Edith Schaeffer has always been one of my favorite authors. Recently I discovered that her gift for writing was passed along to her daughter, Susan. In her book For the Children's Sake she reminds us to give our children many opportunities to spend time in nature. And I love how she says it!
"Although we should give a child access to varied creative work by other people, how about seeing that he grows up with as much daily access as possible to his Lord's created works? The Bible is a direct verbal word. But we have a place also for other ways of knowing Him, for "the heavens declare the glory of God."
"Do the children know the feel of dew-fresh grass on their bare feet, and lush freshness of the shade of a leafy tree on a hot afternoon? Do they know the fun of autumn leaves, and the fairy-tale beauty of an icy morning? Wherever the child lives in the world, we should consider his contact with nature as part of his life."
Susan Schaeffer Macaulay, For the Children's Sake
page 85
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. As we look at nature around us, we find much of beauty to enjoy and many lessons to be learned. Nature is a delightful place to center school subjects for children. Deserts, mountains, beaches, and tundra each provide homes for a variety of plants and animals. Habitats vary and each provides an opportunity for the homeschool family to explore nature and to learn how to care for Earth. Revelation 7:3 admonishes us “do not harm the land or the sea or the trees”, reminding us that God’s principles require us to care for the things He has created for us to enjoy.
Simply by looking out of a window, a home school family can observe many interesting things in nature. By looking out mine, I can see flocks of a dozen or more white pelicans as they glide through the air so gracefully. The Canadian geese are starting to gather on the wildlife refuge ponds next door, preparing for their annual migration. In the late afternoon they create a cacophony of noise Cute faced raccoons, adorable little pests, visit after darkness falls, stealing cat food from a bowl on the porch. Their eyes glow in the dark when you shine a flashlight at their faces! A few months ago a mother killdeer had a nest in the gravel at the edge of our lawn and seemed to flutter for miles with her fake broken wing when anyone came near. Hummingbirds at feeders, and tiny bats who live in eaves, provide enjoyment and lessons to those who observe.
Even from an armchair, nature’s antics provide much to behold. By going outside, even more senses are engaged as the fragrances, textures, sights, sounds, and tastes of nature are experienced. A mountain experience brings rewards and joys. Wild mushrooms, leaves of all sizes, shapes, and colors, and fragrant flowers entice children to pluck, smell, and feel them as they are discovered. Some things are safe to taste, like wild strawberries, astringent elderberries, and pine needles made into a fragrant tisane. Forest creatures, such as wild turkeys, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and elk are easily observed on a walk through the woods or meadow. Even this late in the year, the lush green of new growth shares its story of hope and the creation of all things new.
It’s interesting to observe how God speaks to us through His creation. And it is overwhelming when one realizes the breadth and width of human responsibility when it comes to caring for the natural world. Caring for Earth is a commission we need to take seriously. Teaching children about God’s care for us, and for His commission to take care of the plants, creatures, and terrains He created provides lessons in ecology, stewardship, and God’s protection and care. Together we can do our part to make our environment a safe and beautiful place. Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees. A reminder to us all!
“It is in nature, among the things which God has created, designed and brought forth himself, that we are in the most natural atmosphere to be inspired. Creative ideas are apt to flow in the midst of the creativity expressed in God’s creation, as one is temporarily from the confusion of conflicting voices…”
This quote, by Edith Schaeffer in her book, The Hidden Art of Homemaking, expresses the value of nature study as a family activity. Her basic premise is that through experiences in nature, children develop creative skills that cross all educational parameters. Time spent in nature results in creative children! Nature stimulates creativity, refreshes one’s ideas, and stirs productivity. And it all simply ‘happens’ without specific energy and instruction on the part of the teaching-parent.
The best way to get out into nature is by using your own two feet! Nature study differs from recreation in the great outdoors. Motorboats, jet skis, ATV’s, and motorcycles might be great tools for exercise and recreation, but when it comes to studying the natural world, a good pair of walking shoes and ample energy are the best resources. Observation happens best during quiet times like a walk in the woods, a hike through the field, or barefoot on a sandy beach. Tools, like a walking stick, binoculars, magnifying glasses, a zip-lock bag to gather things in, a camera, and field guides can all work together to enhance observation. Studies and inside chores for long time-spans in the day can result in restless children. But, in nature even the tired become refreshed. Stress and fatigue dissipates and perspectives change. Time in nature heals weary hearts.
With gentle and quiet guidance, a teacher-parent can direct children to creative ventures that result from time spent in nature. Nature’s color schemes can be used to study the color wheel. Primary and secondary colors are all around in every type of landscape. Principles of design can be studied by observing how God used balance, proportion, rhythm, emphasis, and unity in His creation of the earth. Ideas for writing a story, verse, or poem are readily found through nature study. One of my sons once wrote a sweet poem about raccoons after an evening observing them. Subject matter for sketching and watercolor is found in woodland and field. Collecting objects and organizing them into sets and then counting, adding, and subtracting from them helps develop math skills and apply it to real life. Driftwood, pine cones, and seed pods can be fashioned into marvelous sculptures for a spontaneous art project. The ways nature can be used to enhance learning is endless! Best of all, time in nature allows for parent and child to spend time in deep communication with God. Through nature He speaks to our hearts and minds in gentle ways that develop character’s and a generous spirit.
God’s universe, His creation, is personal, alive, vibrant, and ever-changing. By spending time in nature with our children, we foster creativity and appreciation for the Earth and all of the creatures therein. Education, in it’s highest sense, is gained as we spend time with our children enjoying all it shares with us. Through nature individuals gain an understanding of an infinite God and all of His glorious works!
All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small. . .all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.
Ferret: a weasel-like mammal,usually albino, that is related to a polecat.
Yesterday Levi introduced me to his new pet, a ferret named Sid. Although Sid has a cage in Levi’s room, he spends much of his time with freedom to explore outside of those confines. He even has a leash and goes for walks with Levi and his parents. I think it would be safe to say that Levi adores the little guy!
