The Case for Nature Schooling: Reconnecting Kids with Creation
- Haley Bennett, M.Ed.
- Apr 3
- 6 min read
Introduction
Nature schooling is more than an educational philosophy—it’s an invitation to rediscover the magic of learning through the natural world. In a time when children’s lives are increasingly structured, screen-dominated, and disconnected from the outdoors, nature provides a space for curiosity, creativity, and unhurried exploration.
What if learning wasn’t confined to four walls? Imagine replacing worksheets with wildflower identification, rote memorization with hands-on experiments in a stream, and rigid schedules with the ever-changing rhythms of the seasons. Through nature schooling, children develop not just knowledge, but a deep sense of connection, wonder, and resilience.
The outdoors has always been a place of learning—where children fine-tune observation skills by tracking animal footprints, strengthen problem-solving abilities as they construct forts, and experience emotional regulation through the calming sounds of wind and water.
By weaving nature into education, we aren’t just teaching lessons—we’re nurturing a lifelong relationship with the world that is rich, grounding, and transformative.
How to Get Started with Nature Schooling
Simple Ways to Incorporate Nature into Learning
Nature schooling doesn’t have to be an overwhelming shift; rather, it can be a natural extension of your child’s curiosity and sense of wonder. Whether you’re supplementing a traditional curriculum, homeschooling full-time, or simply looking to create a deeper connection with the outdoors, small, intentional changes can have a profound impact.
Here are a few simple ways to weave nature into your child’s learning:
Daily Nature Walks – Explore your local environment and observe seasonal changes. Encourage your child to notice how trees shed their leaves in the fall, how birds migrate, or how the sun’s position shifts throughout the year.
Hands-On Science – Gardening teaches children about plant life cycles, soil health, and pollination. Tracking wildlife can spark discussions about ecosystems and food chains, while studying local streams or tide pools can introduce them to marine biology and environmental science.
Reading & Storytelling Outdoors – Take books outside and let nature be the backdrop for imagination. Reading under a tree, telling stories around a campfire, or incorporating folktales about the natural world fosters both literacy and a deep appreciation for creation.
Nature-Inspired Art & Writing – Encourage your child to capture the beauty of nature through journaling, sketching, or poetry. Collect leaves, press flowers, or create art using natural materials. Journaling prompts like “Describe the colors of the sky at sunset” or “Write about an animal’s journey through the forest” can spark creativity.
Overcoming Common Challenges
While nature schooling offers incredible benefits, it also comes with challenges. Weather, accessibility, and balancing outdoor learning with structured academics can all present obstacles. Fortunately, with a little creativity, nature-based education can happen in any environment.
Adapting to Weather – Nature is an ever-changing classroom. A snowy day can become a lesson on the water cycle and the science of ice. A rainy afternoon is perfect for learning about precipitation, soundscapes, or even going on a rainbow hunt to explore light refraction. Cold weather? Bundle up and embrace the crisp air. Too hot? Seek shade, explore early in the morning, or set up water-based activities. Ever heard of the book “There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather”?
Urban & Suburban Nature Learning – Even in a city, children can observe seasonal changes in trees, tend to potted plants, visit a local park, or track insects and birds. Rooftop gardens, window herb planters, and community green spaces can all serve as accessible learning environments.
Addressing Safety Concerns – Teach children how to respect nature while staying safe. Equip them with proper outdoor gear, educate them on local wildlife, and set clear boundaries for exploration. Learning about safety—such as identifying poisonous plants or understanding weather patterns—can be an educational experience in itself.
Balancing Nature Schooling with Traditional or Homeschool Curriculums
For those balancing nature schooling with structured learning, integration is key. Consider incorporating outdoor time as part of core subjects:
Math – Measure tree heights, track the phases of the moon, count flower petals, or explore geometric patterns in nature.
Science – Conduct outdoor experiments, identify constellations, or explore the physics of natural forces like wind and water.
History & Geography – Study indigenous land stewardship practices, map out local trails, or explore how different cultures connect with nature.
Language Arts – Encourage storytelling, descriptive writing, or journaling about outdoor adventures.
Music - Pick a piece that connects to the current season or weather either in name (i.e. Vivaldi's "Spring," Bill Evans Trio's "Autumn Leaves") or general mood [i.e. Glen Miller's "Moonlight Serenade" for a muggy summer evening, Chopin's "Prelude, Op. 28, No. 15 (Raindrop)"]. Draw, write, or discuss thoughts and connections to respond.
Art - Research artwork connected to the season. Sometimes a keyword like "impressionist" or "realism" aids in the search. Present to your child and ask what connections they make to what the world looks like today.
Nature schooling doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your child’s education—it’s simply an invitation to step outside, slow down, and rediscover learning in its most organic form.
The Power of Nature Walk Journaling
As a former kindergarten teacher, one of my favorite spring science units was on living vs. nonliving things. This lesson naturally invited curiosity and hands-on exploration, making it the perfect opportunity to integrate nature into learning. One of the most meaningful ways I brought this concept to life was through guided nature walks.
Nature walks are more than just an outdoor activity—they foster mindfulness, sharpen observation skills, and encourage scientific inquiry. Even our youngest learners can engage in foundational academic skills like dictation, encoding, decoding, and reasoning simply by recording their discoveries. These walks not only cultivate a love for learning but also nurture a deep sense of connection to the world around us.
Nature Walk Journaling in Action
With my students, our nature walk journals became a cherished ritual. We would step outside, slow down, and take note of the living and nonliving things in our surroundings. Students would observe, draw, and label their findings, refining both their literacy and critical thinking skills in a hands-on, engaging way.
Beyond simple observations, nature journaling encouraged deeper reflection. Some of my favorite journal prompts included:
“What colors do you see in nature today?” – Noticing the shifting hues of the sky, the vibrant greens of new growth, or the warm tones of fallen leaves.
“Describe an interesting plant or animal you encountered.” – Encouraging descriptive language and curiosity about different species.
“How does the air feel against your skin?” – Bringing awareness to sensory experiences and the changing seasons.
“Draw a leaf and notice its details—veins, shape, texture.” – Teaching attention to detail and the beauty of nature’s design.
These simple prompts helped my students slow down and see the world with fresh eyes. They learned to notice the tiniest details—a dew-covered spiderweb, the spiral of a pinecone, the contrast between rough bark and soft petals. Over time, their journals became personal records of discovery, wonder, and learning.
Building Lifelong Habits of Attentiveness & Appreciation
Nature journaling is not just a childhood exercise—it plants the seeds for a lifelong habit of attentiveness, reflection, and gratitude. By consistently engaging in this practice, children (and adults!) begin to see the world differently. They develop patience in observation, appreciation for creation, and a greater sense of stewardship for the environment.
In a world that often rushes past the simple beauty of nature, journaling is a gentle invitation to slow down. It reminds us that there is so much to see—if only we take the time to look.
Conclusion
Nature schooling is more than just an educational approach—it’s a way of nurturing a child’s well-being, curiosity, and connection to the world around them. By stepping outside, children experience improved mental health, cognitive growth, and emotional resilience. They develop a deep sense of wonder, creativity, and appreciation for creation.
If you’re wondering where to begin, the first step is simple: just go outside. Whether it’s a short walk, a hands-on science lesson in the garden, or storytelling beneath a tree, every moment spent in nature is an opportunity for learning and growth.
To help you get started, we’ve created a simple, free Nature Walk Journaling Pages resource. These printable pages encourage mindfulness, observation, and creativity—making it easy to integrate nature into your child’s learning experience.
Download your free journaling pages today and begin your journey of reconnecting with nature!
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