Homeschooling | Nature Study | Printables

Making Nature Walks Part of Your Homeschool Curriculum + Free Printable

If you’re looking for a way to get your children out into nature and learn at the same time, then you should consider making nature walks part of your homeschool curriculum. There are many benefits to taking nature walks as a learning activity. Not only do nature walks allow children to explore their natural environment, but they also help them develop important skills such as observation, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Today, I’m talking about how to make nature walks a regular part of your homeschool curriculum, and I’m providing some tips on how to get the most out of them!

Plus, be sure to download my free printable Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt at the bottom of the post!

Makine Nature Walks Part of Your Homeschool Curriculum @ UnitStudyIdeas.com

Going on nature walks with my kids has always been one of my favorite things to do. I love seeing the world through their eyes and hearing their excited commentary about everything they see.

Going on nature walks is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your children and spend time with them. Kids are always full of questions, and I love teaching them about the natural world around us! It’s one of my absolute passions in life!

If you’re looking for ways to make your homeschool curriculum more interesting and fun, you should definitely consider incorporating nature walks into the mix. Not only are they a great way to get some exercise, but they also provide a wealth of opportunities for learning.

Benefits of Nature Walks in Your Homeschool Curriculum

One of the great things about homeschooling is that it allows children to learn in a variety of ways. In addition to traditional lessons, homeschoolers can also take advantage of nature walks.

These walks provide a valuable opportunity to observe the natural world firsthand and learn about the various creatures that live there. For example, instead of simply reading about backyard birds in a textbook, homeschoolers can take a nature walk and observe them for themselves.

This type of experiential learning can be very beneficial, as it increases retention and motivates children to want to learn more.

Formal science lessons will always have a place in homeschooling, but nature walks provide an excellent foundation for these lessons by giving children a chance to observe the world around them. There are many benefits to incorporating nature walks into your homeschool curriculum. Here are just a few:

  • Nature walks provide an opportunity for children to explore their natural environment. This can help them develop a love and appreciation for nature, and foster a deeper understanding of the world around them.
  • Nature walks also help children develop important skills such as observation, critical thinking, and problem-solving. As they explore their surroundings, they will be constantly observing and processing information. This is a great opportunity for them to practice these essential skills!
  • Nature walks are also a great way to get some exercise! This is especially beneficial if you live in an urban area and don’t have easy access to parks or other outdoor spaces. Getting some fresh air and exercise is always a good idea, and it’s even better when you can combine it with learning.

How to Make Nature Walks Part of Your Homeschool Curriculum

When incorporating nature walks into your homeschool curriculum, there are a few things to keep in mind.

#1 Choose a Safe Location

First, you’ll want to make sure that you choose a safe location. If you’re not comfortable taking your children into the woods, there are plenty of other options, such as your local park or even just your backyard.

#2 Consider the Weather

You’ll also want to consider the weather and dress accordingly. Nature walks can be taken in all kinds of weather, but you’ll want to make sure that your children are dressed appropriately for the conditions.

And speaking of weather – don’t miss opportunities to explore the world when it’s raining, cold, snowing, or otherwise less than ideal. As long as it’s safe and you plan accordingly, learning can talk place in all kinds of weather!

#3 Make a Plan

Finally, you’ll want to have a plan for what you hope to accomplish on your nature walk. This could be anything from simply exploring and observing, to looking for specific types of plants or animals, to learning about a particular ecological concept.

Makine Nature Walks Part of Your Homeschool Curriculum @ UnitStudyIdeas.com

10 Tips for Making Your Homeschool Nature Walk Enjoyable

Here are some tips for making your nature walk with kids more enjoyable:

#1 Let them lead the way: Kids are natural explorers. They want to touch, feel, and examine everything they see. So let them take the lead on your nature walk. They’ll probably want to stop and look at everything, so be patient.

#2 Point out interesting things along the way: Take advantage of your kids’ natural curiosity by pointing out interesting things along the way. This could be a flower, a leaf, an animal, or anything else that catches their eye.

#3 Make it a game: Turn your nature walk into a game by looking for specific things along the way. For example, you could see who can find the biggest leaf or the most colorful rock.

#4 Bring a snack: Kids always seem to get hungry when they’re outside playing. So be sure to bring along a healthy snack for them to enjoy when they start to get antsy.

#5 Take your time: There’s no rush on a nature walk. So take your time and enjoy the experience.

#6 Have fun: Nature walks are a great opportunity to bond with your kids and have some quality time together. So relax, have fun, and make some memories!

#7 Take pictures: Take pictures of your kids on the nature walk to capture the experience. They’ll love looking back at them later.

#8 Keep it short: If you have young kids, it’s probably best to keep your nature walk on the shorter side. They’ll have a blast, but they’ll also be ready for a nap when it’s over!

#9 Make it a regular thing: Nature walks are more enjoyable when they’re part of a regular routine. So try to make them a weekly or monthly tradition.

#10 Get the whole family involved: Nature walks are a great activity for the whole family. So get everyone involved and make it a fun family outing!

10 Things to Do On a Nature Walk for Homeschool

1. Look for animal tracks and signs of where they’ve been

2. Listen to the sounds of nature and try to identify what you’re hearing

3. Collect interesting leaves, flowers, or rocks to look at later

4. Smell different plants and trees and see if you can identify any scents

5. Watch the clouds change shape and form in the sky

6. Stretch your legs and take a break every once in a while to relax

7. Take photos or draw pictures of what you see

8. Smell the different scents in the air

9. Feel the textures of different objects

10. Look for specific animals and plants that live in your area

How Long Should Nature Walks Last?

There is no definitive answer to the question of how long nature walks should take. It depends on the age and attention span of the child, as well as the weather and the terrain.

That said, there are numerous benefits to spending time outdoors, so it is always worth taking the time for a nature walk, even if it is just a short one.

According to home-education advocate Charlotte Mason, nature walks provide an opportunity for children to develop a close connection with the natural world. They also offer a chance to explore, discover and use all five senses. In addition, Mason believed that nature walks could help to improve concentration levels and encourage creativity.

As such, even a short nature walk can be highly beneficial for children.


Conclusion

By following these tips, you’ll be sure to make the most of your nature walks with kids! They’re a great way to get some exercise, fresh air, and bonding time with your children,

By following these tips, you’ll be sure to make your nature walk a fun and educational experience for the whole family!

Have you taken a nature walk with your kids recently? What tips would you add? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Free Printable Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt

If you’re looking for a fun way to get outside and explore nature, a scavenger hunt is a perfect solution! Not only will it keep the little ones entertained while on your nature walk, but it’s also a great way to teach them to observe the world around them.

How to Download

  1. Just fill out the form below and you’ll receive an email giving you instant access to this free printable.
  2. If you are already a subscriber, filling out the form won’t affect your subscription, but you will receive the link to get the printable!

Why should I subscribe?

  • access to my subscriber exclusive resource library
  • exclusive coupons and sales to my shop
  • updates, freebies, and exclusive offers
  • instant access to subscriber exclusive printables

Similar Posts