It's just an old log, right?
Nature Study is teaching children that there is wonder to be found, even in a rotten, decaying log.
Did you ever pause and wonder how those little holes got so round? And what made them? And how are those intricate crystals woven so delicately in that tiny little space? All these mysteries, sitting, like bumps on a log, waiting to be discovered. (I'm sorry, I can never refuse a good pun!)
Anna Comstock writes, in her Handbook of Nature Study, "Nature Study consists of simple, truthful observations that may, like beads on a string, finally be threaded upon the understanding and thus held together as a logical and harmonious whole." (p.1)
I think of connections, and how we learn by connecting ideas and experiences. Everything we learn is the foundation for more learning, Ms. Comstock's "beads on a string."
I think back to a couple of summers ago when we found brilliant blue jellyfish scattered all along the beach. We found out that they are Button Jellyfish. And now, looking at this solitary log, I see those jellyfish again in the crystals that have gathered in the holes. Do you?
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| Google Image of a Button Jellyfish |
I used to think that I couldn't have Nature studies with my children because they don't always want to draw what they see. Do I? No. So why do I expect my children to? Nature Study can be just as profitable to children by simply observing the wonders of God's creation. I am sure Charlotte Mason would have used a camera if she had had one at her disposal!
"Nature study cultivates the child's imagination, since there are so many wonderful and true stories that he may read with his own eyes...at the same time nature study cultivates in him a perception and a regard for what is true, and the power to express it."
~Anna Comstock
It is worth mentioning that the first week I went walking every day, the children did not express a desire to come. When I came back from my walks replenished and enthusiastic, they wanted to have a share in that! Like most areas of home learning, children want to be part of what energizes their parents! Enthusiasm makes a great leader!
It helps to bring a basket or bucket to collect specimens. Make sure you teach your children what is appropriate to collect and what is not. Yesterday we had an impromptu lesson on trees and roots, when Sam wanted to pull an entire sapling out of the ground. We decided to wait until Spring, when we could replant the sapling.
Emily came on our walk yesterday, and she used my camera to take some incredible pictures. Cameras are wonderful to use for nature study, but if you don't have one, for heaven's sake, don't let that be an excuse for not doing it!
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| photo credit: Emily Smithdeal |
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| photo credit: Emily Smithdeal |
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| photo credit: Emily Smithdeal |
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| photo credit: Emily Smithdeal |
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| photo credit: Emily Smithdeal |
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| photo credit: Emily Smithdeal |
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| photo credit: Emily Smithdeal |
