The Seasonal Home in Early Summer

With today’s golden light and long hours, it feels safe to say—summer has well and truly arrived.

In our homeschooling days, I used to share a monthly series on seasonal themes and plans. They were simple collections of ideas, rooted in the rhythm of the year, which guided our learning and helped shape our days at home. Those posts held everything from nature study to liturgical observances—threads that wove beauty and meaning into the fabric of our family life.

Time, of course, moves on. But lately, I’ve felt the nudge to revisit that practice—this time through the lens of a homemaker.

Observing the seasons has always helped me to slow down and notice. It gently lifts my eyes from the rush of the world and turns my heart back to what matters most: faith, family, home, and the quiet beauty of the present moment. It reminds me to give thanks for what I already have, rather than dwell on what I don’t. And when we live with a heart of gratitude, peace often follows.

In a world that feels increasingly hurried—and one that seems, at times, to drift far from the Christian and traditional values I hold dear—I find great comfort in tending to what I can influence. My home. My heart. The atmosphere I cultivate each day.

So, as this new season begins, I’m turning my gaze once again to God’s goodness, and asking Him to help me keep His priorities at the centre of my days.

Biblical Encouragement for the Homemakers Heart

The past six or seven years have brought a steady stream of changes—some welcome, others challenging. It’s been a long season of transition, and I’ve often tried to navigate it all in my own strength. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that my wisdom is sorely limited! So this month, I’m intentionally laying things down at the Lord’s feet—choosing to trust Him not only with the big concerns, but also with the everyday details of life at home.

Here are a few gentle practices I’ll be focusing on this June—simple rhythms that help lift my eyes heavenward and steady my heart.

🌿 Enjoy Creation

June offers so many beautiful glimpses of God’s handiwork. I’ll be making a point to step outside, feel the sun on my skin, listen to the birdsong, and simply notice. As Psalm 19:1 reminds us,

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”

🕊 Practice Hospitality

There is something sacred about opening our homes, even in simple ways. A pot of tea, a slice of cake, a welcoming heart. Hebrews 13:2 gently encourages us:

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

✨ Rest and Refresh

In a culture that praises busyness, making space for true rest is a spiritual act. This month, I’ll be carving out quiet moments to simply be—to rest in the presence of the One who calls me His own.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28

Early Summer Homnemaking Tasks

Each season offers its own rhythms in the home. Here are a few June-specific tasks I’m gently weaving into my days:

✨ Deep Clean & Declutter

• Windows: Clean inside and out to let the summer light stream in. Don’t forget window screens!

• Carpets & Rugs: Give them a good vacuum and spot-clean for freshness.

🌼 Outdoor Maintenance

• Patios & Decks: Sweep, wash, or power-wash surfaces and freshen up outdoor furniture.

• Garden & Lawn: Weed, mulch, trim, mow—and plant cheerful summer flowers or veg.

• Gutters: Clear out debris to prepare for any summer downpours.

🍓 Kitchen Refresh

• Fridge & Pantry: Wipe down shelves, check expiry dates, and make space for summer produce.

• Grill Ready: Clean and prep the barbecue for sunny days ahead.

• Freezer Meals: Start slowly stocking up with baked goods and pre-prepped meals—especially handy for busy or hot days.

Light & Lovely June Décor

Small seasonal touches can bring a sense of joy and freshness into our homes.

🌞 Light and Airy

• Colours: Swap out deeper tones for whites, soft blues, and buttery yellows.

• Fabrics: Choose breezy cottons or linens for bedding and cushions.

🌿 Nature Indoors

• Fresh Flowers: A simple vase of daisies or sunflowers can completely lift a room.

• Potted Greenery: Bring in a few leafy plants to add life and freshness.

🪟 Outdoor Living Spaces

• Cosy Corners: Add cushions, throws, and even an outdoor rug to make patios or balconies inviting.

• Lighting: Twinkling fairy lights or lanterns can create a magical atmosphere for evening relaxation.

🐚 Seasonal Accents

• Coastal Vibes: Think driftwood, shells, or a nautical print here and there.

• Wall Art: Swap in a few summer-themed pieces to reflect the season’s warmth and light.

Simple June Joys & Home Care

🍉 Summer Activities

• Host a casual picnic, an impromptu BBQ, or a relaxed garden tea with loved ones.

