Do you get outside with your teens?! 

You should!

 If you're unfamiliar with Charlotte Mason, she was a renowned  British educator in the early 1900s who knew  the importance of nature in a child's education. Her methods have stood the test of time, and continue to inspire educators and parents alike. 

Charlotte Mason believed that children should spend ample time outdoors, engaging with nature and observing its wonders firsthand. According to Mason, nature study not only cultivates a sense of awe and wonder but also nurtures important skills such as observation, attention to detail, and curiosity.

Adapting Charlotte Mason's approach to nature study for teenagers  is no harder than doing nature study with a younger child, in fact it can be easier because they can carry all their own stuff!

Let them take the lead. 

Allow your teen to choose the topics they want to explore. Whether it's birdwatching, botany, or geology, giving them autonomy will ignite their passion for learning. You don't have to tell them what to look for, just simply ask "what do you see?". Their ability to observe will be fine tuned as they learn to look and listen to the world around them. Maybe they want to go check out the beaver dam they recently noticed at the local pond, or see if that nest in the back yard has eggs hatching yet; letting them get excited to go find out more is a big part of the importance of nature study. This is after all a homeschool, and children are persons. They may be interested in snakes but you would rather them look at flowers, let them lead.

 Incorporate technology.  

While Mason would not have known about cell phone apps or internet searches, integrating technology can enhance the learning experience for teens. Encourage them to use apps, online resources, or photography to document their observations and research. 

 Get drawing.

Journaling is an excellent way for teens to reflect on their experiences and observations. Encourage them to write about their findings, sketches, or even create digital journals to capture their thoughts and discoveries. This can be as simple as a pencil sketch, or as elaborate as a brush drawing.

 Field trips and group activities. 

Organize field trips or join nature study groups to provide opportunities for socialization and shared learning experiences. A coop that has a specific nature study class can be a great help if you are just not sure what to do when it comes to nature study- partner with some other families that share the love of the outdoors and let another parent guide the conversation. Sometimes teens just want to bring a friend along, and sometimes mom or dad wants to chat with a fellow adult too!

Consistency is key when it comes to nature study with anyone. Establish a regular homeschool routine that sets aside dedicated time for outdoor exploration and observation. If life is busy, maybe set a goal for a once a week outing to a park or creek. This routine will help them develop discipline and a lifelong love for nature. 

After all, education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.