One of the simplest and most delightful ways to begin nature study in your homeschool is by studying birds. Birds are everywhere (city, country, backyard, park) and they provide a constant source of wonder for children and adults alike. Charlotte Mason thought nature study was essential to a child’s education, and birds were often at the heart of her recommendations. So, let’s dive into why and how to teach your child about birds the Charlotte Mason way!

What Did Charlotte Mason Say About Teaching Birds?

Charlotte Mason believed that children should spend plenty of time outdoors observing nature firsthand. She encouraged children to watch birds, listen to their calls, notice their habits, and keep a nature journal. In Home Education, she wrote:

“As soon as he is able to keep it himself, a nature-diary is a source of delight to a child. Every day's walk gives him something to enter.”

She also advised against dry, textbook-heavy science in the early years, instead advocating for hands-on observation and reading from living books.

Why Teach About Birds?

Birds Are Accessible: Unlike exotic animals or plants, birds are everywhere! Your child can learn about them without expensive field trips or equipment.
Encourages Observation Skills: Studying birds hones your child's ability to notice details—colors, patterns, behaviors, and sounds.
Connects to the Seasons: Different birds come and go with the seasons, making bird study a wonderful way to track nature’s rhythms.
Inspires a Love for Nature: The more children learn about birds, the more they appreciate and care for the natural world.
Perfect for Nature Journaling: Birds provide excellent material for sketching, labeling, and writing short narrations.

How to Teach About Birds the Charlotte Mason Way

1. Get Outside and Observe

Start simply. Go outside with your children and just watch. Look up at the trees, power lines, fences, and sky. What birds do you see? Can you hear any calls? Observe how they move, eat, and interact.

Helpful tips for observation:

Go outside at different times of the day. Birds are most active in the morning.
Bring binoculars if you have them, but don’t worry if you don’t! Many birds can be observed with the naked eye.
Sit still in one spot and let the birds come to you.

2. Keep a Nature Journal

Charlotte Mason highly encouraged children to keep nature journals. For bird study, include:

Sketches – Draw the birds you see, even if they’re just simple outlines.
Colors & Markings – What colors are on the bird’s head, wings, belly?
Location & Behavior – Where did you see the bird? What was it doing?
Birdsong Notes – Try writing a few words to describe the sound or make up syllables that mimic it (e.g., cheer-up, cheer-up for a robin).
Labels & Dates – Always label sketches and note the date and location.

Supplies for a Bird Nature Journal:

A good quality sketchbook or watercolor notebook
Colored pencils or watercolor paints
A fine-tip pen for labeling
Field guide to birds (regional guides are best)
Magnifying glass for studying feathers up close

3. Read Living Books About Birds

Charlotte Mason recommended living books—engaging, well-written books that spark curiosity. Here are some great choices for bird study:

Picture Books (Ages 6-9):

The Boy Who Drew Birds by Jacqueline Davies (about John James Audubon)
A Nest Is Noisy by Dianna Hutts Aston
Backyard Birds by Robert Bateman

Chapter Books (Ages 8-12):

The Burgess Bird Book for Children by Thornton W. Burgess

Books for Mother Culture (For You!):

The Private Lives of Birds by Bridget Stutchbury
John James Audubon: The Making of an American by Richard Rhodes
The Genius of Birds by Jennifer Ackerman

4. Learn Bird Calls and Songs

Birds are often easier to hear than to see! Use apps like Merlin Bird ID or websites like Audubon.org to listen to bird calls. Play a game where you and your children try to match the call to the bird.

5. Encourage a Hands-On Approach

Set Up a Bird Feeder – Hang a feeder near a window and keep a journal of visiting birds.
Go on a “Bird Walk” – Take a notebook and list every bird you see.
Make a Simple Nesting Box – Many birds will use a wooden birdhouse in your yard.
Examine Feathers – If you find a feather, identify the type of bird it came from.

Final Thoughts

Studying birds the Charlotte Mason way isn’t about memorizing lists of bird species or filling in worksheets. It’s about experiencing the wonder of nature with your child. Whether you’re in a bustling city or the countryside, birds are a wonderful way to begin (or deepen) your nature study journey.

Everything You Need to Know to Teach Your Child About Birds the Charlotte Mason Way