Nature Study in a Charlotte Mason Education

"Never be within doors when you can rightly be without." — Charlotte Mason, Home Education, p. 42

Nature study and appreciation for creation is an integral part of Charlotte Mason's philosophy. However, it is also one of the most misunderstood aspects of a CM education. As with many other subjects, we often make the mistake of viewing nature study as a compartmentalized subject or a box to be checked.

Others may view it as too daunting to attempt, unsure where to begin or afraid of doing it incorrectly. Perhaps worst of all, some believe nature study is expendable. Whatever the reason, it is common to feel overwhelmed when navigating the world of nature study.

Nature Study Connects Us to Our Creator

Nature study simply means learning about and forming relationships with creation. Learning about creation allows us to know more about our Creator. If we reduce nature study to the acquisition of facts, we miss the opportunity to help our children grow in wonder, gratitude, and understanding of God's design.

Charlotte Mason writes:

"It would be well if we… could make up our minds that there is no sort of knowledge to be got in these early years so valuable to children as that which they get for themselves of the world they live in. Let them once get in touch with nature, and a habit is formed which will be a source of delight through life… 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."

Through nature study, children begin to see that the universe is not random, but ordered and purposeful. The more children observe the world around them, the more opportunities they have to glimpse the creativity and care of their Heavenly Father. Even for adults, time spent in nature often brings peace, clarity, and renewal.

Nature Study Fosters Attention

Charlotte Mason believed nature study cultivates the power of attention. She wrote that the child-naturalist develops habits of observation, discrimination, and patient pursuit—skills that prepare him for any calling. A child engaged with nature is rarely bored, peevish, or restless, because life itself is interesting.

Nature study requires full attention. Watching insects, birds, or plants carefully trains the mind to observe deeply. These habits formed early become the foundation for later scientific study and thoughtful living.

Practical Application

Charlotte Mason offers abundant practical guidance for implementing nature study.

Get Outside

First and foremost, children should spend long hours outdoors whenever possible. Nature walks, gardening, outdoor reading, and unstructured exploration all provide opportunities for observation.

Picture Painting

She also recommends activities such as "picture painting," where children study a scene, close their eyes, and mentally recreate it before describing what they saw.

Nature Notebooks

Nature notebooks are another cornerstone practice. Children record observations through words and drawings, developing both attentiveness and personal connection to what they study.

Nature diaries should be:

• Joyful and self-directed
• Rooted in firsthand experience
• A personal record of the living world

Children draw what they see, record what interests them, and gradually build a personal record of the living world around them.

Getting Started

Nature study plays a vital role in a Charlotte Mason education. While guides and curricula can be helpful, they are not required. What matters most is simply:

• Going outside
• Observing carefully
• Cultivating wonder

It is never too late to begin forming the habit of nature study.

References

Charlotte Mason, Home Education, pp. 44–62