Nature Study

Nature Study at its simplest is time in nature, observing the natural world around us. It is not a one time event; rather, it is a habit of being outdoors on a regular, consistent basis over weeks, months, and years. It is a process of getting to know the natural world around us through first-hand, personal experience. Nature, or creation, is worth knowing personally. No textbook, no nature video can replace its significance in our children's lives.

At The Vine School, students take part in a Nature Study lesson once a week and spend a few weeks on one particular topic. 
They start off with quiet observation of the specimen, listening to short readings about the plant or creature and narrating what they have learned. 
The class will then observe the specimen more deeply -  tell what they see, naming and describing nature, using the language of a naturalist.
Every student will then carefully and with the attitude of "if something is worth doing, it is worth doing well," do a water colour painting of the object using dry brush technique. 

"We were all meant to be naturalists, each in his degree, and it is inexcusable to live in a world so full of the marvels of plant and animal life and to care for none of these things"- Charlotte Mason

"Consider, too, what an unequalled mental training the child-naturalist is getting for any study or calling under the sun—the powers of attention, of discrimination, of patient pursuit, growing with his growth, what will they not fit him for?" - Charlotte Mason