Nature Study in the Summer

Sonya chats with Karen Smith about some things to look for when you do nature study in the summer.
// MENTIONED
Tree Keys episode
• How to Choose and Use ...
// FOLLOW
Instagram: / simplycharlottemason
Facebook News: / simplycm
SCM Facebook Group: / 1445273695729787
Pinterest: / simplycm
Twitter: / simplycm
SCM Forum: simplycharlottemason.com/scmf...
Subscribe
Listen to the audio version of the podcast
simplycharlottemason.com/blog...
Read the blog post version of the podcast
simplycharlottemason.com/blog...
Upcoming Events
simplycharlottemason.com/even...
Contact
Simply Charlotte Mason
930 New Hope Road #11-892
Lawrenceville, GA 30045
simplycharlottemason.com/cont...

[@heidiandbretz9867]

I love the story of the green anole! We watch bees and butterflies that will land in a little puddle of water, or we will rescue them from our pool, then watch how they lap up the water, then how they clean themselves and dry off. It's so sweet to watch!

[@carmenkloppers6334]

We have a lot of chameleons in our garden, we love watching them.

[@alanyaknits8018]

That shirt is very flattering on you, Karen!

[@kristenheuer5676]

Summer is the hardest time for me to get out. I do not like being hot. Give me snow any day, but when it's 110F by 11am, I don't want to be outside. Any tips on dealing with the heat in order to do nature study?

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Thanks for this comment, Kristen. You're right, there can definitely be challenges with the weather, especially depending on where you live and what your body may be particularly sensitive to with the temperatures. As far as the heat is concerned, during those summer months, you may find creating a routine where you aim to get out into nature either early in the morning, around 8am before the heat really hits, or in the evening, which I realize may also be closer to 7 or 8pm, if that! It may be well worth determining what is best for your family to be able to get out into nature during those months so you can keep cool and not be completely worn out by midday because of the heat. We used to deal with this too and it can certainly be a challenge. During the heat when we were in a warmer climate we would also make it a point to choose locations that had some type of water feature we could cool off in a bit. Places with ponds or creeks were great for the kids to splash in and the adults to wade in. We would be sure to bring towels and extra clothes for everyone. You can also engage in nature study gazing out your own window, or bring some nature indoors during the hot times. You can observe indoor plants and gaze out the window at the birds and trees nearby. A great way to do this and to help encourage you and keep consistent is a book like this to keep track of what you are observing through the years: www.amazon.com/Naturalists-Notebook-Observation-Calendar-Journal-Tracking/dp/1612128890/ref=asc_df_1612128890/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312152840806&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11350088629188039090&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9018798&hvtargid=pla-406163964873&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=61316181319&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312152840806&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11350088629188039090&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9018798&hvtargid=pla-406163964873

[@stephanien1764]

What would you say for the child who shows very little interest in nature? They get bored easily with it and lack the patience to observe much. (11 yr old)

[@SimplyCharlotteMason]

Hi Stephanie. We have a video that may be helpful in helping your child observe more closely: simplycharlottemason.com/blog/help-your-child-learn-to-observe-more-closely/

[@mckenzie9305]

Maybe start with something he would be more interesting like amphibians or reptiles instead of trees or flowers. Research your area a little bit to find out where certain types of creatures like to be and then search them out.