A Mother’s Nature Journal

As homeschool moms in the Charlotte Mason world, we spend so much time curating enriching experiences for our children. We ensure they observe the wonders of nature, encourage them to sketch wildflowers, and delight in their discoveries of spiderwebs glistening with dew. But when was the last time you, as a mother, truly engaged with nature, not as the guide or teacher, but simply as yourself? I know this is an area that I have struggled with, either by my own ignorance to the natural world or my hesitation to attempt art.

Charlotte Mason herself believed in the restorative power of nature, not just for children but for everyone. She wrote, "Never be within doors when you can rightly be without." For mothers juggling the demands of homeschooling, homemaking, and everything else, a nature study of our own can provide a much-needed pause, offering clarity, joy, and connection.

Why Nature Study Matters for Moms

Nature study isn’t just for the kids. Here are some reasons why moms need it too:

1. Recharging Your Spirit
   Spending time outdoors gives you a break from the endless to-do lists and responsibilities. The beauty of nature offers a unique kind of rest that clears your mind and refreshes your heart.

2. Deepening Your Connection
   Observing nature firsthand helps you reconnect with the very world you’re encouraging your children to explore. This shared connection can deepen family experiences and make your teaching more authentic. It’s hard to encourage our children to learn 6 birds by sight and sound when we don’t know those birds ourselves.

3. Rediscovering Joy
   There’s something magical about pausing to listen to birdsong or marvel at the intricate design of a leaf. Engaging in nature study can remind you to find joy in small, quiet moments.

4. Modeling a Lifelong Love of Learning
   When your children see you excitedly journaling about a wildflower or sketching a squirrel, they learn that education doesn’t stop after childhood. It’s a lesson in curiosity that will stick with them.

What Charlotte Mason Says About Nature Study

Charlotte Mason emphasized that being in nature isn’t just for knowledge, it’s about forming relationships. She wrote, "The more we know, the more we delight in knowing; knowledge breeds knowledge as love breeds love."

For her, nature study wasn’t about memorizing facts but fostering a sense of wonder and connection to the world around us. As moms, we can take her words to heart and remember that we, too, are born persons, worthy of delighting in the beauty of God’s creation.

How to Start Your Own Nature Study

Starting your own nature study doesn’t need to be overwhelming or time-consuming. Here are some simple ways to begin:

1. Choose a Focus
   Pick something that interests you—a bird you’ve seen in your yard, a tree you’ve always admired, or even the phases of the moon.

2. Set Aside Time
   Dedicate just 10-15 minutes a week to your nature study. It could be during a walk, while the kids play outside, or in a quiet moment with your tea on the porch.

3. Keep a Journal
   Sketch what you see, jot down notes, or write a few sentences about how you felt in that moment. Don’t worry about perfection; this is just for you.

4. Learn a Little
   Use a field guide or app to identify what you’re observing, but don’t get bogged down in the details. Let curiosity, not pressure, lead the way.

Making It Fun

Nature study should be a joy, not a chore. Here are some ways to keep it light and enjoyable:

• Join a Group
  Connect with other moms for a nature walk. Sharing discoveries with friends adds a layer of community.

• Involve Your Senses
  Don’t just look—touch, smell, and even listen to nature. Close your eyes and focus on the soundscape around you.

• Use Your Creativity
  Bring watercolors to paint a sunset or write a short poem inspired by a misty morning.

• Celebrate the Seasons
  Tailor your nature study to the rhythms of the year—snowflakes in winter, blooming flowers in spring, vibrant leaves in autumn.

A Gentle Invitation

Moms, we spend so much time pouring into our children. Let’s take a little time to fill our own cups. A mother’s nature study isn’t selfish; it’s a beautiful way to nurture your soul and enhance your family’s homeschool journey.

Step outside, breathe deeply, and let the beauty of creation minister to your heart. Nature has been waiting for you, too.