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 July 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 imbedded 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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These six nature study activities can be done alongside nature journaling or on their own. What you choose to incorporate will depend on the ages, stages and interests of your children. Nature Table The treasures found while out exploring on nature walks can be displayed on a nature table or shelf. It’ll be a place to store all the children…
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Nature journaling is a record of all your observations on nature rambles. It has proved to be an important component to studying nature. You can make your own nature diaries as shown here for pre-school, primary or simply buy an inexpensive A5 art book. There are many styles of journaling, so explore them and decide which one will work for…
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Australia has more deadly snakes than any other country worldwide. It is also home to numerous poisonous spiders and sea creatures. Teaching our children to have a healthy respect of all creatures is wise. A general awareness while out and about will encourage them to be cautious when their curiosity perks up. Please, never try to pick up a wild…
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The curriculum web based on nature study as a central topic enables us to understand that all subjects, and life itself, are interconnected. When we understand this, it takes the pressure off to tick all those boxes and finish all the pages in the science, maths and English language books. We realize learning is a life long journey. Earth Science…
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My son LOVES!! fishing and he’s constantly plotting a plan to convince me to take him to his favourite spots. He knows he can persuade me with the promise of a nature ramble, journal entries and opportunities for discovery. He may speculate, ‘I wonder what we would find today?’ Well, that’s enough pondering to satisfy my curiosity. Fishing we will…
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There are so many spiders at our place. Our guests are very cautious when visiting and I’m quite sure a few leave traumatised as they have a spider phobia or something. I don’t particularly like spiders either but if they’re not sitting on me I’m ok with being near them. Every spring we have funnel webs on our window frames….
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