How to Get Started in Nature-Based Homeschooling
Inside: Our homeschooling method has no formal plan for our nature-based homeschool. It is important for our kids to be outside in all weather.
Nature-based homeschooling offers a unique approach to education that combines traditional learning with immersive experiences in the natural world. This guide can help you begin your journey into nature-based education, whether you’re teaching young children or older children. A homeschool mom has a lot to juggle when it comes to picking out a curriculum but unschooling or taking a natural homeschool outlook to things can be fun and meet your child’s need.
This post contains affiliate links, see my disclosure policy for more information.
How to Get Started in Nature-Based Homeschooling
Nature-based homeschooling integrates the natural environment into every aspect of learning, fostering a deep connection with the outdoors while meeting educational goals. This approach draws inspiration from various educational philosophies, including Charlotte Mason’s emphasis on hands-on learning and direct observation of nature.
I think when children are younger in particular there should be less time spent on tech and with workbooks and more time spent outside whether that is at the local park, or the Rocky Mountains, whatever outside and nature means to your family and what you are able to do.
Get updates & freebies delivered to your inbox!
To be sure you think about including an additional component to your homeschooling day or are planning on it and I believe it is superior to that. There are other, interesting, options available for a guided way you can use them in nature studies.
This is something that has been growing in popularity over the past few years as parents are interested in children’s connection with nature and harnessing its benefits for their educational development.
Forest schools are popping up for all ages. I would have loved to have had something like these for kids when we lived out west. Now I can’t keep my kids in the house.
Getting Started: Your First Week and Beyond
Beginning your first year of nature-based homeschooling requires thoughtful planning and flexibility. Start by:
- Gathering essential nature study curriculum materials
- Assessing your natural environment and local resources
- Creating a basic framework for your school year
- Developing flexible lesson plans that incorporate outdoor play
Building Your Nature-Based Curriculum
A successful nature-based curriculum integrates core subjects with outdoor experiences. Here’s how to approach different subject areas:
Science Curriculum
Transform your natural environment into a living laboratory. Use hands-on activities to explore biology, geology, and environmental science. Regular nature walks become opportunities for scientific observation and critical thinking development.
Math Lessons
Incorporate mathematics naturally through:
- Counting and measuring natural objects
- Tracking weather patterns
- Calculating growth rates of plants
- Geometric patterns in nature
Language Arts and Social Studies
Include both traditional and nature-inspired approaches:
- Cultural studies through regional natural resources
- Journal writing during nature observations
- Gospel reading and reflection in natural settings
- Local history through environmental changes
Supporting the Whole Child
Nature-based learning nurtures the whole child by:
- Developing life skills through practical outdoor experiences
- Encouraging critical thinking through natural problem-solving
- Building physical capabilities through outdoor play
- Fostering emotional well-being through connection with nature
Planning Meaningful Field Trips
Enhance your nature-based curriculum with regular field trips:
- Local nature centers and parks
- Botanical gardens
- Wildlife sanctuaries
- Working farms
- Natural history museums
Forest School Activity Cards: Inspire Outdoor Learning and Adventure
With these Forest School Activity Cards, you can make use of the outdoors to introduce new concepts and encourage curiosity. Print these cards, cut them out, and put them in a jar. Each day pull a card out and do that activity.
Unschooling Style of Nature-Based Homeschooling
One of the best things about homeschooling is that you can tailor your child’s education to their unique interests and learning style. If your child loves being in the great outdoors and exploring nature, then nature-based homeschooling might be a perfect fit! You can start as young as you’d like, early childhood education is the time to build a lifelong love for nature.
Getting Outside Every Season
Winters can be hard, the cold is not everyone’s favorite thing. I for one really struggle with it, but we still make a point of getting outside every day. Whether it is just walking around the house or going for a real walk, there are daily lessons that can happen just on those walks. Learning about birds, butterflies, and more around you.
There are some amazing books you may want to check out to help you get started with nature-based homeschooling. I often use books of this nature as a jumping-off point. A way to kick my brain into high gear, and get the ideas flowing. Check out your local library for books.
Engaging Nature-Based Activities
Nature provides endless opportunities for creative, educational play and hands-on learning. Here are some enriching activities that combine fun with valuable learning experiences:
Creative Construction
- Build rustic forts using fallen branches and logs
- Create fairy houses with natural materials
- Design and construct simple bridges over small streams
- Stack rocks to make cairns while learning about balance
- Build birdhouses and feeders from natural or recycled materials
Sensory and Artistic Exploration
- Make mud pies and sculptures in a designated mud kitchen
- Create natural dyes from berries, flowers, and leaves
- Weave with long grasses and flexible stems
- Press flowers and leaves for artwork
- Design mandalas using found natural objects
Scientific Discovery
- Build and maintain a compost pile
- Create mini-ecosystems in clear containers
- Design simple weather stations with natural materials
- Make sundials to track time
- Construct bug hotels to observe insect life
Animal Tracks Bundle
Enjoy these 28 pages of Animal Track fun. These are a great addition to your nature study or forest school. This is a BUNDLE of the following three products:
- Animal Tracks Identify the Tracks
- Animal Tracks Flash Cards
- Animal Tracks Clip Cards
Seasonal Activities
Spring:
- Plant and tend a children’s garden
- Make flower crowns and nature jewelry
- Create seed bombs for pollinator gardens
- Track and document spring growth
Summer:
- Build solar ovens using natural reflection
- Create nature-based obstacle courses
- Design and build outdoor musical instruments
- Make sun prints with found objects
Fall:
- Build leaf mazes
- Create nature-based board games
- Design habitat dioramas with fallen materials
- Make natural paintbrushes from plants
Winter:
- Build snow structures and sculptures
- Create ice art with natural materials
- Track and identify animal prints
- Build winter shelters using natural materials
Nature-based homeschooling offers different ways to engage children in meaningful learning while fostering a deep connection with the natural world. By incorporating these elements into your homeschooling journey, you’ll create an enriching educational experience that nurtures both academic growth and environmental awareness.
Remember that your first year is a time of learning and adjustment. Focus on creating a strong foundation while remaining open to new possibilities and approaches. With patience and dedication, you’ll develop a robust nature-based curriculum that serves your family’s educational goals while nurturing a lasting appreciation for the natural world.
Want More?
Growing Green Thumbs: Gardening with Kids
