Category Archives: Nature Study Group

How to Start a Nature Group and Combat Loneliness and Add Life to Your Homeschool by Joy Cherrick

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As homeschoolers, we seem to run in one of two directions, doing too much or isolating ourselves and our kids. It is so important to find a balance between the two.

Forming a nature group is a great way to incorporate time with friends, as it provides much-needed accountability to get outside and can be so much fun for the kids and the moms! Nature group was truly the highlight of our homeschool social time when my kids were in school.

To discuss this subject further, I have invited Joy Cherrick, author of the Nature Study Hacking Guides and host of the Naturalist Kids Podcast, to share her experience. Joy is passionate about helping families form their own nature groups, and I hope her thoughts will inspire you.

“I was crying and screaming at my kids. I hadn’t left the house in days. I was a mess.”

Debra (name changed to protect the innocent) confided to me that she was home all day, homeschooling, cleaning, cooking, wiping noses. She never went outside, never had a break and NEVER saw anyone outside her home apart from Sundays at church- and the guy at the grocery pick up. No wonder she was depressed. I didn’t know she was in such a tough spot! Continue reading →

Nature Walks, Excursions, and Rambles – part 1

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In The Parents’ Review and the L’Umile Pianta, we read many accounts of nature walks, excursions, and rambles. Some were descriptions of small groups going out, and a surprising number of them included over 50 people! A few of them recounted holidays in far off lands, and some took place in a nearby neighborhood. Many of the accounts were from organized Natural History Clubs, with outings scheduled well in advance, followed by a lecture and tea at a local home, and others were just a family taking a walk after school. There is a lot of flexibility and creativity allowed in organizing this activity — even where the name is concerned!

You might find that you need the accountability of another family or that you and your children enjoy an excuse for a little social time. On the contrary, your kids may prefer to go on their nature walks with just your family, so they are not distracted. Certainly, it’s all right to schedule a little of both too. Maybe you’ll settle on a once a month group excursion to someplace a little further than usual and a weekly walk closer to home for your family. Continue reading →