If education is truly the science of relations, we strive to facilitate ways for the child to “connect” with the subject of study. Applying this method is easy and natural. One way to study science is to create a field guide to your own backyard-- a Nature Notebook. In doing so, you and your children learn about what can be known and experienced, rather than focusing on abstract scientific concepts. This creates a personal connection to the subject. And it’s wonderfully gratifying to form intimate relationships with the flora and fauna that surround us, because we are constantly using and expanding this understanding each time we step outside.
A backyard field guide can be made in so many different ways; it can be as simple or detailed as you like. We enjoy studying one living thing at a time-- really focusing on it-- then recording our observations in simple 3-ring notebooks. Sometimes we begin by reading from an interesting book about a particular animal or plant, then head outside to directly observe and discover more. But more often then not, we simply take a hike and see what strikes our fancies. When we get back home, we like to paint or sketch what we've observed. The entire process may take more than one day, of course, and we don’t rush. We know Charlotte Mason wanted children to learn to observe, wonder, and develop a reverence and awe for nature. This is our focus, too.
My older child has designed a guide with a page for each animal and plant. On each page, she draws a sketch of a specimen, embellishing it with colored pencils or watercolors. Next, she labels this drawing with its common and scientific names. And finally, she writes a brief description of the specimen, any facts that she especially wants to remember, and thoughts from her own field experiences. Each page is a treasure.
In making just one page for her field guide, several subjects are studied: nature study and observation, creative writing, drawing/ painting, and penmanship. Narration, dictation, and copywork exercises are also easily incorporated into this project, especially through poetry.
Here is a page from her Nature Notebook showing a variety of leaves that she has collected and preserved, as well as a drybrush watercolor painting of a dogwood branch.
Kevin (6) is making this field guide in his own colorful, enthusiastic style, and he’s very happy with the process. Here, he captures a bright red autumn leaf with colored pencil.
Nature Notebooks are not just for the children-- create one yourself! I am slowly adding entries to mine. I find that I enjoy the meditative quality of painting and I usually try to jot down a note about what we've been doing on that day as well. It's sort of a nature notebook/ journal.
Find the way that works best for your family and enjoy learning about nature together. What a wonderful way to make memories and create a keepsake at the same time! |
