Winter Nature study is not impossible it simply requires a little bit of foresight planning and a thermos of something warm to drink. Taking children out to experience the variation of temperature, the winter birds who flit about here and there seeking some shelter and food, or simply visiting the park to sit a while and appreciate the tree architecture in all it’s perfect glory are all a wonderful part of creating memories of Nature Study during any time of the year.
Knowledge in one “subject” helps us to understand another. All the information your children are gathering in their nature study lessons, and the habits of observation they are acquiring, will form an excellent foundation for their future education. (CMC Page 259 Karen Andreola)
Things to observe in winter
- Bird’s nests
- Burrows
- Rocks
- Animal prints / tracks
- Tree architecture
- Landscapes
- The differences between evergreen and deciduous trees
- Snow and ice
- If it’s too cold visit the local green grocer and study the fruits and vegetables available there.
Members of the Crew Share about Nature Study in Winter
Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses explores the question: Winter Nature Study is it Possible ? She shares some ideas and a list of resources to support your winter nature study planning.
Jennifer A @ Chestnut Grove Academy shares some excellent resources to do Winter Nature Study with younger students.
- The Snowy Day a Unit Study. Montessori Inspired, Manipulative Rich, Literature Based, Hand’s On Preschool Curriculum for ages 2-5
- Montessori Preschool winter study inspiration to accompany the books How Big is a Million and The Polar Bear Son an Inuit Tale
- Earth Science Unit Seasons: Winter Work Box ideas and links to resources
Rebekah T @ There Will Be a $5 Charge for Whining has some FREE printables for a Winter Nature Study for you.
Marcy C @ Ben and Me has compiled a Winter Nature Study Resources List with a FREE Nature Journal for you.
The 2013 Schoolhouse Review Crew blog has a list of 31 Winter Nature Study links for you.
Children are born naturalists, with a bent inherited, perhaps, from an unknown ancestor; but every child has a natural interest in the living things about him which it is the business of his parents to encourage; for, but few children are equal to holding their own in the face of public opinion; and if they see that the things which interest them are indifferent or disgusting to you, their pleasure in them vanishes, and that chapter in the book of Nature is closed to them.
(Vol 1, II, Out-Of-Door Life For The Children, p.58)
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