My Top 5 Reasons for Nature Schooling

Whether you choose to nature school exclusively or add nature study to your regular rotation of curriculum, the reasons are vast and compelling to include it in your school day. I’ve included only my top five reasons why here, so as not to bore you with my ramblings. Here they are, in no particular order, because I think they’re of equal importance. 

• Nature study is best done outdoors, so you can spend time in our favorite classroom - nature. But…nature study is versatile, and it can be done in any location. So if you’re unable to go outside for whatever reason, you can still enjoy learning about nature with a nature study curriculum, nature journal, documentary, magazines, or books. 
• There is an endless supply of nature study topics from which to choose. You will never run out of things to study in nature, from the tiniest bacteria to the largest megafauna. I find this comforting, kind of like how I love knowing there are more books in the world than I could ever read in my lifetime. It’s not like a cookie jar that will run out of cookies eventually. Nature study topics are forever. 
• Nature study is multidisciplinary. You can incorporate science, social studies, mathematics, language arts, art, music, physical education, foreign language, culinary arts, and probably lots more I cannot think of at this moment. I am sure there’s a future post here to explain how to incorporate all these topics. 
• The health benefits of nature are overwhelming! Being outdoors, near trees and soil, is great for your mental and physical health. Building muscles, coordination, bone density, and immunity are just some of the physical benefits. Improving stress levels, self-confidence, self-control, and cognition can all help your mental well-being. Nature really nurtures us. 
• Nature study begs to be hands-on for ALL ages, and if you go outdoors, all the things you need are right there! There are plants, birds, bugs, dirt, rocks, water, and more just waiting to be discovered. 

So, tell me…do you use nature schooling regularly at home or in your classroom? Why or why not? What would you add to this list (or take away)? Please share your insight with me. I would love to hear from you.