This year we decided to create Phenology Wheels. To be honest with you until a few weeks ago I didn’t even know what they were. But, when I saw my first one, I fell in love. Phenology is the study of plant and animal cycles, and what an amazing way to record these natural cycles in a beautifully illustrated wheel….
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My boys do NOT like journaling! They do not like ‘Nature Study!’ If I use the words ‘a learning experience’ they will run the other way! BUT if I suggest we put the books aside for the day and go fishing, then I have their attention! Now before you think, what has fishing to do with nature study? Can I…
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We’ll be visiting four home educators to observe how nature is studied within their homes. We start with the home of Nicola from The World is Their Classroom in the UK. We don’t follow a particular curriculum for Nature Study, rather we make time throughout the week to explore nature and take part in various awards and challenges such as The John Muir…
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The Black Mulberry tree in the paddock was laden with mulberries and we were expecting a heatwave. Some fruit trees tend to drop their fruit on such hot days and knew the berries would not be there much longer. So on a hot summer morning we went berry picking. The berries were enormous and so sweet. I’m sure more berries…
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We were wondering along a bush track which led through to the ocean. We admired all the coastal blooms, the scent of the ocean and the sound of the rolling waves crashing on the beach. Suddenly, a movement caught my eye and I was amazed at the wombat staring back at me. It moved on, unsure of us, but we…
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Even though the calendar declares it’s spring, summer is in the air. The land is drying, and the air is warming. The bush has lost it’s golden hue but there are flowers tucked away under trees and wattles which have dropped their blooms. We search harder to find these gems. We are not disappointed. Before long we discover the Black…
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Our bush walk in August was priceless. An explosion of gold and wattle scented air greeted us. It was a cool day for a walk and rain drizzled lightly upon us. We bumped into the Running Postman flowering radiantly. Clematis scaled shrubs and trees blooming exuberantly. It was a sight to feast your eyes upon. We were thrilled to discover…
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Beachcombing in Winter Exploring the beach after a storm in winter is an interesting exercise. There was so much to observe, and the cooler temperatures did not keep the children from playing in the Southern Ocean. The day we combed the beach was so beautiful and calm. We were amazed at how the shells were embedded into a sand shelf….
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The bush has a unique loveliness in July. It’s awakening to spring already. Amy Mack writes in ‘A Bush Calendar,’ “Although it is only the first week of July, the resting time is over, and millions upon millions of little buds are just waiting for the signal to burst into flower.” There is the promise of exquisite orchids to bloom…
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Sundews Sundews are interesting plant to observe. There are at least 194 species. Sundews are carnivorous plants which lure and capture insects. The insects are digested by the stalked mucilaginous glands covering their leaf surfaces. The sundews extract minerals from the insects which are lacking in the soil. Their tentacles have sticky secretions on them and they can move the…
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In education we must comprehend man as a wholesome; and man in his totality is body, soul and spirit. (Steiner) Some of the most incredible educators of the last century encouraged the idea of a threefold person and the importance of nurturing the body, soul and spirit of the individual child. Charlotte Mason, Rudolf Steiner and Maria Montessori all stressed…
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