Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the SMH Nature Study Curriculum appropriate for families outside the U.S. or in places without four distinct seasons?

Yes—with a few notes. Nature Explorers was written with North American seasons in mind, but the topics focus on broad, widely found families of plants and animals rather than specific species. That makes the lessons relevant almost anywhere. For example, the wildflower families studied are some of the largest in the world, and songbirds and reptiles are found across the globe. Even with trees, where the guide points students to notice things like buds, lenticels, or terminal bud scale scars—those features are still present on trees that don’t lose all their leaves at once. The seasonal framing gives rhythm to the study, but the observations themselves are not limited to one climate. Families in places like Hawaii, Africa, or tropical regions with shorter seasonal shifts have found they may need to tweak a lesson here or there, but overall the adjustments are minimal. I recommend previewing the sample pages and table of contents to see how it might align with what you can observe locally.

Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about the SMH Nature Study Curriculum and how to use it in your homeschool or co-op. If you don’t find the information you’re looking for, please feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to help! [email protected].

Is the SMH Nature Study Curriculum appropriate for families outside the U.S. or in places without four distinct seasons?

Yes—with a few notes. Nature Explorers was written with North American seasons in mind, but the topics focus on broad, widely found families of plants and animals rather than specific species. That makes the lessons relevant almost anywhere. For example, the wildflower families studied are some of the largest in the world, and songbirds and reptiles are found across the globe.

Even with trees, where the guide points students to notice things like buds, lenticels, or terminal bud scale scars—those features are still present on trees that don’t lose all their leaves at once. The seasonal framing gives rhythm to the study, but the observations themselves are not limited to one climate.

Families in places like Hawaii, Africa, or tropical regions with shorter seasonal shifts have found they may need to tweak a lesson here or there, but overall the adjustments are minimal. I recommend previewing the sample pages and table of contents to see how it might align with what you can observe locally.

Can we use Understanding Biomes if we don’t have four distinct seasons, or if we don’t have access to all the suggested extras (maps, field guides, apps, etc.)?

Yes! The guide is built around developing habits of close observation, consistent recording, and thinking like a naturalist. The extras—topographical maps, local history resources, identification apps, or field guides—are enrichment, not requirements. If you have them, they’ll add depth, but they aren’t necessary. Even in places without dramatic seasonal change, you’ll notice local rhythms—wet and dry seasons, flowering and fruiting, migrations—that provide plenty of material for rich study.

When should I schedule these lessons—in the morning or as an afternoon activity?

Is the SMH Nature Study Curriculum appropriate for families outside the U.S. or in places without four distinct seasons?Most nature study—including the object lessons—belongs under Charlotte Mason’s category of “afternoon occupations.” While some early timetables included a short slot for object lessons in Form 1, most did not. That said, you might choose to do the video object lessons immediately after a natural history reading if you have time. Form 1 also includes brush drawing in the morning, and both Form 1 and Form 2 schedules allow time for the special study reading, so some nature study can fit in during school hours—but the heart of it happens in the afternoons.

Will Nature Explorers repeat content from the original Special Studies Rotation A?

Yes, some topics are the same, since Nature Explorers follows the same Level 1, Rotation A sequence. However, the structure and delivery are completely different. Nature Explorers includes some new content, simplified planning, open-and-go object lessons, and additional resources. If you’ve completed Special Studies Rotation A, check the sample and table of contents to see if enough material is new to you before deciding to do Rotation A again.

How do I use Nature Explorers with a wide age range of kids?

If your kids are new to intentional Nature Study, then keep everyone together! Level 1 was designed to suit a range of ages, from early elementary through middle school. Older students can take advantage of the “Further Exploration” prompts, but those are entirely optional. The most important thing is to build consistency—growing in the habit of observation together, no matter your kids’ ages.

My child is starting 7th grade (or any upper grade). Should we still begin with Level 1?

If you have never done intentional Nature Study then yes. Nature Explorers Level 1 is a foundational guide that develops habits of attention, curiosity, and wonder. It’s not “too young” for older students, especially if they’re new to structured nature study. They can go deeper with optional extensions, but beginning with Level 1 sets them up for meaningful engagement going forward.

What’s the difference between the regular and secular versions of the guide?

The secular version simply removes a few references to faith so that families using charter funds or preferring a secular option can still use the guide. The content is otherwise the same.

Can I use Nature Explorers in a co-op or group setting?

Yes! Only the teacher needs to purchase a copy of the guide for group use. If each family wants their own copy to use at home as well, I’m happy to offer a group discount for 6 or more purchases. Just use the co-op page to set that up.