Outdoor Hour Challenge. 1.
I’ve been using the Handbook of Nature Study as a reference guide for as many years as I have been homeschooling.
And our family has been compiling nature journals and keeping nature notes and taking nature hikes as a routine part of our school work.
Probably about a year ago I linked from a friend’s blog to the site of a homeschooling mother who uses the Handbook of Nature Study to inspire her family and others to take a weekly Outdoor Hour Challenge.
You can explore the website yourself (and you should) but the basic idea is for a family to go outside together once a week on a nature hike. Prior to the hike the parent reads through a suggested section of the Handbook of Nature Study. Your hike has a specific goal. And then, as follow up, sometime through the week, you and your kids will do an additional activity/drawing/aspect that adds to your nature hike.
I don’t know how long she has been putting together this project – but I’d say for a very long time. She posts a weekly challenge and I guess you could jump right in at whatever point she is, however, she suggests that you complete a few “getting started” challenges before you jump in with her weekly posts.
We started last week with her Outdoor Hour Challenge 1.
(My goal is to take our nature hike every Tuesday, after lunch, before Otto’s nap. That way, the Wilde man can participate and then will take a great cozy nap because of his fresh air exposure and the bigger kids and I can do some drawing and reading while he sleeps.)
I loved the assigned reading for me pre-walk.
Such a beautiful reminder that Nature Study is a valued activity.
That my goal in these walks is to build up my kids’ powers of observation, to inspire their imaginations and to cultivate a love of nature that will outlive our school house.
My reading reminded me that it’s okay (even good) to say “I don’t know” to my children’s barrage of questions.
And both the book and the walk itself reminded me that being outside feels good. It is invigorating and healthy and revitalizing.
(And I don’t know any parent, homeschooling or otherwise, who doesn’t need more of all that in her day.)
The first assignment was easy.
Me. Read assigned pages before the hike.
Us. All walk outside for at least fifteen minutes. (I had to reign us in after half an hour or more.)
Us. Talk about two things that we saw or noticed. (No problem. I am raising chatter bugs.)
Us. Choose two items to study more about later in the week. (We picked English Ivy and seed pods.)
Us. Later in the week study about these two items.
The kids have always loved taking hikes outside and honestly, I don’t even think they consider this as school.
My goal is to take one challenge per week and do this first ten that the blog suggests before I join the current challenges.
I’d love for you to join me and see how it works in your house.
8 Comments
Barb-Harmony Art Mom
Welcome to the OHC. Yes, I have been at this project turned passion for far longer than I ever anticipated when I started. Like you, it is something that I really enjoy doing with my children and they have gained such a great childhood from experiencing the outdoors regularly.
Even if all you do is the pre-reading in the first ten challenges, you will have a renewed vision for your time outdoors. I look forward to seeing more entries from you soon. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. I loved seeing your images of smiling children. 🙂
Join us for the OHC Blog Carnival too! Submit your entry here: http://blogcarnival.com/bc/cprof_9182.html
LaceyKeigley
Oh – I am so excited and honored that you hopped over here! Thank you!
We completed week two this week and I'll write about it next week. Thanks for the continued inspiration and the way you have made it so simple to follow your lead.
And it is EASY to get smiling photos of our kids outside together – they adore outside time!
Rachel
Hi! Tis has nothing to do with this post, but I'm responding to your comment on mine!
Berries were ridiculously cheap at Meijer grocery stores last week. I made a giant fruit try for Little Man's birthday party, and smushed up the leftovers for freezer jam. I had extra packets of pectin in the pantry :). It is definitely a treat this time of year, but we had eaten almost all of our strawberry jam, and I am loathe to buy it!!
LaceyKeigley
That is a great idea to make fruit in the winter.
Some summers I even remember to freeze some in 2 cup amounts so I can have a winter surprise.
We still have a jam supply so far because I made about 16 batches this summer. Not joking – 16 batches.
We love our homemade jam. I'd rather have plain peanut butter than have store-bought jam now! It really spoils you!
Kezia
I found her sight about a year ago. Did challenge one and loved, even started a blog, but never did any more b/c I could never find the book. Did you find yours locally or order it on line? I also found out I am not a writer. 🙂
LaceyKeigley
You're funny.
I ordered it online.
It's an expensive one too but sometimes you can get a used one.
@witheagerhands
i am so in-and-out wishy washy with this, but I love the book and love the blog. But, shoot, I'm up for another round! I'm in!
LaceyKeigley
I found her through YOU!
So it only fits that you wade through this with me. 🙂