Creating a Backyard Phenology Wheel is an effortless project that will include nature journling into our routine as we flourish at home in a time of crisis.
The phenology wheel is a simple, month by month, representation of nature around you, and right now, that is in the backyard.
A simple walk into the backyard to notice which plants are flowering and observe insect activity will inspire you to draw, paint or colour the first section in the phenology wheel for the month. Tomatoes were my focus in March.
Only one section per month is journaled at a time, but if you happen to have photos on your mobile since January documenting your garden sightings, then nows the time to catch up on the months you might have missed. Otherwise, begin the phenology wheel in April and complete it in March 2021.
Here’s a template to get you started.
The wheel in the centre can be a visual representation of the seasons, whether you choose the European seasons or the Australian Indigenous seasonal calendar as in this wheel.
The centre wheel can also represent the Church calendar, family events like birthdays or current events. I’ve chosen to include current events for my wheel.
Encourage each member of the family to create a phenology for the backyard this season, and that includes you as your interest in the project will inspire the children and keep them motivated.
“If possible, it is good for the teacher (or parent) to keep a nature notebook, too; it is a life we live together”
Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
Take a look at Jo’s phenology wheel which she kept along with her children here.
In May, at the Australian Homeschool Summit, I’ll be encouraging mums to join their children outdoors to pursue their own adventures in an effort to enhance their own education and inspire their children in a life long habit of learning new things. Creation bursts with extroadinary creatures we have not yet encountered or studied.
So come along and join in the conversation as we also share how to inspire reluctant outdoor students to embrace nature study effortlessly, and yes, enjoying the outdoors yourself is a start to motivating your children.
After our discussion, download this quote and place it where you’ll be reminded to ‘go out to play.’
Your free gift for joining me is a set of 8 senses task cards which will motivate you to enjoy simple nature study with the children, and there’s one task, just for mum to enjoy.
So that you can sit back and enjoy our talk without too much fuss, I’ve created a workbook that includes nature study ideas and quotes to take with you.
I’m looking forward to ‘meeting’ you as we curl up on our couches, safe at home for this online homeschool conference which offers a connection with other home ed families in a private setting. Don’t forget your cuppa and snack. Mine will be coffee and chocolate of course.
If you’d like to know what other nature study topics will be covered in the workshop, then pop over here for more insight. See you soon!
