“
In order for children and youth to have health, cheerfulness, vivacity, and well-developed muscles and brains, they should be much in the open air, and have well-regulated employment and amusement.”
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 83
Category: Nature Study
Motivation Monday
“In itself the beauty of nature leads the soul away from sin and worldly attractions, and toward purity, peace, and God.
For this reason the cultivation of the soil is good work for children and youth. It brings them into direct contact with nature and nature’s God…. To the nervous child or youth, … it will be especially valuable. There is health and happiness for him in the study of nature; and the impressions made will not fade out of his mind, for they will be associated with objects that are continually before his eyes.
In the natural world, God has placed in the hands of the children of men the key to unlock the treasure-house of His word. The unseen is illustrated by the seen; divine wisdom, eternal truth, infinite grace, are understood by the things that God has made…. God has made this world fair because He delights in our happiness.”
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 186-188
Motivation Monday
“In the life of Christ, His childhood and youth, there is a lesson for the youth of today. Christ is our example, and in youth we should contemplate God in nature,—study His character in the work of His hands. The mind is strengthened by becoming acquainted with God, by reading His attributes in the things which He has made. As we behold the beauty and grandeur in the works of nature, our affections go out after God; and … our souls are invigorated by coming in contact with the Infinite through His marvelous works.”
The Youth’s Instructor, July 13, 1893.
Nature Study with Tots and Preschoolers – Helpful Link
I ran across a great guest post on 1+1+1=1 about studying nature with tots and preschoolers. We know that nature study is an important element of True Education, but the concept can be overwhelming for non nature-minded parents. Check out these tips, they help make nature study with small children simple and accessible. Click the link above or the image to go directly to the post.
First Lessons For Little Homeschoolers
The important lessons that come before teaching our little ones to read and write.
Obedience & Responsibility
Obedience and responsibility are the very first lessons we should teach our children. Diligent, daily work as parents at teaching our young children to obey and become useful, reliable members of the family is essential. These character-building lessons are spiritually important, because they help our children also learn to obey God and take the responsibilities of the Christian life seriously. When the time comes for our children to begin their formal academic education, the transition will be smoother and we as parents will find our new roles as reading and math teachers to be more enjoyable.
Bible
As Christian parents, the importance of Bible instruction in the home needs no explanation. What we fail to remember is that this is where we as parents can begin to develop and strengthen our skills as teachers. As we plan our worship and Bible study times for our families, we are working on our lesson planning skills. The time spent on preparing Bible crafts or learning finger plays does more than simply make Bible learning time more special for our children. These creative efforts for Bible study plant seeds for future inspiration – which leads to creative science or history lessons.
Nature Study
The idea of nature study is intimidating to some parents, but the opportunities it affords are priceless. Because we know that
nature is God’s second book, we can think of nature study as a supplement to our Bible lessons. As we introduce our little ones to the wonders of the world around them, we are establishing a distinctly Christian worldview in their hearts and minds. In addition, we are gently awakening observation skills, and strengthening thinking and reasoning skills at the same time. We can develop these important learning skills in young ones who are not yet ready for formal academic study.
For further reading on the subject: Child Guidance and Education
Great Resource – Wildflower Coloring Books
Learning about wildflowers as part of your botany or nature study lessons? These Celebrate Wildflowers coloring books from the US Forest Service are a great free resource. Most of the coloring pages also include information about the wildflower, so they would make a great notebook or lapbook illustrations.
Image source: US Forest Service
The Great Backyard Bird Count – Starts in 10 Days!
Don’t forget that The Great Backyard Bird Count begins in 10 days! This is a wonderful opportunity for homeschool families around the WORLD to spend time in God’s great outdoors learning more about birds. Anyone in the world can submit a bird count report! Visit the AHE Nature Study Pinterest Board to find more resources to make your bird study complete. Click on the image above to learn more about The Great Backyard Bird Count.
The Adventist Home Educator 