• Blog
  • Contact
  • About
  • Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

1+1+1=1 logo

Never planned to homeschool, now wouldn't trade it for the world

  • 1+1+1=1 logo
  • HOME
  • FREE PRINTABLES
    • MONTESSORI
    • READ FOR A REASON
    • THEME BASED
    • JUST COLOR!
    • CALENDAR CONNECTIONS
    • ALPHABET
    • NUMBERS
    • SCIENCE
  • CURRICULUM BY 1+1+1=1
    • COUNTRY BY COUNTRY
    • ANIMAL ABCS
    • TOT SCHOOL PRINTABLES
    • KINDERGARTEN @ HOME
    • KINDERGARTEN LITERATURE UNITS
    • YOU CAN READ SIGHT WORDS
    • YOU CAN READ WORD FAMILIES
    • RAISING ROCK STARS PRESCHOOL
    • RAISING ROCK STARS KINDERGARTEN
    • RAISING LIL’ ROCK STARS THROUGH THE BIBLE A-Z
  • Homeschool Curriculum Reviews

10 Tips for Studying Nature with Tots & Preschoolers

The following is a guest post from my friend Maureen {Spell Outloud} she has a natural gift for bringing nature into the lives of her young children, I pray her words bless and inspire you!


Do you love the idea of doing nature study with your toddler and preschoolers but aren’t sure where to start? Or do you think the idea is admirable but totally impractical to implement with your toddlers and preschoolers? I understand. As a mom of 7 children ages 14 down to infant, I know that it can be overwhelming to go on excursions with toddlers and preschoolers. Here are some of my tips (in no particular order) for getting out and observing nature with young children:

backyardanimals

1. Go with an interest. My 14 year old was recently studying about birds in her biology class. She downloaded several bird apps and bird books which made my younger children curious. They asked if they could study birds too. I took my toddlers and preschoolers to the store to pick out birdseed and a bird feeder. We hung it up so we could view the birds from the comfort of our own home. They loved having some ownership in our nature topic. I would find them sitting at the window watching the birds and naming them correctly!

2. Be aware of every-day situations that could be turned into science or nature experiences. Many of our science and nature activities weren’t planned at all. I would be going through my day as usual and something would either cause my child to ask a question, or I would find something to show my child. That spider I just trapped in a cup? A science discussion. That dead plant I forgot to water? Science discussion. That moldy food I pulled out of the fridge. Science discussion. That baby robin hopping on the ground? Science discussion.

3. Go on local nature walks.

Fall-Neighborhood-Walk2

My favorite place to observe nature is our own back yard. I’m in a neighborhood in a suburban area, yet there are so many things to find! Many times I will go look out in the backyard for something to point out to my kids. For instance, I found some shelf fungi growing on our garden box. I brought the kids over to see it. We looked at the colors and I asked them if they thought it was a plant or an animal. This led to a discussion about mushrooms and how some mushrooms found in the wild can be dangerous but the ones at the store are fine. In addition to our own backyard, our city has several parks that are perfect places for young children to learn about nature. Many times we’ll go on a short nature walk and then head on over to the playground.

4. Train kids to observe things around them.

Nature Study with preschoolers Observation is an important skill to teach young children. Just like you wouldn’t expect a young child to ride a bike without learning to balance first, you should not expect your child to be observant without teaching them observation skills. In order to help develop this skill, I created a series of printable I Spy cards for us to take along on our nature walks. These cards help the kids look for something specific and give us a goal to reach on our walks.

5. Have helpful science tools on-hand. I like to keep a pair of binoculars, several magnifying glasses, large plastic tongs, and large eye droppers on hand. That way when an opportunity for observation arises, you know right where to find the right tools for the job. We also have a high-quality microscope that is fun to use periodically.

6. Keep it short and simple. When first starting, make the nature walks/nature observation times short. Many of our walks are less than 10 minutes. Mix in ways for the kids to be moving, exploring, digging, or collecting in order to help keep them on task. Often I’ll tell my kids, "Run to the tree with the rough bark," or "Find 3 different sizes of pinecones."

7. If you can’t get out, bring nature in.

Observing Ants

Every spring we bring various insects and animals in for closer observation. It is the perfect time to watch a caterpillar turn into a butterfly, see a tadpole change into a frog, observe ants, start a worm farm, and observe ladybugs! Don’t limit yourself to animals-you can also bring in rocks, sticks, leaves, flowers, and dirt. Kids love to be able to see things up-close and use their senses for observation.

