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Reclaim the Backyard: An Aussie Homeschool Family’s Guide to Nature Study

Backyard· Nature Journaling· Nature Study

16 Nov
Photo by Pexels

Homeschooling has been on the rise in Australia, even more so with families spending an increasing amount of time at home. Yet, as we cozy up indoors, our children are missing out on the wonders and lessons that the natural world offers.

Australia is a continent teeming with unique flora and fauna, making it a perfect natural classroom. In this article, courtesy of Nature Study Australia, we’ll explore how you can bring the concept of nature study into your homeschooling routine, turning your backyard or even the local park into an educational playground.

What is Nature Study?

Nature study isn’t just a subject, it’s a way to instill curiosity and a love for learning in children. It involves more than just identifying trees and animals. It requires observation, journaling, and a real, tactile engagement with the environment. Through nature study, children learn the art of inquiry, the principles of biology, and the basics of ecological responsibility. Furthermore, nature study provides a profound opportunity for children to develop a deep connection with the natural world, fostering a sense of stewardship and a lifelong appreciation for the environment.

Australia’s Perfect Ecosystem for Nature Study

Australia offers a unique canvas for nature study with its diverse ecosystem. Whether it’s the cuddly appearance of koalas, the fascinating hopping mechanism of kangaroos, or the aromatic appeal of eucalyptus trees, each state has its regional biodiversity. Imagine teaching your kids about marsupials while watching a kangaroo in its natural habitat or understanding photosynthesis through the local eucalyptus in your backyard.

Create Your Own Nature Study Guide

When crafting your nature study guide, remember to tailor it to your child’s age and interests. Start with the basics—plants, animals, and seasonal patterns. Essential tools like notebooks for journaling and observation, cameras for capturing moments, and binoculars for bird-watching can make the experience more enriching.

The Homeowner’s Perspective: Bridging Nature and Home

Your home itself can be an extension of your nature study. When planning for a kitchen renovation, consider integrating elements like a small “greenhouse” area near the eating space. You could use it to grow herbs or simple plants, teaching your kids about germination and plant care. To remove the guesswork, partner with a company that can help make this a reality, offering custom solutions that allow you to bring a slice of nature into your home.

Practical Tips for Life Cycle Engagement

Keeping your children engaged in nature study over time is essential for lasting benefits. Track the lifecycle of a native plant through each season or follow the nesting habits of a local bird species. Don’t forget to involve everyone, from toddlers doodling in the mud to teenagers taking photographs or helping with journaling.

The Power of Community

Encouraging a community mindset is crucial in sustaining your nature study initiative. Share your experiences and lessons learned with other homeschooling families. Social media platforms and online forums provide a great way to connect and exchange ideas. You’ll be amazed at how the collective knowledge and support of a like-minded community can not only enhance your child’s nature study journey but also inspire others to join in and contribute to the shared learning experience.

Conclusion

Nature study offers a holistic educational experience, nurturing not just academic growth but also emotional and ethical development. And, as you involve your family, you’re not just fostering a love for nature, you’re contributing to future conservation efforts. It’s an investment in a sustainable future.

Written by Emily Graham

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About Marie

Come, walk with me! We have outdoor expeditions to undertake and adventures to embark upon. We'll explore the outdoors together, side by side and uncover miraculous mysteries, and secrets. We'll wander, and wonder in amazement as we become familiar with the Australian fauna and flora.

I desire to come alongside you in the muddle, making nature study the joy it's meant to be. This is the purpose for the Australian Nature Study Guides for the Aussie homeschool family seeking to explore the outdoors and are not sure where to start. Outdoor adventures will become a regular part of your life as you make connections to the natural world with a sense of awe.

Homeschooling is a gentle amble for me since four of my five children are adults. I share my joy with things beautiful, good and lovely with my grandchildren where I live contently with hubby in rural South Australia.

