that the weather is calling us to be outdoors and start exploring.
There is so much to learn out in nature. Nature studies are an amazing addition to any homeschool, but it’s often something that gets pushed to the side. So, this makes an even greater reason to make this your summer focus!
Here are four ways that you can enjoy nature studies this summer for family learning fun!
1. Take nature walks together.
Taking a nature walk may seem so simple, but it really is a great way to get out and really observe nature! Look and see if there are any trails in your area that you can explore. Whether it’s preserved lands, a town park with a marked trail, or simply a stroll through your own neighborhood, this is a great time for observation.
This doesn’t need to be overcomplicated! Sometimes just going out and having eyes to see and ears to hear is all that is needed to start seeing what is around us in nature. I love using my google lens app when we’re on nature walks if we find an animal, insect, nest, etc. that we may not be able to identify. You can also see if you can find any local field guides for wildlife or plants, too.
2. Explore nature purposefully through journaling.
Using a nature journal is a great way to have a bit of pre-planned nature studies. You can go out with a blank journal with intentions on journaling something specific, or a pre-made nature journal that prompts on what to achieve in your time out in nature.
If you’re opting for the blank journal, all you need is a notebook and pencil (and maybe some colored pencils, too). Decide what you’re going to go out and observe, or wait for inspiration to strike, then sketch away! You can also label your journal entry after you get home. This is a great opportunity to learn the anatomy of different bugs, animals, or plants!
If you’re opting for a pre-made journal, then you can follow it for some nature learning fun! My Nature Journal is a pre-made journal that includes scavenger hunts, seasonal poetry, and more, to make it super easy to learn about nature in a fun, pre-made, inexpensive way.
3. Center your summer vacation around nature studies.
Summer is the perfect time to not only learn about nature at home, but on the road, too! Going camping is such a great way to get out in nature. You can tent camp, head out in your family RV, or rent a cabin. Heading to a national or state park is your best bet for having an amazing nature filled vacation experience.
My favorite part of going to state and national parks is the Junior Ranger program! This is a fantastic, (usually) free way for your kids to learn all about nature in the location you are visiting. They can work their way through workbooks, go on hikes, attend Ranger talks, then earn their very own Junior Ranger badge. The lessons they learn through this are just amazing!
4. Learn about Fireflies with this free summer nature study.
One of my very favorite parts of summer is going out and catching fireflies. Whether they are fireflies or lightning bugs to you, we can all share in the fun of these little glowing creatures!
You can enjoy learning all about fireflies this summer with this free nature study from Rabbit Trails through Science. Go down the rabbit trail with beautiful books, hands on activities (including creating your own firefly craft), and so much more!
Enjoy your summer out in nature together!
Christine is a homeschooling mom to four, wife to her high school sweetheart, and author of Rabbit Trails through Literature. She believes homeschooling adventures can happen anywhere: within a book you get lost in while in your school room, while gathered on the couch, or out on a grand roadschooling trip. Come experience this bit of life with her over on her blog or connect with her on social media!
Blog: https://thisbitoflife.com
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This guest post is part of the Homeschool Summer Fun Series. Make sure to check out the series landing page to learn more about the series and find all of the posts in one place!