8. Read quality literature that teaches science in the context of the story. By pairing hands-on activities and observations along with great literature and songs, young children learn and can retain much of what was taught. There are so many great literature options that this would be a whole separate blog post.

9. Set up observation centers that can be used independently.

bird science basket from Spell Outloud Give your child the opportunity to learn on their own. Periodically I set up nature themed baskets for my toddler and preschooler. It usually contains books on the topic, pictures, objects, tools such as binoculars or magnifying glasses, stickers, magazines, games, stuffed animals, or any other item that goes along with the topic. We are not "teaching science" but rather letting young children explore and observe nature and science principles in action. Now is the time for the young child to learn by playing, observing and using their senses. Make a basket that allows them to do just that.

10. What nature study tips do you have?


Maureen SpellMaureen Spell is a former elementary school teacher who now has a classroom of 7 at home. She blogs at Spell Outloud, a blog that has nothing to do with spelling and everything to do with learning. With kids ranging from toddler to teen, she highlights many homeschool activities, toddler and preschool crafts, and free printables. Stop by her blog for more preschool science activities.


This post is #5 in my series, “Homeschooling Tots & Preschoolers,” for the iHomeschool Network Spring 2013 Hopscotch. Visit other bloggers participating here!

Hopscotch-With-iHN-Spring423

 

Homeschooling-Tots-and-Preschoolers_[1]Day 1 ~ Where to Begin with Tot School eBook

Day 2 ~ You Don’t Have to Do it All!

Day 3 ~ Developmentally Appropriate Practice

Day 4 ~ Time Invested in Tot Schooling

Day 5 ~ 10 Tips for Studying Nature with Tots

Day 6 ~ Exposure vs. Mastery

Day 7 ~ Why Themes?

Day 8 ~ Teaching Tots in a Large Family

Day 9 ~ Our Favorite Learning Tools for Tots

Day 10 ~ Early Childhood Theme Printables A-E

Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
0 Shares

Filed Under: Homeschooling Tots Tagged with: Guest Posts, Homeschooling Tots, Science Leave a Comment

Newer Post
Tot School Gathering Place ~ Week 15
Older Post
Time Invested in Tot Schooling

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

oneplusone300x150
ABC Crafts for Uppercase Letters-300x250

Recent Posts

Book Review | Starfish

Curriculum Choice | Guest Hollow Chemistry in the Kitchen

Book Review | Can you See Me?

Curriculum Choice | Compass Classroom Writing Through the Wardrobe

Book Review | Tornado Brain

Curriculum Choice | Compass Classroom General Science

Footer

1plus1plus1

Carisa Hinson
Our first foster fail, otherwise known as our fost Our first foster fail, otherwise known as our foster WIN! Webster was one of our first foster kittens and these baby photos popped up in my Timehop today. He’s such a big boy now and he’s so awesome. We love our Webby!

#fosterkittens #fosterkittens4thehinsons #fosterkittensofinstagram #fosterkittenlove #kittenfostering #kittenfostermom #kittenfoster #fosterkittenlove
I love her and love that she loves our foster cats I love her and love that she loves our foster cats. 💕

This is Beverly, you can see more of her and her babies on my other account @crazy_foster_kitten_lady
I turned 47 last week and we celebrated tonight wi I turned 47 last week and we celebrated tonight with my parents! Fun evening out to eat sushi together and then to my parent’s house for some fun birthday gifts - mostly cat stuff!!! ❤️😻❤️ It’s not often all three kids can be in the same place like this so we grabbed some pictures! So thankful for my people!
My little helper. Mabel is the sweetest thing and My little helper. Mabel is the sweetest thing and loves everyone. I heard scratching in my office and looked up to find her like this. 💕
Remember when I mentioned that Pebbles liked Mabel Remember when I mentioned that Pebbles liked Mabel and that’s one of the main reasons Mabel became a forever family member? Here’s the proof. How cute are they?

#calicokitty #calicokittens #catfriends #cutekittens #cutecalico
Mabel’s first walk on the leash! So far she’s Mabel’s first walk on the leash! So far she’s the best leash-walker we have! 

#fluffycalico  #calicokitten #kittenonaleash #cutekittensonly #cutekitten
This dog. He always tries to get the firetruck to This dog. He always tries to get the firetruck to come get him.
In case you haven’t figured it out yet, Mabel is In case you haven’t figured it out yet, Mabel is a forever member of our family. ❤️ Yes, we are crazy, but we are OK with that!