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Testimonials

Cheryl

We didn’t find out about the program until about half way through term, so we played catch up most of the time. I love how open ended the lessons are, but with enough structure to work well for those children needing such a program. We have been able to cover much of the required curriculum whilst enjoying the activities we love. Your program has been such a blessing to us, because we needed a change to our homeschooling lessons which would still cover curriculum, but would enable us to relax and enjoy “school” together. Thank you.
Nature Study Australia
2018-05-25T15:50:47+10:30
We didn’t find out about the program until about half way through term, so we played catch up most of the time. I love how open ended the lessons are, but with enough structure to work well for those children needing such a program. We have been able to cover much of the required curriculum whilst enjoying the activities we love. Your program has been such a blessing to us, because we needed a change to our homeschooling lessons which would still cover curriculum, but would enable us to relax and enjoy “school” together. Thank you.
https://naturestudyaustralia.com.au/testimonials/cheryl/

Jessie

I looked high and low online for an Australian nature based curriculum and when I found Australian Nature study Guide on Instagram I was so excited to have finally found something that my family can relate to. My favourite thing about this guide is that Marie is so hands on and involved with her customers. I have never felt alone in the journey, she is there to guide and encourage us every step of the way in the Facebook group. Thanks Marie for welcoming us to your nature study family 🙂
Nature Study Australia
2018-05-25T15:52:36+10:30
I looked high and low online for an Australian nature based curriculum and when I found Australian Nature study Guide on Instagram I was so excited to have finally found something that my family can relate to. My favourite thing about this guide is that Marie is so hands on and involved with her customers. I have never felt alone in the journey, she is there to guide and encourage us every step of the way in the Facebook group. Thanks Marie for welcoming us to your nature study family 🙂
https://naturestudyaustralia.com.au/testimonials/jessie/

Sally

We have really enjoyed the program this term. We have gotten outside more often and the children are definitely taking more notice of things when we are out. Having a place to share what we have done and seen has been an encouragement to keep it up. I sometimes felt like we could spend longer on some topics as they were so interesting but that is probably just my obsessive "we must cover everything now" problem. 
Nature Study Australia
2018-05-25T15:48:30+10:30
We have really enjoyed the program this term. We have gotten outside more often and the children are definitely taking more notice of things when we are out. Having a place to share what we have done and seen has been an encouragement to keep it up. I sometimes felt like we could spend longer on some topics as they were so interesting but that is probably just my obsessive "we must cover everything now" problem. 
https://naturestudyaustralia.com.au/testimonials/sally/

Rachel

We began our homeschool journey this year keen to explore all that nature study entails. I had searched the web for weeks to research what we would use as our framework. I cannot describe the elation I felt when I came across an AUSTRALIAN nature study guide! Marie has done all the hard work and put together a wonderfully elaborate resource for all ages. You can dip your toe in or dive right into all the ideas and links. There’s so much here we could spend all week doing nature study, and often we do.
Nature Study Australia
2018-05-25T15:53:11+10:30
We began our homeschool journey this year keen to explore all that nature study entails. I had searched the web for weeks to research what we would use as our framework. I cannot describe the elation I felt when I came across an AUSTRALIAN nature study guide! Marie has done all the hard work and put together a wonderfully elaborate resource for all ages. You can dip your toe in or dive right into all the ideas and links. There’s so much here we could spend all week doing nature study, and often we do.
https://naturestudyaustralia.com.au/testimonials/rachel/

Sarah

Absolutely love the activity books my whole family can learn together and it’s Australia based. Highly recommend
Nature Study Australia
2018-05-25T15:52:01+10:30
Absolutely love the activity books my whole family can learn together and it’s Australia based. Highly recommend
https://naturestudyaustralia.com.au/testimonials/sarah/

Valerie

I totally enjoy using the Nature study guide. The children enjoy learning about the different animals and plants.
Nature Study Australia
2018-05-25T15:51:39+10:30
I totally enjoy using the Nature study guide. The children enjoy learning about the different animals and plants.
https://naturestudyaustralia.com.au/testimonials/valerie/
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