Now that the boys are a bit older and are able to find and identify objects, a new stage has emerged that I am quite fond of.

I know, it's no surprise.

For the past year, we have been looking through the book sections of thrift stores. Books are expensive, and while I would love to have a large collection of beautifully illustrated nature books, it's just not an option financially. I am always amazed at what we can find in thrift stores that double as ample educational opportunity.

Aside from the Sierra Nevada Field Guide, everything else was purchased for fifty cents or less. The children picked them out on their own. They come home and copy the illustrations.

I set aside money for the field guide when I knew they would really grasp the idea of using it as a tool. After a summer of adventures and being so involved in the Sierras, it seemed appropriate to buy it. It's been a really great asset to our family. We have learned so much of what is here on our property, let alone when we head up the hill a bit.

If the boys get bored or start to argue, they are sent outside and challenged to come back with 6 objects that they haven't yet identified. We've done this a few times and I am consistently amazed at the different types of plants and trees we have here on our little homestead!

The other day, it was quite foggy. We rarely get a blanket of fog covering our place as we are usually on top of it. But it rolled in temporarily. We headed outside to enjoy the whimsy of it. As the boys were climbing trees, they quickly discovered the trees had a fresh coat of moss on them.

Their first reaction was to pick it to bring inside to identify.

You're speaking my love language, boys...

Incorporating nature into your home is as simple as providing the tools to help with interest.

Some children just may not be into it... but I do think that there is something innate and spiritual about it that most people do get inspired through the pureness of nature. It's a way to speak to God, to be grateful for what he has made.

Look for books, or if you have the means, buy a few field guides. This can be birds, plants, or other animals... we found one that is specifically for our area that incorporates all aspects of plants, trees, and wildlife, which is excellent for identification.

Encourage drawing by always having pencils, crayons, and colored pencils out and available. Allow dirty and germy objects to come in the house...for a while, we had a basket of dried deer bones on our table! But this is how they learn, by touching and recognizing. You can always squirt a little vinegar water on the table after. ;-)

Our kitchen table is constantly used as an art room. We go through so much paper (buying printer paper is much less expensive than sketch paper or construction paper, little tip!). But it's learning and growing, and ultimately establishing gratefulness for what God has made us, so it's worth it!

If you are considering homeschooling or would like to implement a bit of this type of learning into your home, read up on the Charlotte Mason Method. It's another great tool to inspire and help define who you are as a family and your goals and ideals for a nature-based nurturing environment.
Any other recommendations? Please leave them in the comments!