Mabel brings so much joy and fits so perfectly in addition to being one of the most beautiful kittens ever. She is technically my daughter’s cat, she matches her short hair calico - Pebbles, and this is the only kitten Pebbles has ever liked and accepted. That’s one of the main reasons she’s staying. Mabel and Pebbles both sleep in Lili’s room and get along fabulously. We never thought Lili would ever be able to get another cat because Pebbles is very possessive of Lili, but then Mabel came along and shocked us all! We knew we had a special kitten when Pebbles liked her!

Mabel gets along with our other cats and our dogs too, and she is super brave, friendly, playful, and snuggly. It was impossible to even imagine her ever leaving our home. Her staying was a family decision, actually led by my husband! We enjoy our kitties so much.
This is Sarah - my bonus daughter - and her new hu This is Sarah - my bonus daughter - and her new husband Jake. And their new son - Dipper!!! We have had Dipper here an extra long time until they could get down here to pick him up from PA! I am SO excited for them, he is the perfect cat and will be so spoiled! His name may be changed, but for now he’s still Dipper! 

For those of you who have been around awhile, she’s part of the “Philly friends” family who come to visit several times a year. ❤️
Look what showed up in my Timehop today!! Perfect Look what showed up in my Timehop today!! Perfect timing because All About Learning Press is offering a 10% discount right now- BUYEARLY! Link in profile for details! 

This is virtually unheard of so I recommend taking advantage of this and not only will you save money but you’ll have time to organize too! The link to the post that features this photo is in the profile link too!

#homeschoolkindergarten #homeschool #homeschoolers #homeschoolingrocks #homeschoolingmama #homeschoolmom #homeschoollife  #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolkids  #homeschooldays #homeschoolblogger 
#homeschoolteacher #homeschoollookslikethis #homeeducation #homeeducator #howwehomeschool #homeed #thisishomeschool
#homeschoolcommunity #homeschoolcurriculum #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschooled #homeschoolcollective #homeschoolideas #homeschoolinspiration
Prep for next year has begun! I am considering try Prep for next year has begun! I am considering trying many new things for my daughter (will be in 8th grade) and before I choose I am trying myself. 

First up is giving @compassclassroom American History a try. I am planning to complete the first few weeks myself to see if I think it’s a good fit for her. Have any of you used this? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Link in profile to the curriculum. 

##homeschool #homeschoolers #homeschoolingrocks #homeschoolingmama #homeschoolmom #homeschoollife  #homeschoolfamily #homeschoolfun #homeschoolkids #homeschooliscool  #homeschooldays #homeschoolblogger 
#homeschoolteacher #homeschoollookslikethis #homeeducation #homeeducator #howwehomeschool #homeed #homeschoollifestyle #thisishomeschool
#homeschoolcommunity #homeschoolcurriculum #homeschoolersofinstagram #homeschooled #homeschoolcollective #homeschoolideas #homeschoolinspiration #homeschooladventures
It’s time. I finally started another Instagram a It’s time. I finally started another Instagram account just for my foster kittens. I have SO many photos and videos I want to share every single day and I know there are many of you who would love that! So, @crazy_foster_kitten_lady is your new place for loads of foster kitten content. I’ll still introduce new kittens here and share some, but it will be over the top kitten content on the new account!

Join me, Rachel (left), Joey (right) and the rest of the Friends!

#fosterkittens #fosterkittens4thehinsons #fosterkittensofinstagram #fosterkittenlove #kittenfostering #kittenfostermom #kittenfoster #fosterkittenlove #7friendsfosterkittens2022
Welcome to the rest of the Friends! The shelter is Welcome to the rest of the Friends! The shelter is packed with kittens so I went and picked up four more! 

Ross - black
Chandler - orange 
Joey - fluffy gray 
Janice - fluffy tuxedo

Yes, that’s a total of 7 foster kittens. Yes, I know I’m crazy. I love the kittens and I love helping out as much as possible when kitten season is in full swing. ❤️

#fosterkittens #fosterkittens4thehinsons #fosterkittensofinstagram #fosterkittenlove #kittenfostering #kittenfostermom #kittenfoster #fosterkittenlove @animalscmpd
Introducing our new FRIENDS ~ Phoebe (top, dilute Introducing our new FRIENDS ~ Phoebe (top, dilute calico), Rachel (middle, gray and white), and Monica (bottom, gray).💕💕💕

They are totally healthy and weigh a little over a pound right now! They were scared at first but are now all purring! 

