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.
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.