• Plan outdoor adventures—walks in nature, beach days, or countryside rambles.

🛠 Light Home Maintenance

• Pest Check: Keep an eye out for seasonal critters and take preventative steps.

• Smoke Alarms: A quick test gives peace of mind.

• Irrigation: Adjust sprinkler or watering routines as the weather heats up.

And Finally...

Let June be a month of gentle purpose—a time to realign with what truly matters and to invite beauty into both our hearts and our homes. May we not be overwhelmed by to-do lists, but instead see each small act of homemaking as a quiet offering—an opportunity to reflect God’s care and goodness in the daily rhythms of life.

And as always, may our homes be places of peace, our hearts tuned to grace, and our eyes lifted to the One who holds all seasons in His hands.

How To Get Started With Nature Study

As a long-time Charlotte Mason homeschooling mum, I've been reflecting on the many rich elements that shaped our learning journey over the years. Among them, nature study has stood out as a quiet yet powerful thread—one that not only nourished our understanding of science, but helped form lifelong relationships with the natural world.

In our home, nature study became more than a subject; it became a way of seeing. It even played a part in inspiring my eldest daughter to pursue a career as a botanical illustrator—proof that the seeds you plant in those early days can bear beautiful, lasting fruit.

Why Nature Study Matters

At its heart, nature study is simple: it's about spending time outdoors, observing, and forming a connection with God's creation. It lays a natural foundation for more formal science lessons down the line, but just as importantly, it teaches attention, wonder, and reverence.

Yet, many parents feel unsure about where or how to begin. If that's you, take heart—this post is for you.

Step-by-Step with Charlotte Mason

Charlotte Mason encouraged families to spend regular, unhurried time outdoors—at least once a week. Each family member should have a simple nature notebook for recording observations, which may take the form of sketches, written notes, watercolours, quotes, or poems.

She championed long hours outside, even in winter, because she understood that nature itself is a master teacher. Children naturally tune in to the patterns of the world around them when they have the time and freedom to explore it. They learn best through observation—watching patiently until they come to know the habits of bees, ants, dragonflies, and spiders.

As Charlotte wisely put it: "Never be within doors when you can rightly be without."

Letting Go of Pressure

One of the most freeing aspects of the Charlotte Mason approach is that you don't need to be an expert. In fact, she cautioned against doing too much talking or 'teaching'. Let nature do the speaking. Your role is to gently facilitate by making time, showing delight, and occasionally pointing out something especially lovely.

You don't need to know all the answers either. In our home, we often turned to Anna Botsford Comstock's Handbook of Nature Study to learn together. The joy is in the shared discovery.

Charlotte reminds us: "By-and-by he will learn the bearing of facts with which he is already familiar... a very different thing from learning the reason why of facts which have never come to his notice."

Where to Begin

Nature study doesn’t require anything elaborate. Start by heading outdoors together, journals in hand, or bring something home from your walk to draw or explore more deeply. If you’re looking for guidance, I highly recommend Karen Andreola’s A Charlotte Mason Companion or her delightful narrative A Pocketful of Pinecones—a gentle, story-based introduction to implementing nature study.

Favourite Supplies

Here are some tried-and-true resources we’ve used for years:

• A set of 12 half-pan watercolour paints — one per child lasts for years!

• Square Watercolor Journal's — These are my personal favourite. They have lovely thick pages perfect for watercolour

• Anna Botsford Comstock's Handbook of Nature Study — a foundational investment used weekly in our home

• Outdoor Hour Challenges — free, seasonal step-by-step nature study lessons from Homeschool Nature Study

If you’re just starting out, begin with the "Getting Started" section of Homeschool Nature Study. It’s full of gentle encouragement and practical tips.

Final Thoughts

I hope this post has given you the courage to simply begin. Don’t let lack of confidence in your drawing or scientific knowledge hold you back. Your children don’t need perfection—they need presence. And you might just find yourself learning and growing right alongside them.

Let this be the year you embrace nature study. Go outdoors, be still, and wonder. You never know where it might lead—perhaps even to the heart of a future naturalist, a scientist, or a botanical artist in your own home.

Here’s to the journey, and all the beauty it brings.