I created this nature study for my boys, who love the outdoors. As I was looking for simple kid friendly field guides I noticed that many of them focused on animals from the east coast that we just don't have in Alaska. I wanted to highlight what is is unique and beautiful about living in the Pacific Northwest in a fun, approachable, and engaging way. It was about this time that I started to get the real value in Nature Journaling thanks to my Charlotte Mason and Jon Muir Laws obsessed friends.
First came the fact cards. I created these, so that you could grab a few to bring with you on nature walks, or have one out at a time for a closer look, without being overwhelmed by the amazing quantity of information found in traditional field guides. The space on the cards also limits it to just a few interesting facts to spark further inquiry if something catches their imagination but once again keep the animals and plants approachable with lots of visual presentation.
The activity cards came as I started looking into studying birds and remembered all the fun pins and activities I've tried, or want to try, but never quite get around too. I thought by gathering them up (with the materials I'd normally have to go to the store for) and presenting them in a grab and go way we could make the nature study a little more hands on and creative.
The science cards came as a natural extension of explaining the animals behavior on the fact cards or as a way to bridge into other concepts and take it further than crafting and nature walks. It took great restraint not to full plunge down this rabbit hole of activities and information but they, once again, are perfectly suited to spark curiosity as a jumping point for further learning.
The game cards came from the beautiful 3 part cards I kept seeing advertised on Montessori sites and the fun games that helped phonics click for my sun. Memorization is a whole lot easier when it is a game and you'd be surprised at how fast even your toddler is identifying "Black Capped Chickadee" at the sight of the cards. They also make for a fun camping version of traditional kids card games.
The last thing I added was the poetry, song, or art element since there is so much beauty found in and inspired by nature, I intend sharing them with my kids while eating trail mix and watching them sketch on our hike, memorizing them during our morning reading time or using them for handwriting copy work later this year.
The heart of this study though is the nature journal. You really can use any journal for this but I made one that was easy to fit in a child size backpack and had handwriting lines to make it a little more approachable for those easing into handwriting. This is where their discoveries happen and they take ownership of their new found knowledge by recording it. Paying attention to detail and learning to be still to observe will serve them in all subjects of learning and help cultivate a peaceful heart.
If you'd like to purchase this nature study by subject or monthly subscription you can do so here: Nature Study Cards Purchase Page
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