Nature Study

So, you notice my cute little graphic? Well, technically its not mine. I have been following a blog called Handbook of Nature Study by Barb - Harmony Art Mom. She has this fabulous blog where she advocates nature study using the book Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock. This book is quite famous in the Charlotte Mason world of homeschooling. I have always been intimidated by that book, but Barb has really made it seem friendly.

My boys have been bugging me about the nature study/walk that we are supposed to take once a week during school. They are old enough to read over my lesson plan book and ask "When are we doing that?" There is also some pressure to be more consistent with art.

Now don't get me wrong I love both but some days by the ime we make it through the basics, geography, science and the kids individual devotions I just don't feel like. That of course makes me feel guilty because I am depriving my kids of an up-close study of God's wonderful creation and a way to express what they see and feel about it through art.

Well, I need a clear direction and Barb is offering one. She has generously offered the use of this graphic and a weekly challange. I am taking her suggestion of how to start. I found her blog at challange #29 and was emailed #30 today. I printed out all the challanges, she has them conveniently in a pdf file, and made up a book. I printed off the first chapter of HNS and the appropiate pages to go with C29. I was lucky enough to have a sunflower waiting in my backyard. Super easy success, right off the bat!

I have some homework to do and have been busy reading. I am in no way thinking I am going to catch up to all that has gone before but armed with a plan and some enthusiasm I plan to make a start.

Are you asking what my plan is yet? I am excited to share it with you: Use the weekly challange and spend 10-20 minutes outside on a purposeful nature study/walk once a week. Come home and give the boys an opportunity to journal. Combine it with, Drawing With Children by Mona Brooks - I am thinking twice a week for art lessons.

Does this sounds like a plan for failure? Maybe I should hide my lesson plan book so my wonderfully curious (pushy?) kids won't know what I got buzzing around in my bee bonnet.

One other thing, Barb requests I post an entry on my blog sharing our experiences and then adding the post to her Mr. Linky, so others can be inspired and encouraged. Tomorrow, I will post my first challange. Anybody want to join us?

PS: I wanted to underline and link to Barb's blog in my post but don't know how. Look on my friends list for her link.