Nature Study – Not Just for Kids
The North wind doth blow and we shall have snow – a nursery rhyme from my childhood. I thought of it the other day when I read a March nature study calendar from the homeschool site Wonder-Filled Days. The site offers a nature calendar for each month with ideas for children to explore learning outside. I love teaching anything and everything in conjuncture with nature.
The day that stood out to me said, “How many ways can you see the wind?” Just looking out the window I can see the wind moving the trees. When I go out my noticings become ever increasing.
- Leaves blowing across the yard
- Children’s kites in the March sky
- Clouds moving, changing shapes
- Clothes on the line
- Children blowing dandelions
Now a verse comes to mind, John 3:8, Jesus telling Nicodemus that “the wind bloweth where it listeth.” Jesus alludes to the Holy Spirit. The Spirit goes where it wants. We can’t see it but we can see the things it does. Scripture also tells us to teach our children all day, every day about the Lord (Deut. 6:7). Oh, the joy, outside every day, regardless of the weather, noticing, talking, exploring together. Oh, the things they will learn, the things we will learn.
It occurs to me that a nature calendar might not be a bad idea for me as a writer. Journaling from a nature calendar and a nature walk daily, regardless of the weather, noticing, exploring, sketching, writing, doodling just might kick my writing up a notch, especially if I end with an applicable verse of scripture.
What do you think? Want to go for a walk?
Blessings, Gail Cartee