#fosterkittens #fosterkittens4thehinsons #fosterkittensofinstagram #fosterkittenlove #kittenfostering #kittenfostermom #kittenfoster #fosterkittenlove #7friendsfosterkittens2022
The gymnastics season comes to an end and he’s t The gymnastics season comes to an end and he’s taking home the 🥈 silver medal on pommel horse again! 

It’s been a fun week of competition and time with friends. Thankful for this time together in Arizona and excited for the new season already! 

#krashthegymnast
He is 16!!!!! 🎉🥳🎉 We are busy with so m He is 16!!!!! 🎉🥳🎉 

We are busy with so much right now, most importantly final prep to leave for nationals in Arizona tomorrow! This past weekend he was presented with an award from his coach(with him in this pic) - Athlete of the Year, which is really special. He heads to nationals tomorrow in good shape, feeling confident! 

@kyler_hinson I am so proud of you for so many reasons! Seeing you fight so hard through continual pain the past few years has shown such a strength of character, determination, dedication, and perseverance. I love the man you are becoming and am so thankful to be your mom. 

We have a fun week ahead of us and I’m so excited to be by your side. ❤️ #krashthegymnast
He’s 20 today. Lives on his own, with an AMAZING He’s 20 today. Lives on his own, with an AMAZING job, managing adult-ing beautifully, constantly making me smile when I think of his perseverance, determination, commitment, and ambition. I can’t put into words how proud I am of this man of mine. My son, my baby.

Happy birthday @paxtoroni ❤️ I pray you know how loved you are.
In case you missed their intro in my stories, I’ In case you missed their intro in my stories, I’d like you to meet the new fluffy trio! Named by my daughter and her friend after characters in the show Gravity Falls. 

Mabel (calico, girl)
Dipper (white/gray, boy)
Soos (tabby, boy)

They are so adorable and came at the perfect time to bring healing after we lost Bruno. ❤️

My guess is about 5-6 weeks old, and they will probably be in foster for about a month, the smallest weighing 1 pound, 3 ounces. 

The look like little dust bunnies flopping around the room, they are so round and fluffy! 

#gravityfallsfosterkittens #fosterkittens #fosterkittens4thehinsons #fosterkittensofinstagram #fosterkittenlove #kittenfostering #kittenfostermom #kittenfoster #fosterkittenlove @animalscmpd
Our youngest child is 13. I’m not sure how that Our youngest child is 13. I’m not sure how that happened. We celebrated Lili today with our best friends from Philadelphia here to visit for the weekend! She opened her presents from us, and loved on our new fluffy foster kittens. Her wish was to foster a fluffy set of kittens and that wish came true yesterday!

So thankful for this awesome kid of mine. She is such a blessing to me and inspires me continually. She is strong, compassionate, brave, unique, artistically talented beyond belief, and I just love being her mom.
8 weeks old today!!! We are in the final countdown 8 weeks old today!!! We are in the final countdown of our time together! 

Bruno and Camilo are both snuggle bugs and love to curl up on laps, or up by my chin. They both love to play hard and they still love momma’s milkies (especially Bruno). Camilo is a round plump potato weighing 1 lb, 13 ounces. Bruno is a bit skinnier (1 lb, 9.5 ounces) because he’s been having some tummy issues but he’s doing better. They won’t leave me until both are 2 lbs and 100% healthy. I’m assuming a little over a week from now. 

#encantofosterkittens #fosterkittens #fosterkittens4thehinsons #fosterkittensofinstagram #fosterkittenlove #kittenfostering #kittenfostermom #kittenfoster #fosterkittenlove
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Terms of Use & Copyright Info

The content (including photos) within this blog are not to be used without my permission. You ARE allowed to pin photos on Pinterest with a link back to the post. I appreciate pins!

I am honored when others post about my blog with links back to it, please leave a comment and link back to where you did this, I'd love to see your blog or website!

If you have questions about copyright in terms of my printables, please see a more detailed Terms of Use here!

Disclaimer & Privacy Policy

Some posts on this blog contain affiliate links.

1+1+1=1 is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Occasionally I receive products in exchange for a review or giveaway post. These posts are always labeled as reviews and/or giveaways. I never feature a product we don't use and enjoy ourselves.

Any advertisers I feature as sponsors are also only companies I stand behind.

All opinions expressed on 1+1+1=1 are solely mine.

Please see our Privacy Policy here!

Copyright © 2022 · Darling theme by Restored 316

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT