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The Answer to Nature-Deficit Disorder? All You Need Is Backyard Fun!

Nature Study· Resources

1 Feb

by Emily Graham

Photo credit: Pixabay

When family life gets busy, it’s easy to let outdoor time become something of an afterthought. But when you stop and think about it, many kids (and their parents) just don’t get enough sunlight and fresh air these days. If you’ve ever heard the term nature-deficit disorder, you already know it can have harmful consequences for your child’s development. Luckily, it doesn’t take a week in the woods to make up this deficit. All you really need is a little activity in your own backyard, and these guides from Nature Study Australia will help you make it happen.

Nature-Deficit Disorder: Why Your Kids Need to Be in Nature

First, let the BBC teach you all you need to know about Nature-Deficit Disorder and the dangers it poses to our children. Then, let’s cover some of the many benefits of nature — including why kids need nature in the first place, and even how to get your kids to love nature as much as they love video games.

Setting the Stage: Create a Backyard That’s Built for Fun

The good news about getting your kids outside is that you don’t need to plan a big trip. You can actually start right in your own backyard with these simple ideas for games and other close-to-home activities that your children will love.

  • 15 Family-Friendly Backyard Designs
  • Outdoor Play for Kids
  • Fabulous Outdoor Play Spaces
  • 7 Essentials for Creating an Outdoor Play Area Kids Will Adore

Nature-Inspired Learning: Make Outside Time Educational

Help make learning fun with these great ideas for outdoor science activities, including identifying trees, and even more suggestions that are perfect for spring and guaranteed to help teach your kids to love nature.  You can also go on a nature-based scavenger hunt, and as a bonus, any greenery or flowers you find can be brought inside. The kids get to show off their treasures, and you get the added benefit of the de-stressing effects Mother Nature’s spoils provide.

Nature and Fitness: The Perfect Combination

Nature is a great place to stay active. So here are 8 Fun Ways to Exercise As a Family, not to mention even more Fun and Physical Outdoor Activities for Kids. And if you’re a busy mom, here are some suggestions on How to Hike With Kids.

From keeping kids physically active to being educational, there are numerous reasons why spending time outdoors is essential for healthy families. But don’t worry if your family has been missing out! It’s time to find your new favorite way to get outside, and that fun can be found in your own backyard.

The Australian Nature Study Guide was created out of a family’s need to study nature science in the home. They’ve strived to integrate subjects and ages to increase time efficiency and value. Check out their shop and let them know if you have any questions!

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.

Rachel ~ Australian Nature Study Guide | Summer/Autumn

Australian Nature Study | Summer/Autumn | Volume 1

This is the first nature study guide my boys and I used and we loved it and have continued using other guides. It’s so helpful for me to have a heap of resources all in one place to make nature study easy for me to incorporate in my week. It has been fun learning together with my kids about these fascinating creatures!

Marie Miller ~ Backyard Nature Study | Summer /Autumn | Volume 5

Backyard Edition | Summer/Autumn | Volume 5

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About Marie

Homeschooling is a gentle amble for me since four of my five children have graduated. 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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Hey Explorer

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.  Outdoor adventures will become a regular part of your life as you make connections to the natural world with a sense of awe.

Testimonials

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/

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/

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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